Toyota Auris (2007 - 2013) 1.6 V-Matic TR 5d Owner Review

I wanted a smaller, more economical car following my Subaru Legacy 3.0 and after months of research, including Parker’s.co.uk, chose the 2007-2012 Toyota Auris TR 1.6 petrol v-matic manual (2010-2012) for the best power, economy and suspension blend, and staying with Japanese reliability. Mine is late 2012 so has the 2010 handling, styling and interior improvements. The 1.33 is underpowered with basic rear suspension. It’s no Ford Focus but acquits itself surprisingly well on a twisty B road or on a motorway where it’s reasonably refined. It’s comfortable and reliable, and has under the radar, taller hatchback looks. Easily overlooked but takes 4 in comfort with a reasonable size boot. In 3 years and 14k miles, it’s been bulletproof reliable. Engine is chain driven so no belt and water pump changes, and runs quietly. I average high 40s mpg and the engine pulls well from low revs. Sits at 2900 at 70 thanks to a mid dashboard 6 speed manual, a better choice than the MMT automatic which has mixed reviews. Used prices makes the 2010-2016 1.6 v-matic Auris an excellent value and choice small family car thanks to great work by Toyota. Now 12 years old but with only 61k miles, I hope I have years of enjoyable, comfortable, reliable and economical motoring ahead.