• Five star Euro NCAP rating
• Strong passive safety systems
• Toyota Safety Sense pack is standard

Like the hatchback, the Toyota Auris Touring Sports safety credentials are impressive – it boasts a five star Euro NCAP rating.

Each model of the Auris comes with multiple airbags, Isofix child seat mounts, and LED daytime running lights.

Toyota’s Safety Sense pack is also standard-fit, offering with auto high-beam, lane-departure warning, road sign recognition and a pre-collision system.

• Lots of head and legroom, plus storage
• Longer than the hatchback and also taller
• Vast boot is larger than standard Auris

There is plenty of legroom and headspace in both the front and rear, but there is a lack of storage options for rear passengers who have to settle for only small door pockets and a cup holder in the centre armrest.

For the driver and front passenger there is a reasonably sized glove box, cup and bottle holders, a coin box and space to stow the sunglasses.

The Toyota Auris Touring Sports shares the same amount of space between front and rear wheels as boasts more bootspace thanks to a longer rear overhang.

That means it’s a total of 265mm longer than the standard Auris, so factor that in to any calculations you need to make in your garage.

Curiously the estate is also 10mm taller than the hatchback, which shouldn’t be overly concerning unless roof space is tight.

Practicality is one of this car’s stand-out features. It boasts some impressive versatility when it comes to boot space with 530 litres measured up to the parcel shelf.

Up to 1,658 litres is available with the seats folded flat and that is the same for the diesel, petrol and even the hybrid because the battery is stored behind the rear seats – meaning choosing the hybrid doesn’t have to mean any compromise in space.

The seats are folded flat by using Toyota’s ‘Easy Flat’ system and as the name suggests, it is simple to use and quick. There are various storage options available in the boot with luggage net, wall boxes and hooks. Icon trim and above will also benefit from extra space from a dual-level load floor.

Thanks to the new bumper and tailgate design, the sill is 100mm lower compared to the Auris Hatchback, which makes the boot easier to access too.