I DRIVE so many cars each year that I get used to them very quickly.
So when one comes along that continually stalls as I try to drive away, I tend to blame it.
That's just what happened with Toyota's latest eco special - the Auris 1.33 stop/start. I eventually had to resort to a heavy foot on the accelerator every time to make sure it didn't stall again.
The 1.3 engine is very smooth and has a fair amount of power in the upper ranges, but if you take it up there, the economy you want goes out the window.
The stop/start system works brilliantly, stopping the engine as soon as the car is in neutral and the handbake on, and starting again almost unnoticed as you depress the clutch.
The engine is only just man enough for the weight of the car and it often means a change down to third or second to get up hills.
Handling is excellent, although there is not much feedback from the steering, and comfort is also very good.
Interior
The driving position is comfortable and it comes with all electric windows, a good left footrest, a six speed gearbox, stereo controls on the steering wheel and electric mirrors.
But the handbrake is at a very odd angle up against the centre console and if it's pulled on hard and a short driver gets in, they cannot release it. This is a naff piece of design that does not work.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Auris
Price: £14,065
Mechanical: 99bhp, 1,329cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 13.1 seconds
Combined mpg: 48
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 135g/km
BIK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
Marks: 8/10
Main rival: SEAT Ibiza Eco