THE market for compact hatchbacks is hugely competitive and Toyota chose the Auris as it's core model, taking up the reins in late 2008.
Toyota introduced three new engines into the Auris for 2009, one of which, the 1.33 Dual VVT-I petrol engine with Stop and Start system is driven here.
The five-door Auris version is built at Toyota's Burnaston factory in Derbyshire alongside the Avensis so you are buying British.
It has been on the UK motoring scene since February, 2007, a spacious, competent and totally painless to own small family car, if perhaps a little uninteresting in the aesthetic stakes.
The most interesting feature of this Auris is the Stop & Start system created to boost its green credentials. The Auris is the first Toyota model in Europe to benefit from this particular slice of technology and, if you have never driven a Stop & Start motor before then do try this out for an enjoyable and educational driving experience.
For starters, the technology kicks in the very moment you roll to halt at traffic lights or crossroads and, with the transmission in neutral, the driver's foot off the clutch pedal and the green 'eco' light illuminating the dash, the engine automatically stops to begin its fuel consumption and emissions reduction.
When the traffic lights turn to green and the driver depresses the clutch, the green 'Eco' light goes out and the engine automatically restarts and you are on your way again.
The whole Stop & Start operation is done in a very quiet, smooth and refined manner and you can feel enthusiasm for your 'green' endeavours as you follow the gearshift indicator lights on the dash. As you progress, these shine to indicate the most economical point to shift up or down the smooth operation of the six-speed manual transmission. Remember, driving style helps to improve mpg.
In addition, the computer records how long the Stop & Go unit has been turned off during a journey, so monitoring how environmentally friendly your driving has been is easy.
The whole operation results in a claimed 48.7mpg fuel consumption over the combined cycle and 136g/km CO2 emissions, compared with 40.9mpg and 163g/km in the conventional Auris 1.4 VVT-i.
A comfortable driving position is relatively easy to arrive at in the comfortably appointed cabin where you face an attractive and logically laid out dashboard and a sweeping centre console that houses the high set gear lever.
In the TR trimmed car a generous level of kit includes the likes of dual zone automatic climate control, trip computer, nine airbags,electric windows all round, powered and heated door mirrors, plus six-speaker sound system with CD, MP3 compatibility and steering wheel mounted controls.
There are generous amounts of room available, particularly for three average adults in the rear while there are nine different compartments plus 354 litres of luggage room is available in the boot which extends to 761 litres with rear seats folded.
The Auris 1.33 drives well, progress feeling stable and composed when linking together a series of bends although perhaps not quite as accomplished on the cruise as some in this class, requiring a swift downshift on the odd occasion, over the long haul.
Overall, this is another interesting environmentally friendly exercise for Toyota, the Stop & Go system looking set to continue the good work for the future.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Auris 1.33 TR Stop/Start 5dr
Price: £14,265
Mechanical: 100bhp, 1329cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 13.1
Combined mpg: 48.7
Insurance group: 4
CO2 emissions: 135g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw