WHEN Toyota decided to replace the world's best-selling car, the Japanese car maker was clearly hoping to strike gold with the new British-built replacement.
Ditching a name that had been around for 40 odd years was a brave move, but the new Auris name has its roots in the Latin word for gold, aurum, so when it was time to replace the best-selling Corolla, a European-friendly name was chosen to hit the gold standard.
Unlike many upgraded models, the Auris is a completely new car, designed, say Toyota using the 'inside-out' design approach to maximise interior space.
So much have they focussed on the interior, that some would argue they neglected the exterior. It is bland compared with some of the stylish lines on its C-segment competitors, but its chunky looks and muscular haunches actually hit the spot with me.
The design extends to the underneath of the vehicle where suspension, exhaust system and engine undercover have been shaped to help maintain a smooth airflow.
But Toyota has put a lot of effort into the interior, concentrating on passenger comfort with improved head and legroom and one or two neat innovations.
The centrepiece of the interior is the bridged centre console that arcs down from the dashboard to where the handbrake would normally be. This console houses the gearstick at a convenient height and a chrome-trimmed handbrake which folds vertically into the console. This does restrict storage capacity between driver and passenger, but the Auris has an abundance of cubbyholes, side pockets, drinks holders and underseat storage to compensate.
Other controls are handily placed and easy to use.
Continuing the play on words - as well as the' inside-out' design approach, Toyota has also adopted the 'short but tall look'.
The Auris is the tallest car in its class providing great headroom for occupants. The cabin is also Tardis-like with five adults seated comfortably with excellent head and legroom.
Boot space is also impressive. With the rear seats in place, it has a capacity of 354 litres. This grows to a maximum 761 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
The newcomer has a range of engine options, starting with 1.4-litre and 1.6 petrol engines that supply plenty of power and three diesels; a super economical 90bhp 1.4, a 130bhp 2.0-litre in the test car and a 2.2-litre 180bhp flagship, the SR180.
The two-litre unit proved itself to be lively, economical and clean, although not as quiet as some other diesels.
It provided brisk acceleration and, mated with a six-speed gearbox, delivered impressive economy of around the 50mpg mark.
All positive stuff but perhaps the best part is the handling. For such a tall car the Auris is remarkably surefooted.
New front and rear suspension give it fantastic roadholding and a brilliant ride.
Safety is well catered and in Euro NCAP testing the Auris scored five-stars for adult occupant protection, with four stars awarded for child occupant protection and three stars for pedestrian safety.
The car features nine airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, standard on all models
The car's front end reduces the risk of injury to pedestrians with impact absorbing qualities built in to the bonnet structure and bumper and radiator mounts and a crushable structure fitted to the back edge of the bonnet.
Active safety features include ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist (BA), fitted as standard on all versions.
The Auris features five model grades, the T2, T3, TR, T Spirit and SR180. All models feature the usual raft of electric aids, air conditioning, remote central locking, reclining rear seat and driver's knee airbag with on-the-road prices from £12,295
Toyota also offer a specially-priced TR model, based on the T3 grade, which adds scuff plates and extra chrome detailing at the rear of the car, but is priced £1,000 less than theT3 equivalents.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Auris T Spirit 2.0 D-4D 5dr
Price: £16,855
Mechanical: 130bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 121mph
0-62mph: 10.3 secs
Combined mpg: 52.3
Insurance group: 7
C02 emissions: 144g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust