Writing this having just had a first drive
in the all-new Toyota Auris. I’ve tried the hybrid and will be taking the wheel
of the standard 1.6-litre petrol model tomorrow morning. It’s a decent enough
car and while I’m not 100 per cent sure about the exterior design, at least
someone has actually designed it – not an accusation I’d level at the outgoing
model. The problem with the Auris is the competiton; in short, it’s bloody
good. You’ve got Focus, Golf and Astra taking the bulk of sales and all are
excellent. The Auris isn’t a bad car but it’s out-performed in every way by
that trio. It doesn’t excel in any category, and while it will be reliable and
is good for UK plc because it’s built in Derbyshire, the car simply isn’t good
enough to take sales away from its rivals. I’ve yet to drive the Toyota GT86
but my media colleages are full of praise for the way it drives. I still think
the tiny iQ is one of the unsung heros of modern motoring. Toyota can innovate
so why doesn’t it with a volume car like the Auris? It chooses to play it safe
and that’s frustrating. It feels like car designed by a committee.
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