SR 2.0 D-4D 5dr Hatchback

Solid car and nice to drive but with an annoying fault!

My experience with the Auris SR 2.0 D-4D is a mixed bag but one that generally sways toward the positive, even if the wider motoring press deems it a bit boring.

This variant is no longer in the line up as I suspect it is not the brand or model that Joe public frequently turns to for a sharper handling, sportier styled small family hatch back which is a shame in my book.
The engine is the standard 2 litre chain cam diesel block which is a reliable work horse, if a bit clattery at start up. I could happily live with this as I liked this fact it removed the timing belt concerns other engines can provide. The sportier look is obtained from the larger roof spoiler, tinted rear windows, Toyota Motorsport suspension and alloys. These are fairly subtle touches with the suspension certainly helping it to remain planted in the corners.

Inside I liked the higher position gear knob, but the console it’s attached to makes storage underneath a bit fiddly and enough to question the logic. Mine had dual climate control – the first car I’ve experienced it in. Probably user error, but occasionally the setting selection caused all manner of seemingly random air blasting. As a bit of a tight a*** I’m not one to leave it in ‘Auto’ mode all the time so was not bothered to have changed back to basic air con in the current ‘family’ motor, the newer shape C-Max.

Back to the Auris and inside it felt pretty solid and well built, although there was a bit of creaking after the windscreen was replaced. I suspect this is not uncommon. Consumption was average to low by more modern diesel standards, and coming from a diesel Clio it was always going to struggle to compete. Power was plenty enough for me although it needed coaxing to get the best out of it. Once the turbo kicked in there was a decent surge of umph to aid overtaking without scaring the wife to grip the seat.

I’d say that practicality was average for this class with the back seats folding almost flat but not coming out completely like some these days (the old Clio!). Rear seat and legroom space was always commented on by passengers as “much bigger than expected” largely due to the flat floor space. Dealer servicing seemed pretty reasonable and I was kept informed at all times. Its Co2 band meant Tax came in around £140 a year which for the performance of an oldish 2L diesel engine was fair enough.
The negative comes in the form of a leaking rear light unit. Not something I should probably dwell on too much as the garage did question if it had been in an accident previously. This was something I was not aware of anyway. The main dealer staff were all very helpful and courteous, but by the 3rd trip back and with it still leaking water into the boot, it was time for a change. Each time they said it had been water tested, but each day after collection there was rain over night and a wet boot space the following morning. Unfortunately it doesn’t sound like an isolated incident according to various forums so I can only recommend you check the boot space for signs of leakage before you buy in the used world. I can understand seals needing replacing after a long period of time, but on a 5 year old car I think Toyotas school report should read, “could do better”.
Overall I liked the car and on the motorway or a decent A road it was a nice place to be behind the wheel, and in my view highly underrated!

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