Test drive Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D
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Test drive Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D

Test: Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D - Hit to Europe - Car shop

Based on worldwide sales results, Toyota's new kid skipped several stages of growing up, so instead of crawling, he immediately started running. Spacious, dynamic design and attractive interior, the Auris impressed us with its fuel efficient 1.4 D-4D engine, which develops probably the highest quality and most efficient 90 horsepower on the market ...

Test: Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D - Hit to Europe - Car shop

Instead of the tenth-generation Corolla hatchback, Toyota invented the Auris, a car for European tastes and those who are already tired of conventional forms. After a few minutes of talking with Toyota Auris, only one thing became clear to me: this is a car designed to make life difficult for competitors. And the best. The Japanese really tried to combine all the features that buyers appreciate. Discussing design is always thankless, but one thing must be acknowledged: Japanese designers won't get a Nobel Prize for this achievement, but certainly not much criticism. But the Corolla was not the kind of car that young people were chasing in car dealerships. Auris, because it is designed for young customers, is ready for design creations. Vladan Petrovich, six-time and current rally champion of our country, shared his positive impressions of the tested Auris: “In terms of design, the Auris is a real innovation from Toyota. An elongated nose and a radiator grill connected to a massive bumper make the Auris a very attractive car. Also the hips and back are dynamic and evoke the gaze of passers-by. Interesting design."

Test: Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D - Hit to Europe - Car shop

The interior of the Auris also exudes optimism. It's amazing how Auris penetrates the skin with every kilometer traveled and positions itself as a discreet, reliable and indispensable "companion". This car holds the segment record for rear and front height. The overall length of the Auris is 4.220 millimeters, which, combined with short overhangs (890 and 730 millimeters) and a long wheelbase (2.600 millimeters), provides plenty of space in the cabin. A special detail is the floor of the car without a central protrusion, which further enhances passenger comfort in the reclining rear seat. But by far the most striking detail of the Toyota Auris interior is the center console that slopes down from the dash. This, in addition to the original appearance, allows you to ergonomically position the gear lever at a high level. In addition, the new design of the handbrake lever also places particular emphasis on ergonomics. However, while it looks attractive, the final impression of the Auris interior is spoiled by cheap and hard plastic that looks too finished. Speaking of cons, we can't help but point out the window opening switches that don't have lighting, so at night (at least until you get used to it) you'll have to work a bit to open them.

Test: Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D - Hit to Europe - Car shop

“The driver's position is excellent and can be easily adapted to different seating patterns. Thanks to the steering wheel and seat adjustment, everyone can easily find the perfect seating position. The controls are organized ergonomically. Auris features a raised center console and a gearbox located on the center "axle". Although at first glance it seems that the gear lever is not in the best position, the first kilometers traveled showed the advantages of this interesting solution. The handle fits perfectly in the hand and does not get tired after a long ride, which is an advantage over the classic solution. There is plenty of room for the driver, which also applies to the superbly shaped seats that hold the body securely when cornering. The quality of the material could be better, at least like the ninth generation Corolla, but that is why the finish is filigree, precise and high quality. " concludes Petrovich. In the rear seats, passengers will also feel good about being fuller. There's plenty of headroom under the relatively high roof, and the only time your knees will touch the backs of the front seats is if you sit behind someone leggy. The trunk basically offers 354 liters, which is quite enough for an average family.

Test: Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D - Hit to Europe - Car shop

With a sharper sound, the small diesel appears only at the first cold start in the morning, and then quickly dies down. The 1.4-liter modern turbodiesel engine develops 90 horsepower at a low 3.800 rpm and a solid 190 Nm at 1.800 rpm. The engine is equipped with a new generation Common-Rail injection system and is sufficient for those who do not make special demands. The best marks in the aggregate were given by Vladan Petrovich: “When driving around town, the Auris with this engine is quite ingenious. The short gearbox matches the engine perfectly. But "difficulties" arise if you want a more aggressive driving or sharp overtaking. Then it becomes clear that this is just a 1.4 turbodiesel and a base diesel. But in this engine I noticed something that is not typical for modern turbodiesel engines. This is a linear power development that looks more like a naturally aspirated than a turbo engine. With the Auris, driving or driving usually requires more revs, and if you're heading into hills sometimes it takes more than 3.000 revs if you want optimal power. " However, despite the fact that the engine requires slightly more rpm than usual, this did not affect the economy. On the open road, consumption can be reduced to a modest 4,5 liters per 100 kilometers with lighter gas, while faster city driving requires more than 9 liters of "black gold" per 100 kilometers.

Test: Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D - Hit to Europe - Car shop

Auris doesn't have the latest Multilink independent suspension that boasts the best of lower-middle class cars like the VW Golf, Ford Focus... The Japanese chose the proven semi-rigid solution because it increased the boot and simplified the design. Suspension stiffness is a great compromise with sporty stability (also aided by 16-inch wheels with 205/55 tires). However, for those who go too far with the gas, Auris with a little understeer will make it clear that the pursuit is not its main goal. Sliding in the rear of the car is easy to control, aided disinterestedly by the excellent and precise electric power steering. For those who can't get over the fact that their new pet doesn't have Multilink independent rear wheel suspension, Toyota has developed a custom dual fork rear suspension, but it's only available with the 2.2hp 4 D-180D engine.

Test: Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D - Hit to Europe - Car shop

«The Auis is great for driving regardless of the semi-rigid rear axle. The suspension is set up so that the car is in neutral for a very long time, and even if it starts to slip, the change is felt in time and gives time to react and correct the trajectory. In the event of a sudden change in direction, the vehicle stabilizes very quickly even without ESC, which improves safety and encourages passive drivers to sometimes become more aggressive. Due to the small engine in the nose, only those who hesitantly hold the gas pedal can slide "through the nose", which also refers to a car's skid. If there is anything I have to complain about while driving, it is the headroom, which leads to a more pronounced body tilt. " Petrovich noted.

Test: Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D - Hit to Europe - Car shop

The Toyota Auris is a model that has clearly distanced itself from the Corolla both in terms of design and performance. Reliability is undeniable, and we can recommend the test model to more passive drivers for whom visual impression and appeal are more important than performance. An economical diesel is a great car for all families with multiple drivers. There is a lot of comfort and space, and safety is guaranteed. The price of the Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D in Terra trim is 18.300 euros with customs and VAT.

Video test drive Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D

Test drive Toyota Auris 2013 // AutoVesti 119

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