As if not native / Toyota test drives

Two months ago, a calm and docile "girl" visited us — she proved to be another gray mouse from Toyota, which, however, can do a lot (MOTOR, May 2007). Now a "boy" has come to us, who, according to his parents, was supposed to turn out completely different — lively, cheerful, sporty, and even golden. The name of the new model comes from Aurum, meaning gold. The golden shade is currently trendy in the fashion world; perhaps it will become relevant in the automotive industry as well, though it might just be a coincidence. Sales of the Auris started in April, and soon our test began — we got a car in the signature gray color with a 1.6-liter engine and a robotic transmission.

The Japanese clearly tried to ensure that their new models are not confused with each other. The cars have different interiors, exteriors, and characters. The more stylish and expensive Auris is contrasted with the average Corolla. In terms of appearance, the hatchback definitely wins over the sedan if you assess sportiness. If you consider the youthful style preferable to strict classicism, then the Auris is indeed more interesting, lighter, and more dynamic. But if you put it in line with its classmates, it becomes obvious: the car is a set of quotes. The main one, in my opinion, is copying the proportions of the Peugeot 307.

The rather bland silhouette was attempted to be enlivened by the designers with individual details. For example, huge headlights spread across the "face," a relief front bumper with large air intakes. Overall, the front end is the most interesting part of the Auris's exterior. The sides are inexpressive, slightly puffy. The rear part is unmemorable. And the massive wheel arches dissonate with the modest 16-inch wheels. As a result, the appearance turned out to be washed out — there are no planes, no edges, no stampings. Maybe this is a new reading of the old bio-design?

But inside, I liked it. In the cabin, you immediately remember the model's name — thanks to the trim elements with a golden tint. But what pleases the eye most is the elegant curve of the central console, descending from the "torpedo" to the front seats. On it is the transmission lever, and the composition is completed by a vertical "handbrake." True, when it is engaged, the harmony of the image is slightly disturbed.

In front of the driver's eyes is a beautiful optitronic "instrument panel," hidden under a visor, behind which stretches a vast front panel. If you press on it with your hand, the surface treacherously bends. Perhaps this is the only complaint about the cabin. Otherwise, everything is done at a high level, traditional for Toyota: impeccable assembly, quality materials, excellent ergonomics. The interior of the Auris is more interesting than that of the Corolla, and, unlike the exterior, it can be boldly contrasted with class rivals. One might even say it is one of the best. This also applies to the space reserve: both front and rear are spacious. Plus — good visibility.

Our car is equipped with the most powerful of the power units intended for Russia — 124 hp with a modest displacement of 1.6 liters. This ratio determines the character of the engine. From the "middle" you can't get such power — it is all concentrated in the upper rev range. Therefore, the hatchback confidently accelerates only after the tachometer needle passes 4000 rpm, and maximum output is reached at 6000. The torque is also located high — 157 Nm at 5200 rpm. The power unit is equipped with a variable valve timing system on both intake and exhaust. It is thanks to Dual VVT-i that the engine delivers solid, smooth traction in the mid-range. In general, it turned out to be a good engine, hence the "top speed" of 190 km/h!

If when starting from a standstill the Auris with the five-speed robotic MultiMode gearbox is not too strong, then in motion the lack of dynamics is almost not felt. The gearbox behaves commendably: it works well in automatic mode and becomes more responsive in sport mode. Shifts are quite fast and smooth both up and down (while the car does not disdain "rev-matching"). It's not a sin to take control of the gearbox into your own hands to have a blast — convenient paddle shifters contribute to this. The "five-door" handles much more enthusiastically than the sedan. This is not accidental: it has its own suspension and steering settings. Although structurally the suspension of the Auris is the same as that of the previous and current generations of the Corolla — McPherson in front and semi-independent with a torsion beam in the rear.

Unlike the Corolla, the Auris provokes the driver to drive fast. Toyota engineers managed to endow their creation with an element of sport, so the brand's concept is not just words. The suspension elastically handles bumps, body rolls in corners are small. During braking and acceleration, there are no nose dives or squats, and pitching on road waves is also absent. The Corolla is smoother and softer on the move. The Auris easily enters corners of varying steepness, responds without delay to steering movements, and brakes effectively and clearly. A picture emerges of a car that will delight an active driving enthusiast. As if confirming this — the roar of a peppy little engine at high revs. It turns out that the Auris has indeed moved considerably away from its sister and almost fully corresponds to the promises of its "mother." Although for some, perhaps, not "almost fully," but "exclusively in everything" — after all, the assessment of appearance can always be considered subjective.

PRICES AND TRIM LEVELS

The cheapest Auris is priced by dealers at $20,100 — this is the Elegance trim with a 1.4-liter engine (97 hp) and a five-speed manual transmission. The list of standard equipment includes: heated and electrically adjustable side mirrors, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, folding rear seat backs, airbags (front, side, curtain, driver's knee), air conditioning, central locking with remote control, immobilizer, audio system with CD and 6 speakers, power windows on all doors, optitronic instrument lighting, fog lights. For the Elegance with a 1.6-liter engine, they ask $21,850. For the MultiMode gearbox, you will have to pay an additional $1,050. The most expensive version is called Prestige and is priced at $24,700. This is a 1.6-liter engine and MultiMode. Plus additional equipment: heated front seats, leather steering wheel, alloy wheels R16, light and rain sensors, electrochromic rearview mirror in the cabin, keyless entry and engine start system Smart Entry & Push Start.