Toyota Auris (2012 - 2019) 1.6 V-Matic Icon (Comfort) 5d (2013/13) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

To any passerby, I'm probably a pensioner. But in reality I won't be for another 40 years.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Grandparents find the back seats very spacious and comfortable, and the back seats easy to get in/out of. Friends think it looks fairly stylish in black, and the interior looks pretty upmarket, my neighbours... I couldn't care less. They own a Peugeot.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, the new model is even more technologically advance with all sorts of scintillating wizardry, and the Hybrid model looks increasing more tempting, due to it's stress-free driving - however right now, I prefer the amount of control this manual gives me.

What are you likely to buy next?

As a progression from the Auris, I'd be looking for something slightly more powerful, slightly more luxurious and slightly more economical (and inevitably more expensive), for example the Lexus GS450h, would provide all of the above, whilst looking the part.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£10,500

When did you buy the car?

May 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes, great deal. Spotted the car online (prior to photos being uploaded), went to the garage immediately to check out the car and was in fantastic condition and with less than 10,000 miles on it - despite being two and a half years old. The back seats had never been sat in since the car was bought new.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Was looking to upgrade from a city car to something larger, yet trying to find a car which is both attractive and fairly economical - and good value for money.

What was the dealer like?

Relatively firm on price, however this was likely due to the bargain of a list price. Very friendly, fairly knowledgeable and very accommodating. Made me very welcome and helped me through every step of the process.

What's it like to drive?

The seats are very comfortable compared to other cars of it's size and price range, the engine is responsive and feels smooth and comfortable at any speed between 0 and 70 miles per hour. The sixth gear is a godsend for motorway cruising.

What's it like to park?

That's limited to the skill of the driver unfortunately. But very manoeuvrable due to fantastic light steering and reversing camera and good mirrors help make it much easier.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No, nothing. Lives up to it's brand name.

What's most practical about your car?

Great boot with a false floor for secret stashes which can be dropped down and the seats folded down for a massive IKEA-worthy boot.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Bluetooth phone connectivity lets me beam Spotify straight into the car and Cortana will happily read out/reply to texts for me and navigate me to where I need to go through the sound system. Not to forget the reversing camera, crisp digital radio, and loads of little extras that make the car feel a lot more expensive than it really is.