T4 HSD 1.8 VVT-i 5dr (17" alloys) 5dr Hatchback

Great car inside bland exterior

Bought this car at the tail-end of last year. As posted on the forum it was bought by default as I found the Prius I had put deposit on would not fit in the garage! So, not first choice by any means.

It has proved a cinch to drive, very smooth and comfortable. The sport mode gives extra power when needed but I rarely use it as I know it would become addictive and counterproductive in terns of economy. Coming from a Mini with manual gearbox I do miss that nippy, fun experience but I enjoy driving the Auris. At first I was rather obsessed with trying to keep the fuel economy at a premium and managed 60 or so mpg - mostly on the motorway. However, as I began to get totally exasperated with the slow lane I started to put my foot down and enjoy myself more. Now, after 5 months and 4,500 miles I am averaging 53 mpg which is not at all bad really. Bizarrely, I do seem to find that town driving pushes this figure down which is not supposed to be the case so I'm not sure why this would be.

I have the lower of the only 2 specs available so have lost cruise control (not bothered) but I do miss a digital speedometer so tend to plug my satnav in so that there is an accurate speed reading available. As there are only the 2 specs available mine is quite well specced anyway. I believe earlier versions of this car had copious cubbyholes much like the Yaris. These have evidently been lost now which seems a shame as storage space is a bit limited; the cupholders are somewhat flimsy and I have already managed to break one of them by putting a bottle of water in it (just for the novelty value - that will teach me!). The boot is my major gripe as mine does not have a cover over the supposedly hidden section - I was told they do not have a cover anymore as it was too flimsy but I don't believe this as it makes putting anything like a large suitcase into the space virtually impossible. However, this is a minor issue for me personally though when it becomes the family car when my husband gets rid of his lease model this may change (if this horrid day ever arrives...).

Overall, I have found the car to be a trusted friend both on the motorway and around town. It has plenty of room in the rear, is a joy to drive and is economical - loved my free tax disc too!

Report as offensive