Toyota Auris Touring Sports estate (2013-2019) - Engines, drive & performance
No Toyota Auris Touring Sports engine is a strong performer – this car is more about comfort, practicality and low running costs than driving fun
Toyota has produced some great-handling sports cars, such as the MR2 and Toyota GT 86, but its more down-to-earth models have never been able to match rivals such as the Ford Focus when it comes to driving fun. The current Toyota Auris estate is no different, so keen drivers might want to look elsewhere.
Light steering and too much body lean in corners mean this isn’t a car that encourages you to drive enthusiastically, but it’s at least comfortable and quiet on the move. The exception is the CVT gearbox fitted to the hybrid model, which causes the engine to rev loudly much of the time.
Toyota Auris Touring Sports Hybrid engine
The hefty shove of its electric motor means that, although the Hybrid isn’t the out-and-out quickest model in the Auris Touring Sports range, it does feel the most lively and responsive in everyday driving. The bad news is that you can’t get a manual gearbox with this engine – only a CVT automatic. This transmission can leave you feeling a bit disconnected from the driving process and results in noisy revs from the engine at unexpected times.
Petrol engines
For Auris Touring Sports buyers who don't need or want a hybrid, the only alternative is a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Fortunately, it's an eager performer, with its 114bhp output getting the car from 0-62mph in an impressive 10.4 seconds. Acceleration is dulled a little if you specify the optional automatic gearbox, which increases that time to 10.8 seconds
