A level of real excitement built up as soon as the test car came into view. The profile and rear marked it as an interesting, albeit slightly conventional-looking five-seat, four-door (five if the boot lid is counted) family saloon. But the front-end design is not conventional and this is the view people will have just before the ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ storms past. Personally I like it, though the feeling that this shark-like front end may well be a design to put fear into timid drivers’ hearts may not be a bad thing.

This really is a driver’s car; one to enjoy and learn what motoring should be all about

The interior is spacious and very well thought out. Front occupants sit in well-designed seats providing lots of lateral support. This is vital as the new Auris bats around even tight corners more like a sports saloon than a happy-go-lucky family hack.

Most people may be unaware what a hybrid configuration means, does, provides and is designed for. In basic terms this lovely diesel automatic puts out 136 bhp in combined mode, which if in the sportier selection, allows an energetic driver to reach 100 km/h in a very reasonable 10.9 seconds.

I mention, and this is the whole point of the Hybrid, that it can be driven for maximum enjoyment, or in eco mode, or in pure electric drive, where no engine noise intrudes on local residents, friends or family as the Auris silently covers the ground at a surprisingly fast canter. I really like the fact that it averages 72.4 to 74.3 miles per gallon, not, please note kilometres, and she pollutes less than most, with CO₂ emissions sitting at a lowly 87 to 91 g/km.

We tested the car hard and fast, as well as driving for economy and finally driving in silence, and frankly found no fault at all, especially as we had to back-up in a tricky area and had to rely on the accurate rear view camera to guide us safely.

This really is a driver’s car; one to understand, enjoy and learn what motoring should be all about. Many people refuse to acknowledge that a car is designed to provide memorable and happy moments for drivers who, frankly, are meant to like driving.

With contentment comes a far higher level of driving skill with the additional bonus that there is far less risk of doing something expensively silly.

The Auris is built in the UK at Toyota’s Burnaston plant, a thriving industrial base that has built 3.25 million Toyotas since it was opened in 1992 and now exports to 56 countries.

As more people buy cars at what seems an impossibly young age long before most have actually come to terms with the complexities of keeping their car on the desired bit of road, manufacturers have included more and more active safety features, and the Auris is nearly fool proof with.

Anti-lock brakes [ABS] with Electronic Brake Force Distribution [EBD] helps to stop without skidding, in a short distance. Brake Assist applies extra braking in an emergency stop. The Vehicle Stability Control activates individual brakes and controls engine output to help prevent skidding when cornering on slippery surfaces.

Traction Control [TRC] reduces engine power and controls brake force if the car is accelerated too hard at the wrong time. The Hill Start Assist [HAC] stops the car rolling back when being started on a steep incline.

Apart from jolly good seat belts, the Supplemental Restraint System [SRS] includes seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags for the front seats and SRS curtain shield airbags covering both front and rear seat occupants.

This all appears to be absolutely fantastic, and these touches go a long way in providing a safe mechanical ride. But for goodness sake, remember that the basic Laws of Physics cannot be overcome.

Few drivers bother to explore various suspension systems, but luckily for them, Toyota engineers have provided McPherson struts at the front allied to a Double Wishbone at the rear. This combination never fails to please this writer, and combined with disc brakes all round, Toyota have sorted the handling to perfection.

The Icon has automatic air-conditioning, follow-me-home headlights, and LED daytime running lights with standard front fog lights; leather steering wheel and gear shift; front and rear electric windows; 15-inch alloy wheels; body-coloured, electric heated door mirrors. It also has the Toyota Touch, Radio/CD and multi-media connectivity with Bluetooth.

This is one interesting and enthusiastic car.

Verdict

Comfort
More than adequate at the back, sports car-like at the front.

Performance
It all depends on the ‘mood of the moment’ but in all modes very, very good.

Cool
Try and beat the Auris Hybrid.

At a glance

Top speed
112 mph, not km/h.

C02
87 to 91 g/km

Engine
Four cylinders in line. 16 valves DOHC. Direct injection. 1,798 cc 3JM 18Kw motor generator.

Power
136 bhp with both motors working.

Maximum torque
142 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

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