The Toyota Auris was described as a practical and sensible choice by Autocar’s road test.

While this might not sound very exciting for a new car, it is actually a positive attribute for a used car. When faced with a multitude of questionable second-hand vehicles, prioritizing practicality over emotion makes sense for many car buyers.

The second-generation Auris was introduced in 2013, available as a five-door hatch and a Touring Sports estate. During the design, Toyota aimed to match the standards set by the Volkswagen Golf Mk6. Despite being durable, the Auris falls short in comparison to the old Golf in most areas, except for its hybrid technology.

The 134bhp 1.8-litre VVT-h engine boasts an impressive claimed fuel economy of 70mpg, although real-world figures are closer to 50mpg. Additionally, it can travel a little over a mile on battery power alone. Paired with a clever automatic gearbox, the VVT-h engine is a technical marvel that offers a quiet, smooth, and relaxing drive, albeit lacking in excitement.

Almost two-thirds of the hatchbacks for sale are equipped with the VVT-h engine, indicating its popularity. Other engine options include a few petrol variants, with the 114bhp 1.2T being the most favorable due to its smooth and powerful performance. However, the two diesel options, an 89bhp 1.4 D-4D and a 109bhp 1.6D, are considered sluggish and noisy, especially in their Euro 6 iterations.