The 2010 Auris range is offered in three versions. The entry level of the range, expected to account for around 80 percent of UK sales, is the TR model. Several features higher, we find the T2 model and at the top of the range sits the new sports-orientated SR model.
The car’s exterior has a redesigned front end: a new bumper with integrated fog lamps (for the TR and SR models), fresh swept-back headlights, a new bonnet profile with more defined crease lines and a grille which follows the trend set by the Avensis and Verso.
Moving to the side, we can report that the turn indicator lights are now integrated into the side mirrors. The TR and SR models get new 16-inch and 17-inch alloy rims. At the rear we find a new bumper with extended corner sections, revised lamp clusters and a flash of chrome across the top of the number plate.
The color range allows owners to chose from seven different versions, out of which three metallic ones are new.
For the 2010 Auris’ interior a friendly material has been used for the upper part of the dashboard. The bridged center console now has a silver finish and features a revised instrument design matching the doorhandles. The handbrake is easier to operate, thanks to its fresh redesigned shape and improved tactile quality.
The Optitron instrument dials receives white illumination while a sportier amber lighting is used for the SR’s analogue instruments. The cloth upholstery also receives a new design. The whole range now features a USB port an auxiliary socket for the audio system and a leather-trimmed flat bottom steering wheel. The door mirrors are heated for the T2 model and they also have an additional retraction function on the TR and SR versions.
The Auris’ powertrains remain unchanged so the 2010 model will deliver the same performance and return the same fuel economy figures as before. The engine range includes a 1.3 liter variable camshaft timing petrol engine, featuring Toyota’s Stop and Start system, which is matted to a 6 speed manual transmission. A 1.6 Valvematic petrol unit is also offered. This can be matted either to the 6 speed manual mentioned above or a MultiMode transmission. For diesel-lovers a 1.4 D-4D is offered, with the same gearbox choice as the 1.6 petrol unit.
The new sporty(ish) SR version is only available with the 1.6 liter Valvematic petrol engine mated to the six-speed manual transmission. This version rides on new five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, features dark-tinted rear privacy glass, a roof spoiler with integrated stop lamp, darkened headlamp glasses, Tatami sport seat trim and amber-lit analogue dashboard instrumentation. All these will set you back 500 pounds more that the TR model.
The optional extras list includes a new Kasaba black leather upholstery, with white stitching detail (for the TR and SR versions). Bluetooth connectivity can also be ordered, and a protection pack (rear parking sensors) is available.
People who really intend to buy a UK Spec 2010 Auris might find the following information useful:
Model Powertrain Body Price VED Band Insurance Group
T2 1.33 VVT-i 6MT 3-door £14,463 E 10E
T2 1.33 VVT-i 6MT 5-door £14,963 E 10E
TR 1.33 VVT-i 6MT 3-door £15,140 E 10E
TR 1.33 VVT-i 6MT 5-door £15,640 E 10E
TR 1.4 D-4D 6MT 5-door £17,195 D 11E
TR 1.4 D-4D 6M/M 5-door £17,745 D 11E
TR 1.6 Valvematic 6MT 5-door £15,995 G 15E
TR 1.6 Valvematic 6M/M 5-door £16,835 F 16E
SR 1.6 Valvematic 6MT 5-door £16,495 G 16E
The king is dead. Long live the king!...but can he visit a stylist?
Google News