CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 340
Average Price: Around £9,300

Toyota Auris (2007-2012) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
A sensible, reliable buy	Dull driving experience
Economical 1.4-litre diesel	Lots of hard and scratchy plastics in the cabin
The hybrid works well around town	Anonymous looks, especially before the 2010 facelift

Quick Summary

The Toyota Auris (2007-2012) is a straightforward family hatchback designed to replace the legendary Corolla. Available with a range of petrol, diesel, and petrol-electric hybrid engines, it prioritises practicality and reliability over driving excitement. The car offers reasonable interior space with impressively spacious rear seats and a 354-litre boot, though the cabin features hard plastics and limited storage. A 2010 facelift brought styling tweaks and suspension improvements, with the range simplified to T2, TR, and SR trims, plus hybrid variants in T4 and T Spirit specifications.

The Auris delivers what Toyota promised: a sensible, head-based decision with minimal fuss. The popular 1.6-litre petrol engine produces 122bhp, whilst the economical 1.4-litre diesel offers excellent fuel economy around 56.4mpg in real-world driving. The hybrid model performs particularly well in urban environments. Running costs are reasonable, with servicing available at independent specialists for around £115-£225. Whilst it may lack the driving engagement of rivals like the Ford Focus or the premium appeal of a Volkswagen Golf, the Auris represents excellent value for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable family transport.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable, practical family transport; those prioritising sensible value over driving dynamics; owners wanting economical diesel or hybrid options.

Not ideal for: Drivers seeking an engaging driving experience, premium cabin materials, or distinctive styling; those wanting a more inspiring car to own.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Auris if: You're seeking reliable, practical family transport on a budget; you prioritise sensible value over driving dynamics; or you want economical diesel or hybrid options.

Consider alternatives if: You desire an engaging driving experience, premium cabin materials, distinctive styling, or a more inspiring car to own.

Competitive Position: The Toyota Auris (2007-2012) is a competent but uninspiring choice in the family hatchback segment. Whilst it delivers excellent reliability and practicality at a reasonable price, it lacks the driving engagement of the Ford Focus, the premium appeal of the Volkswagen Golf, or the style of the Vauxhall Astra. The Auris excels as a sensible, no-nonsense purchase for budget-conscious buyers who prioritise dependability and low running costs over emotional connection. Its hybrid variant offers a unique advantage for urban drivers, but overall, it remains a pragmatic rather than exciting choice.

Read our full Toyota Auris Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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