CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 300
Average Price: Around £8,300

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, sensible family hatchback designed to replace the legendary Corolla. This generation offers reasonable space inside with a 354-litre boot, acceptable levels of equipment, and a choice of petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines. Whilst it may not inspire with its driving dynamics or premium cabin appeal, it delivers solid build quality and hard-wearing plastics that are well screwed together. The car provides decent space for four adults in comfort, with impressively spacious rear seats and a double glove box for storage.

The Auris prioritises practicality and reliability over emotional appeal, making it an excellent choice for those seeking simple family transport at a reasonable price. Engine options include a 1.6-litre petrol (122bhp) as the most popular choice, economical diesel variants ranging from 90bhp to 175bhp, and a petrol-electric hybrid with impressive fuel economy. A facelift in 2010 brought styling tweaks and suspension improvements. Running costs are moderate, with the 1.4-litre diesel offering the best economy. Services are affordable, particularly at independent Toyota specialists. The five-door model is far more common than the three-door variant.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable, sensible family transport, those prioritising practicality and low running costs, and drivers unconcerned with driving dynamics or premium cabin feel.

Not ideal for: Buyers seeking an engaging driving experience, premium cabin materials, or distinctive styling, or those wanting an estate version (not available on this generation).


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Auris if: You're seeking reliable, sensible family transport at a reasonable price, prioritising practicality and low running costs over driving dynamics or premium cabin feel.

Consider alternatives if: You want an engaging driving experience, premium cabin materials, distinctive styling, or an estate version.

Competitive Position: The Toyota Auris (2007-2012) is a competent but uninspiring choice in the family hatchback market. Whilst it offers excellent reliability and sensible value, it lags behind rivals like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf in driving engagement and overall appeal. The Vauxhall Astra provides similar practicality with more style. However, for budget-conscious buyers unconcerned with driving dynamics or premium feel, the Auris remains a solid, dependable option with low running costs and good build quality. It's a car that does the job without fuss, making it ideal for straightforward family transport.

Read our full Toyota Auris Review

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