adminThis vehicle is one of my favourites although there are more that can be added to that list.
I am talking about the replacement of the Toyota Run-X, a car that turned heads and drove sales in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, primarily because it’s a Toyota and it’s economical. The vehicle that I am talking about is the Toyota Auris X. When Toyota stopped making the Run-Xs they also stopped producing the Toyota Tazz, which was subsequently replaced by the Yaris.
The Auris X is a hot hatchback with a distinctly athletic persona. Funky, fast and utterly fabulous, the new Auris X has the sporting prowess of Usain Bolt and a body to match.
Its sleek, athletic lines mean that this five-door hatchback, which is designed in Europe, is a real head turner.
Naturally, its stylish exterior is matched with a comfortable and quiet interior and soft touch finishes proliferate, as do luxury and convenience features.
For instance, the electric side mirrors have an integrated turn indicator and every model comes with aircon, electric speed sensitive power steering, a leather steering wheel with satellite control for audio, bluetooth and MID, electric windows, a RDS radio/CD combination with six speakers and a USB/AUX jack.
Despite the stylish and dimensional changes, the main concept is so similar to the Toyota Run-X.
The Auris X is a tallish five-door hatchback, perfectly suited for city traffic and the tight confines of urban living, thanks to its short length. The interior makes an attempt at being cool and mostly succeeds. Funky seating upholstery, body-coloured trim makes it a fun ride.
The front seating position is perfectly satisfactory such that if medium-size adults are sitting in front, the rear-seat passengers will still have enough legroom.
I firmly believe that this is a girly girly car or for the guy who wants to let that fun flirty side loose every once in a while. The Auris X is more than just a pretty face. That’s because this new hottie is propelled by one of three engines (two petrol, one diesel), all featuring Toyota’s advanced Optical Drive technology.
These advanced engines are great news for your pocket and for planet Earth as they are extremely frugal, so trips to the petrol pump will be few and far between.
It’s not as thirsty as most vehicles in its category. With fuel costing US$1,25 for diesel and US$1,35 per litre for petrol this will be a perfect car. Plus they are green with the Auris X having a highly commendable CO2 emissions rating.
It comes with a full house of safety features too, including ABS brakes with EBD and BAS, front air bags, Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) concept seats for driver and front passenger and ISOFIX child restraint mounts.
Of course, being made by Toyota and looking at stats all over the world of sales, the Auris X is bound to be one of the most reliable cars on our roads.
Over the years, many brands have fallen from grace and bounced back, but not the Toyota, it has stood firm and sold more vehicles in Africa than most car makers. I feel Toyota almost does everything right and they hardly ever break down. Even though I do not own one, I give it an 11 out of 10.
A five-year/90 000km service plan is included, so you never have to worry or stress about servicing costs either.
For pricing, availability and more information please contact Toyota Zimbabwe.
Till next week, be safe.
l Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected]
Online Reporter