Toyota Auris (2013) CAR review

@Brand0 – your analysis it correct to a point. An Auris depreciates at the same rate as a Golf. The cars to those that want them, they are equally desirable. The markets perception of what constitutes “premium” is carefully controlled. VW would rather not see a Auris compared to a Golf precisely because it is not extraordinarily different to it. There’s no logical reason why two of the world’s bestselling nameplates should not be tested together. CAR’s conclusion that a Golf cannot compare with an A3 because it is not premium enough is pure hokum. The VW Group pair essentially differ in only brand positioning. The engineering content, subdued styling, design and below average reliability are shared. That leaves us with perception, a function of marketing. The position of Lexus in Europe is surely a marketing failure. Is there something really remiss about the product? For the British, owning a Lexus would be considered pretty left field by the aspirational for whom toting a GmbH badge is part of their self-worth. It is worth looking out for the documentary “All in the best possible taste with Perry Grayson” concerning the various classes of Britain in which cars are a central feature. That the motoring press merrily collude in such marketing hoopla tells me that they have abdicated their responsibility as journalists and are pandering to popular prejudices both positive and negative by telling what they want to hear. This generally makes for a dull read.

Something that struck me and I am surprised no one else has already commented on, the hybrid version has the biggest engine! I am still trying to make sense out of it.
To add my two pence on subject of perceived and real quality, I remember when various East European manufacturers were selling their products in the UK back in 80's and early 90's, there was saying that a new Lada Riva (or anything similar) would probably last you next 20 years but would you want it to. A few years ago I had an opportunity to drive a new, at the time current, second-generation Yaris, and my general feeling was that I would have not been able to tolerate it's interior irrespective of the car's reliability.