Middle England's middle of the road car

TO ease the shortage of affordable homes the government plans to take unproductive lakes and rivers, so called blue field sites, and build many thousands of affordable flood disasters on them.
Since 1997 property values have increased by 156 per cent and salaries by 35 per cent.
It seems aspiring home owners can either choose a sturdy two-man tent from Halfords or one of the government’s splendid new ‘affordable’ hovels at the bottom of a pond.
Apart from some towns where a person would only choose to live if hell was full, the cheapest homes now cost four times the average salary. Generally the price is 11 times this figure. Or ‘a lot’ as you may know it.
In comparison cars have become more affordable.Young people can expect to afford a new or nearly new car in most circumstances but at best can only hope to park it in a bed of water lilies.
Which brings us damply to the Toyota Auris.
This is a middle England, middle income sort of car for people who can afford something in brick which is both dry and fully insurable.
Let us look at the 2.2-litre T180 D-4D which crosses an element of sporting fun with the baby seat sensibleness of chinos and Ikea cutlery.
It has, for instance, a push button, keyless start and six gears to reassure dad that his Hamilton days are not quite over. On the other hand the nine air bags and 45mpg, tells mum they are.
This is a radically important engine. 60mph comes up in eight seconds sailing on to 130mph of catalyst aided super-clean performance.
At the same time handling is sure and solid, helped by an electric power steering system that reduces lock-to-lock turns. Really sweet.
As far as equipment is concerned the T180 is a fully fitted kitchen. All versions have air conditioning, remote locking reclining rear seat and driver’s knee airbag. Add to this cruise with limiter, automatic wipers and lights, electric heated mirrors, sunroof, quality audio with repeater controls along with comprehensive security and the 2.2-litre makes good sense at £18,400.
Until you get in it.
This is a car I really wanted to drive. It has great looks, brilliant engineering and is good value. So who had the bright idea of fitting the plastic Goth guitar as a centre console? And that hand brake button. Could it have been made to look any cheaper?
Toyota says the Auris will capture sales from downsizing prestige brand owners. I’ll be surprised if man Lexus owners want to own this celebration of the art of injection plastic moulding
I had great expectations of a not-so-rich man’s Lexus. Sadly I was as disappointed as someone who finds his new home is built in a ditch.