1.6 GDI Hybrid 139bhp 2 DCT 5dr

Comfortable, economical motoring

I was looking to replace my Auris Icon Estate Hybrid, as I had some issues with it, as to the way it drove. The main ones being the CVT gearbox with the strange gear engagement lever. Low seating position. plus the seats themselves were not that comfortable. The start battery, had caused problems with going flat, a few times, some due to me leaving the radio on. Found out later that you need to run the system to stop this happening. Also the Toyota dealer, left a lot to be desired IMHO.
The Niro had caught my eye, in the electric version, but the price was somewhat expensive when compared with the petrol/hybrid model. Had a look as to what was available, and decided that a 2017 model was to go for as the road tax, was still zero rated on that year.
Found one at a dealership near me and elected to go for a test drive. Have to say that once I drove it, was sold on the car. Very comfortable seating, higher than the previous car ( could be a bit higher still) loved the DCT gearbox, which is similar to Golf Estate, I had previously. Feels very responsive in the Sport mode, using the gear change, but only use it for overtaking and joining main roads from slip roads. The Auris in Power mode, was far to noisy and thrashy, for my liking.
Had 27,000 miles on clock when I bought it, now have done another 2,500 miles with it and the MPG is better than the Auris, recording approx. 60 mpg, without really trying. The only problem so far is the rear heated window, seems to be faulty, as only the top3/4 wires seem to defrost. Also the plastic wheel arch cover on the nearside front wheel, had been displaced at some time, so put that ight myself. Dealers do not seem to prep or check out cars now, but wait for the buyer to come back to report them, but that can be inconvenient, if they are a fair distance away.
The dealer seemed OK, but time will. Not sure as to the sales technique used, they use, where they add on loads of excess items that you do not really want, by way of an insurance policy, then give you the part exchange price for your old car.
Overall love the car, thought the wheels were alloy when I bought it, but they are plastic wheel trims that look like alloy wheels, much more practical, they do have the same small battery for starting, but if you use it with the ignition switched off, it does give a warning, that the battery is low.

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