Toyota Auris Hybrid

The Toyota Auris Hybrid offers economy plus outstanding value for money

With the Auris Hybrid, Toyota introduces the first full hybrid car in its class. The compact family hatchback features Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, a tried and trusted system first installed in the Prius, and experienced by two million drivers round the world. The Auris Hybrid has two electric motors and a 1.8 litre VVT-i petrol engine that work together to provide maximum performance and optimum efficiency.

As a ‘full’ hybrid,  the Auris Hybrid can operate on the electric motors alone – the combustion engine and electric motors can be used either independently or integrated with each other. The system switches seamlessly and automatically between the power sources. The driver can also choose one of three driving modes. Electric Only (EV) offers silent, emissions-free driving; ECO mode gives optimum economy; Power mode gives maximum response.

There is no need to charge the battery - energy for the electric motors is regenerated as the driver decelerates or brakes.

Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology provides exceptionally low emissions on the lead-in model of 89 g/km and fuel economy figures of 74.3 mpg. It means you can expect over 700 miles on one tank of fuel (according to Toyota), pay no road tax, no London Congestion Charge and you’ll benefit from a five –year warranty. Toyota also claims that the car has high resale values.

The Auris Hybrid is built in Britain, the first Toyota Hybrid, in fact, to be built in Europe.

How do the prices look?

As it is the only full hybrid in its class, the Auris Hybrid has no precisely comparable competitors but we can look at the most green model offerings from the three key players in its class. Vauxhall, VW and Ford are shown with the Toyota in ascending price order:

New Astra ES ecoFLEX 1.7 CDTi diesel 5 door     £17,575 otr
Golf 1.6 TDI diesel Blue Motion 5 door             £18,715 otr
Auris Hybrid petrol 5 door                               £18,950 otr
Focus 1.6 TDCi dsl ECOnetic Start-Stop 5 door   £20,445 otr

Although no adjustment has been made for specification (so potential buyers need to look beyond the basic prices above), it’s clear that the Auris Hybrid offers very competitive value for money.