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Toyota Auris HSD
Model/Engine size: 1.8 VVT-i Hybrid T4 89g
Fuel: Petrol
Fuel economy combined: 74.3 mpg
The Toyota Auris HSD is noteworthy for being the first car in this class to get a full hybrid system, matching the 89 g/km CO2 of the Prius .
Toyota has stolen the initiative with hybrids and what at first looked like a risky strategy is now looking inspired. Toyota remains firmly ahead of the pack with a decade of production experience and by far the best-developed system. In yet another first the Auris becomes the first small family car to offer a full parallel/series hybrid system. Toyota wants to offer a hybrid option in every model that the company makes.
The hybrid system works brilliantly well but until now it has only been available in the Prius. Toyota’s answer is to take the hybrid synergy drive system out of the Prius and drop it into the Auris. Toyota has managed to refine the Auris’s aerodynamics to the point where they match the Prius and it weighs about the same. The net result is that the Auris now achieves the same fuel economy as the Prius. So a cut-price Prius sounds very appealing but there is a snag.
Dropping the Prius drivetrain into the Auris guarantees exceptional fuel economy but leaves no option for cutting costs, which means that the base spec Auris is barely any cheaper than the Prius and there is a substantial overlap between the two.
We are fully supportive of Toyota’s strategy to roll out hybrid options but they need to develop a cheaper option for smaller models. If the Auris HSD was substantially cheaper it would be the obvious choice, but as it stands it is hard to recommend it over the larger Prius, especially as the 3rd generation model is so good. Also, the Auris is not the most fun green car to drive.
Fuel economy extra urban: TBC
Fuel economy urban: TBC
CO2 emissions: 89 g/km
Green rating: VED band A – £0
Weight: 1380 Kg
Company car tax liability (2010/11): 10%
Price: £18,950 (From £14,455 to £19,200)
Insurance group: 13
Power: 98 bhp (petrol) 80 bhp (electric) system 134 bhp
Max speed: 112 mph
0-62 mph: 11.4 seconds
