Fuss-Free thriftiness

Richard Gooding enjoys fuss-free fuel economy in the Toyota Auris Hybrid

The words ‘hybrid’ and ‘Toyota’ go together as well as ‘eggs’ and ‘bacon’, and although the technologically-green cars aren’t as common as the basic food snack, they’re becoming a recognisable sight on the world’s roads. And it’s an area in which Toyota has much experience. It launched the first-generation Prius back in 1997, and the nameplate has become synonymous with hybrid technology. It’s now just one of 20 different Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) models sold in 80 countries by Toyota and its sister brand Lexus. The Japanese giant has sold 5 million hybrid vehicles over the past 16 years, and UK sales of Toyota and Lexus cars with the technology are now nearing the 100,000 mark.

The Auris is a relatively new model in the UK. Replacing the similarly-sized Corolla in 2007, and counting the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf as its market bedfellows, the Auris remains the only car to feature full hybrid technology. First previewed on a concept in 2009, followed by a full market launch in 2010, the latest model was introduced at the 2012 Paris motor show, and included a Hybrid Synergy Drive version right from the off. Distinguished by new, bold styling and built at Toyota’s Burnaston factory in Derbyshire, the cheapest Auris with HSD is a useful £1850 less than the least expensive Prius with the same drivetrain.

With its pointy front end and pinched rear styling, Toyota has been unashamedly bold with the look of the new car. It bears more than a passing resemblance to other similarly-sized cars such as the Mazda 3 or Hyundai i30. Moving inside, the cabin is less ‘space-age’ than the Prius, with a logically laid out dashboard (covered in a leather facing on this ‘Excel’ model), and it’s a comfortable and well-built place to be.

Like its more commonly-seen Prius stablemate, this car is all about the drivetrain. Toyota engineers first looked into hybrid systems as long ago as 1969, and the current version of the company’s HSD is made up of a 1798cc four‑cylinder petrol engine at the front of the car and a 650V electric motor, mounted in the middle, just ahead of the lithium battery underneath the rear seats. With a total power output of 134bhp, the Auris picks up speed well, seamlessly shifting its 1370kg between petrol and electric modes

The trick with a hybrid is to plan ahead and anticipate traffic conditions. Coasting downhill to switch the car into electric mode therefore saves fuel and cuts emissions. Once you get accustomed to a new way of driving, it becomes second nature.

Replacing the traditional rev counter is a dial marked with ‘CHG’, ‘ECO’ and ‘POWER’ segments. The aim is to keep the needle in the ‘ECO’ section for most types of driving. Lifting off the throttle sees the needle swing into the ‘CHG’ band, which switches the car into pure EV mode, also charging the battery. The needle only shoots into the ‘POWER’ segment when the car is struggling up an incline, or when a high speed is reached. Glowing red, the needle warns that more power is being used, increasing emissions and fuel consumption. The telltale works surprisingly well, helping to curb any over exuberance.

Over my 537 miles with the car, I achieved an average of 60.0mpg from the car’s computer, and a real-world average figure of 55.7mpg. Short of Toyota’s 72.4mpg combined statistic, it’s still comparable with the Prius+ hybrid, which we drove late last year (GreenFleet issue 60) and the Auris’ diesel‑powered competitors. Toyota goes one further and states that this particular model is more cost-effective for business operators and drivers than competitor mid-range diesel models.

The Auris’ electronic continuously variable transmission also has an engine braking function, which applies the brakes moderately when driving down hills. Added to the regenerative braking, it’s clever touches like these which boost the Toyota’s green credentials. Energy usage and regenerative statistics are shown on the car’s 6.1-inch colour display, which also controls music, social media, reversing camera, and (optional) satellite navigation functions.

With emissions of 91g/km, a 10 per cent BIK rate, and a generous equipment count including 17” alloy wheels, Smart Start keyless entry system, Intelligent Park Assist (including front and rear parking sensors), rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlights, retractable wing mirrors, rear privacy glass, dual-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, and electrochromatic rear-view mirror, the Auris Hybrid in range‑topping Excel guise makes as much sense for fleets as it does for families. If fuss-free fuel economy is a high priority, the Auris Hybrid should make your shortlist.

Details
ENGINE: 1798cc, 4-cyl petrol 
with 650V electric motor
(Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive)
CO2: 91g/km
MPG (combined): 72.4
VED: Band A
BIK: 10%
PRICE (OTR): £21,745 (including VAT. £22,890 as tested)