Green News: Toyota Auris Hybrid Launched

Its arrival makes the Auris range a unique proposition in its class, with customers offered a choice of petrol, diesel or full hybrid powertrains.

Auris Hybrid has been designed specifically for the European market and is built exclusively by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK at its Burnaston factory. The 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine that forms part of the powertrain is sourced from TMUK’s plant at Deeside in North Wales.

The benefits of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain used in the new model go beyond exceptional fuel economy and low CO2 emissions: it is user-friendly and delivers a quiet, comfortable and stress-free drive unlike anything else in the segment.

The system’s 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and electric motor generate a maximum 134bhp, giving nought to 62mph acceleration in 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 112mph, performance that matches any conventional 2.0-litre petrol or diesel hatchback.

When fitted with 15-inch wheels, combined cycle fuel economy is 74.3 mpg and CO2 emissions are 89 g/km; with the 17-inch wheel option the figures remain exceptional at 70.6 mpg and 93 g/km, levels unmatched by any other car in its segment. In addition, NOX emissions are significantly lower than those of diesel cars of comparable performance. Across the range, the emissions performance exempts Auris Hybrid from UK road tax (VED).

When taking advantage of the full hybrid system’s switchable EV (electric vehicle) mode, CO2 and NOx emissions are cut to zero over distances of up to 1.2 miles at speeds of up to 30 mph, according to the level of battery charge and driving conditions.

Credits: wilswong