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Toyota Auris 2010 Hybrid road test report

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2010 Hybrid

After ten years and three generations of the Prius, Toyota has taken takes its latest Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain and fitted it into the mainstream Auris. The new, built-in-Britain Auris Hybrid thus becomes the greenest, most powerful model in the range, and marks the start of Toyota’s plan to deploy HSD technology across its full model range.

Road Test Reports Says 4.5 star rating
A front-facing image of the Toyota Auris 2010 Hybrid

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TOM SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

With the 1,798cc VVT-i petrol engine and the 650v electric motor running simultaneously, the new Hybrid’s full system power is 134bhp. Hooked to an electronic CVT auto transmission this translates to 0-62mph in 11.4 secs and a top speed of 112mph. That’s fractionally slower on paper than the manual 1.6-litre petrol Auris, but you’d never notice, and, being an auto, the Hybrid’s full oomph is always immediately on tap. In addition to the default Normal mode, three selectable modes – Power, Eco and EV (electric only) – help you eek out the most from the car, whether for economy or performance.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

Though my Auris Hybrid test drive was on near-perfect Spanish roads with a corresponding magic carpet ride, previous experience on imperfect UK roads demonstrated that the Auris has absorbent, well-controlled suspension and taut body control, while its electric power steering is precise and has ample feel. To compensate for the HSD’s added weight (about 100 extra kgs), and the redistribution of that weight due to the boot-mounted battery pack, the Auris Hybrid had been further fine-tuned to suit European needs. Without being overtly sporty the Hybrid rides and handles well, although the regenerative braking system’s brake-by-wire pedal needs only the slightest touch at low speeds.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

Prior to the recent and largely unwarranted furore stemming mainly from the US about alleged reliability issues, Toyota had earned itself a highly enviable reputation for quality and reliability. The brand came 4th (out of 29) in JD Power’s 2009 UK Satisfaction Study, but I’d wager it will fare at least as well in the 2010 survey. In terms of its hybrid system’s reliability, this Auris has a 10,000m service interval, and over 1 million Toyota HSD cars have already been sold worldwide. Additionally, Toyota estimates that its hybrids have so far covered some 37 billion miles, so Auris Hybrid owners needn’t worry about untried technology.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

In addition to the Auris’ 5-star euro NCAP rating, both the T4 and T-Spirit Hybrid versions boast a long list of safety features as standard, including: driver and passenger front and side airbags, curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, dual seatbelt reminders, Isofix child seat mounts, seatbelts with pretensioners, load limiters and emergency locking retractors, whiplash injury lessening front seats, a Minimum Intrusion Cabin Structure, side impact beams all round, head impact protection in the roof and pillars, ABS, brake assist and brakeforce distribution, hill-start assist control, traction control and vehicle stability control. There’s also an immobiliser, Smart Entry and Start (optional on T4), remote double central locking and a remote alarm with perimeter and interior microwave protection.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 3 stars

Aside from Hybrid-specific instrumentation, a CVT shift lever and a few extra buttons, the Hybrid Auris is much the same on the inside as before, apart from boot space. Due to the Hybrid’s large battery pack residing in the boot, loadspace with split/fold rear seats upright is about 21% smaller, down from 354 to 279-litres. The Auris front seats are accommodating and supportive, and this comfort isn’t achieved by constant adjustment of the seating or driving position; it feels right from the off and stays that way. There’s also ample space and comfort for two in the rear, or three at a pinch.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 5 stars

With otr prices of £18,950 (T4) and £20,700 (T-Spirit), the Hybrid tops the Auris range in terms of price. However, Auris residual values are strong and with CO2 emissions at 89g/km or 93g/km (Band A, zero VED), combined mpg at 74.3 or 70.6 (both according to 15 or 17in wheel sizes) plus low maintenance costs, the Hybrid model’s residual value is likely to be even stronger. And regarding emissions and fuel economy, the Auris Hybrid completely trounces all other similarly-sized and similarly-powerful 5dr hatchbacks currently on sale, while either matching or bettering them on price. It’s a no-brainer.

Submitted: 07/06/2010 14:41:35

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