The Toyota Auris Hybrid, which will debut at Frankfurt
Toyota has released details of the Auris Hybrid HSD ahead of its debut at Frankfurt and release in 2010.
The Auris Hybrid will be the first Toyota Hybrid to be built in Europe – at Toyota’s UK plant. Scheduled to go on sale in the second half of 2010, the Auris hybrid utilises the same powertrain as the third-gen Prius, namely a 1.8 litre, 97bhp petrol engine with a bank of nickel-metal hydride batteries and an electric motor. This will give the Auris Hybrid a 0-60 mph time of around 10 seconds and emissions below the critical 100g/km (not 99g/km, by any chance?).
Toyota has made a number of aerodynamic changes to the Auris to improve efficiency, including front-end modifications to improve airflow, a lower ride height, a rear diffuser and a big rear spoiler. Toyota has also fitted ‘Turbulence Reducing’ 18″ alloys and low rolling resistance tyres.
Also in the mix are solar panels – although how much use they’ll be in the UK is anyone’s guess. There are solar panels on the roof to aid battery charging and a solar panel on the dash for running mobiles and iPods. And as every little helps, Toyota has fitted LED lights front and rear.
The interior gets a tweak, with blue Gaucholino leather seats with light blue accent stitching and pearl white facings on the air vents and centre console. You also get a set of alloy pedals (just so your foot doesn’t slip off under the violent acceleration) and ‘Hybrid Blue’ instrument lighting. Oh, and we mustn’t forget the flat-bottomed steering wheel, just so you can get in even if you’ve got thighs like Will Carling.
And although you don’t really associate hybrid cars with excessive cabin noise, Toyota has made comprehensive use of soundproofing materials, and full thickness glazing and an acoustic windscreen reduce wind noise at cruising speed. So there.
Toyota Auris Hybrid Technical Specifications
| ENGINE | |
| Displacement (cc) | 1,798 |
| Max. power (bhp) | 97 |
| Acceleration 0-62mph (sec) | ~10 (target) |
| MOTOR | |
| Type | Permanent magnet synchronous motor |
| TRANSMISSION | |
| Type | Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission |
| HV BATTERY | |
| Type | Nickel-metal hydride |
| EXHAUST EMISSIONS | |
| CO2 (g/km) | <100 |
| EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS | |
| Overall length (mm) | 4,245 |
| Overall width (mm) | 1,760 |
| Overall height (mm) | 1,515 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,600 |
Toyota Auris Hybrid HSD Photo Image Gallery
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david says
Hope they bring one out with a normal interior. Most people want to drive round in a standard family hatch. Also, low profile tyres and lowered suspension dont go well with potholes and speed bumps. I don’t understand why it is reportedly being priced so close to the prius either.
Personally, I want a normal interior, comfy ride, low noise levels, cruise control and aircon. Thats about it. Dont need solar roof panels, multi changer cd, i-pod connection, alloys, parking sensors, leather seats and half the other stuff they weigh cars down with and bump the price up with.