The benefits of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive go far beyond exceptional fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. Toyota say it is user-friendly and delivers a quiet, comfortable and stress-free drive so the question has to be asked... how good and how green is the Auris?

QUIET CONFIDENCE

The launch of Toyota's Auris hybrid in July marked the introduction of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (THSD) technology to one of its mainstream models for the first time. Auris hybrid has been designed specifically for the European market and is built exclusively in the UK. The 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine that forms part of the powertrain is sourced from our friends in the north at their plant at Deeside in North Wales.

Unlike rival, mild hybrid vehicles, Auris hybrid is a full hybrid that can run in petrol and electric modes alone, as well as a combination of both. Hybrid Synergy Drive® thus delivers the energy-saving benefits of a series hybrid, and the high performance benefits of a parallel system.

HOW IT WORKS
The electric motor is powered by the hybrid battery and works in tandem with the petrol engine to boost acceleration during normal driving, but in EV mode it alone powers the driven wheels - a unique feature of Toyota's full hybrid system. During deceleration and under braking, the electric motor works as a high-output generator to effect regenerative braking. This recovers kinetic energy, that would usually be lost as heat, as electrical energy for storage in the highperformance battery.



HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE

Over the course of any journey, the drive operates in different modes to maximise overall vehicle efficiency. When the car comes to rest, the engine stops automatically to conserve fuel. In low-efficiency conditions, such as at start-up and low to mid-range engine speeds, the vehicle automatically runs in EV mode, using just its electric motor and this eliminating CO2 and NOX exhaust emissions. Under normal driving conditions, the source and allocation of power is constantly adjusted between the engine and electric motor to achieve the best performance with maximum fuel efficiency.

By means of Auris hybrid's Electronically Controlled Braking System, the electric motor acts as a high-output generator during deceleration and under braking. The level is constantly managed via an engine-driven generator, which means there is no need for the battery to be recharged from an external source.

PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY
THSD provides instant power, strong and seamless acceleration and remarkably quiet operation, while at the same time returning class-leading fuel efficiency and emissions and, in combination, the 1.8 litre VVT-i petrol engine and the electric motor produce a maximum 134bhp, enabling 0 to 62mph acceleration in 11.4 seconds and a 112mph top speed. Moreover, when the driver switches to EV (Electric Vehicle) mode, the car can run emissions-free on its electric power alone for up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to 30mph, according to the level of battery charge and the driving conditions.

Auris hybrid returns a class-leading fuel consumption figure of 74.3mpg (giving a possible range of up to 735 miles on a single tank of fuel) and tax-efficient CO2 emissions from just 89g/km, a level unmatched by any other car in its segment. In addition, NOX emissions are significantly lower than those of diesel cars of comparable performance.

MAINTENANCE AND DURABILITY

Auris is designed for low maintenance and durability and costs over 60,000 miles are kept down thanks to low parts pricing and short service times, which mean reduced labour costs. The out - standing reliability of Hybrid Synergy Drive® has been proven by its successful installation in Prius, which has achieved the lowest warranty cost per unit of any Toyota model and both reassuringly and confidently, the new Auris hybrid is sold with Toyota's pan-European five year 100,000-mile warranty, extended to eight years and 100,000 miles for the hybrid battery. Toyota clearly believe in their product.

Toyota's commitment to longer lasting components and lower servicing costs is demonstrated in the 1.8 litre VVT-i petrol version which has a maintenance-free timing chain, an element-type oil filter, miniaturised spark plugs and no drive belts; all features which deliver worthwhile cost savings.

And, thanks to the efficiency of the electronic braking system, the front and rear brake pads should last a little longer. Even the exhaust is expected to last more than five years.

INSURANCE & RESIDUAL VALUE

With its UK insurance rating at a highly competitive 13E and anticipated high residual values you're likely to have a little more green in your pocket too which is always welcome.

DESIGN
The Hybrid-specific exterior has been designed for improved aerodynamics and a smooth, quiet and comfortable driving experience that also delivers better fuel efficiency.

Improved interior quality and ergo - nomics incorporating hybrid-specific finishes, instrumentation, switchgear and upholstery are also present. The Auris hybrid is offered in two equipment grades, T4 and T Spirit but even the standard T4 comes with an impressive list of features as standard - to be fair, would you expect anything less from Toyota these days?

COST OF OWNERSHIP
In cost of ownership terms, Auris hybrid's total economy is underpinned by its best-in-class CO2 emissions and outstanding fuel economy delivering tax breaks, low running costs and congestion charge exemption - which may not be here in South Wales yet but the writing is on the wall.


To test drive an Auris contact:

Toyota World Cardiff

Hadfield Road, Cardiff, CF11 8AQ
02921 157823
www.toyotaworldcardiff.toyota.co.uk
 
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