Toyota's Auris Hybrid

Toyota's second generation Auris Hybrid arrives on the UK market next month (December 4) but what can buyers expect from this latest compact hatchback?

It’s been on a diet

The new Auris Hybrid is 50kg lighter overall than its predecessor, with a kerb weight of 1,370kg. Pair that with a greater centre of gravity and lower air turbulence and the new Auris is naturally a more efficient machine, delivering up to 1.2 miles of pure electric motoring up to 31mph.

It’s been optimised

Not only is it lighter, it is lower and shorter (by 50mm and 55mm respectively), greener (13% average reduction in CO2 output across the four engines), roomier (30% more boot space - 360 litres) and sleeker with a more aero-dynamic profile.

It's like a baby Prius

The driving experience is as close you can get to driving a Prius without actually driving a Prius. The cabin and layout is intentionally reminiscent (we hope) while the handling, ride, and mannerisms are also uncannily similar.
It is greener than the current entry model Prius too, emitting 2g/km of CO2 less (87g) with zero NOx output.

The diesel Auris is a hybrid in disguise

The 1.4-litre diesel Auris in the entry Active trim boasts the same combined fuel economy as the Hybrid variant - 74.3mpg - which is nearly 2mpg better than the entry T3 Prius. Both the diesel and hybrid Auris report sub-100g/km combined CO2 emissions too (99g and 87g respectively). Buyers that are happy to do without luxuries like touchscreen audio control, rear view camera, front fog lights and alloy wheels, will be more than £4k better off.

It’s down to earth

The nickel hydride battery has been relocated to beneath the rear seats to give the Auris a stronger centre of gravity.

The price is right

A well-specced Auris Hybrid will cost just under £21k OTR - £2k less than a similarly kitted-out Prius - while the entry 1.4-litre diesel we mentioned earlier starts from £15,845. A Touring Sports version of the Auris will hit the UK in July next year.