Toyota has revealed the pricing and specification details of its forthcoming new hybrid model, set to go on sale in the UK from July 1, 2010. The new Auris hybrid will be only the second car to benefit from the carmaker’s HSD (hybrid synergy drive) first featured on the Prius.
The new model will be priced from £18,950, a premium of £4,495 over the conventional, entry level Auris car priced at £14,455. The new hybrid is the first full hybrid to feature in the European C-segment and is designed specifically for the European market. Built exclusively by the carmaker’s UK factory in Burnaston Derbyshire, the new model comes fitted with a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine made at the firm’s Deeside plant in North Wales.
The system’s petrol engine combined with a electric motor, generate a maximum 134bhp, giving 0 to 62mph acceleration in 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 112mph. When fitted with 15-inch wheels, combined cycle fuel economy stands at 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.
The Auris Hybrid will be offered in the UK in two specification grades, T4 and T Spirit. The lower grade T4 models can be specified with 15 or optional 17-inch wheels, with the larger rims standard on the T Spirit version. The choice of wheel size has a slight effect on CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
Key features of the standard T4 include; climate control air conditioning, ix-speaker audio with CD, radio, MP3 file player, front and rear electric windows, electric, heated door mirrors, LED running lights, push-button start, seven airbags, including driver’s knee airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). Meanwhile the T Spirit grade adds further perks including; leather and Alcantara upholstery, cruise control, Bluetooth, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, smart Entry and Start and rear view camera display in rear view mirror.
The new Auris Hybrid T4 model costs £18,950 on-the-road and the T Spirit model costs £20,700.
