Toyota’s new Auris Touring Sports range will bring hybrid power to the compact estate sector for the first time.
Based on the new Auris, which was launched in December, the Auris Touring Sports model will also be built at Toyota’s UK factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire.
Offering extra loadspace, the Touring Sports model is 28.5cm longer than its hatchback sibling.
With the rear seats in place, there is 530 litres of luggage space, with the rear seats folded, maximum capacity increases to 1,658 litres.
Choice of engines for the estate model are the same as the hatch, with 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i and 1.6-litre Valvematic petrol units, the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel and the 1.8 VVT-i full hybrid available.
Like the hatch, the hybrid model will deliver emissions as low as 86g/km CO2, while the emissions for the 33 and 1.6 petrol units rated at 127 and 139g/km respectively and the 1.4 D-4D diesel at 109g/km. Economy too, matches the performance of the hatch, achieving economy as strong as 74.3mpg for the hybrid model.
With the hybrid battery located beneath the rear seats, there is no compromise in interior space either and with the carmaker’s one-touch Easy Flat folding rear seat system, it is easy to make the most of the available space.
Toyota expects that the new model will help broaden the appeal of Auris and is expected to increase the model’s European segment share to more than five per cent by 2014, its first full year of sales.
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
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