Toyota Auris 2010 Hybrid road test
With the 1,798cc VVT-i petrol engine and the 650v electric motor running simultaneously, the new Hybrid’s full system power is 134bhp. Hooked to an electronic CVT auto transmission this translates to 0-62mph in 11.4 secs and a top speed of 112mph. That’s fractionally slower on paper than the manual 1.6-litre petrol Auris, but you’d never notice, and, being an auto, the Hybrid’s full oomph is always immediately on tap. In addition to the default Normal mode, three selectable modes – Power, Eco and EV (electric only) – help you eek out the most from the car, whether for economy or performance.
Though my Auris Hybrid test drive was on near-perfect Spanish roads with a corresponding magic carpet ride, previous experience on imperfect UK roads demonstrated that the Auris has absorbent, well-controlled suspension and taut body control, while its electric power steering is precise and has ample feel. To compensate for the HSD’s added weight (about 100 extra kgs), and the redistribution of that weight due to the boot-mounted battery pack, the Auris Hybrid had been further fine-tuned to suit European needs. Without being overtly sporty the Hybrid rides and handles well, although the regenerative braking system’s brake-by-wire pedal needs only the slightest touch at low speeds.
Read the full Toyota Auris Hybrid road test
RoadTestReports.co.uk provides road tests reports written by members of the Guild of Motoring Writers. These reports are complemented by car reviews submitted by the members of the public who drive the vehicles day in day out.
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