The main advantages of the Auris according to female consumers in South Africa, are economy and its green credentials. Both proved equally impressive on the road as on paper after motorway and city driving.
Another major plus was that the Auris is a small car with a big interior. The practical use of space and well-planned, clean interior no doubt also assured the Toyota of votes in its category. This Auris is built in the UK at Burnaston, the first factory in Europe to mass produce a hybrid vehicle.
With regard to the hybrid technology driving the Auris, it has been proven by Toyota in the successful Prius, so the efficiency of the process was not in doubt.
What was impressive from the start though, was the easy, almost imperceptable way it changes driving habits and thinking about driving. The familiarity of the Toyota interior was also reassuring which made a change of mindset easy for a long drive - the idea was to see how user-friendly the process would be, and it was!
ECONOMY
Launched in November 2011, the Auris HSD is Toyota's first introduction of full hybrid technology to a mainstream model and it is the only full hybrid powertrain in the smaller C-segment.
The Auris HSD published fuel consumption is 3.8 litres per 100km in the combined cycle. Although the car is frugal, the performance was more than adequate, even with strong headwind in the economy drive mode. This is thanks to a 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine which gives the car good, gradual acceleration for overtaking when needed.
RESPONSIBLE FUN
The Auris HSD produces just 89g/km of CO2 emissions, which means no emissions tax. When the car comes to rest, the engine stops automatically to conserve fuel. From start-up to mid-range engine speeds, the vehicle runs in EV mode, using its electric motor with no CO2 exhaust emissions. Under normal driving conditions power is adjusted between the engine and electric motor to achieve the best performance with maximum fuel efficiency.
The Auris HSD carries distinctive hybrid badging on the front wing and the bespoke aero-style 17-inch alloy wheels (the XS HSD is equipped with 15-inch alloys) with enlarged air gaps improve cooling airflow to the brakes. The rims are fitted with 215/45R17 low rolling resistance tyres. The wheel design supports the car's overall aerodynamics.
The aerodynamic modifications have reduced the car's coefficient of drag from Cd 0.293 to 0.283, with a positive impact on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The Auris can reach a top speed of 180km/h with torque of 142Nm at 4 000rpm from the petrol engine and peak of 207Nm from the electric motor. The petrol engine is a compact four-cylinder 1 798cc Atkinson cycle petrol engine with output of 73kW at 5 200rpm. Toyota also used a cooling Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, adding to the fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
The electric motor produces a maximum 60kW and powered by the hybrid battery, it works with the petrol engine to boost acceleration. When the vehicle is switched to Electric Vehicle (EV) mode it powers the wheels.
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 and saves it as electrical energy in the battery.
The battery doesn't need to be recharged from an external source. The battery pack uses reliable technology and sits under the floor of the boot, minimising impact on cabin space. The pack is designed to last as long as the car.
In addition to Auris hybrid's normal drive mode, the driver can select from three further modes - EV, ECO or POWER. Up to 50km/h in normal mode, the car will adopt EV mode and run on its electric motor depending on the level of battery charge and driving conditions.
EV mode can also be selected manually. The petrol motor will cut in automatically if the system determines that its output is needed. In ECO mode, throttle response to the accelerator pedal is reduced and performance of the air conditioning system is optimised to support fuel economy. In the power mode the response to throttle input is 25% higher than in normal mode, to give the acceleration wanted.
CREATURE COMFORTS
The impeccable interior has soft, quality materials and a centre storage space doubles as an armrest. A blue push-start button at the side of the instrument cluster is an extra convenience that gives starting up a sporty touch. The parking switch and switches to select the different drive modes are in the middle and easy to reach. The transmission is a stylish blue and silver indicative of the hybrid nature of this Auris.
Other features are: air conditioning, audio system with CD, radio, MP3 file player, USB, Bluetooth and AUX-in connectivity, steering wheel controls and front and rear electric windows and mirrors.
Safety features include seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
DETAILS
The price of the Auris XS HSD is R267 200, including VAT and as mentioned, the car does not attract emissions tax. The price includes a four year or 60 000km service plan with service intervals every 15 000km.
Toyota also offers a comprehensive three year or 100 000km warranty. The major hybrid power components on all of Toyota HSD models are covered by an 8 year or 195 000km warranty. The Auris is also supported by the Toyota-Care Roadside Assistance Programme which entitles customers to 24 hour roadside assistance.
The Toyota Auris HSD was made available for the test drive by Halfway Toyota, George. For more information, phone 044 802 8200 or have a look at the vehicle at the showroom - corner Courtenay and Meade Streets, George.
The interior is familiar, but the blue colour indicates it's a hybrid car.
The Auris is Toyota's first introduction of full hybrid technology in a mainstream model.
Auris HSD attracts no emissions tax.
ARTICLE: ANICA KRÜGER, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
