Toyota Auris Hybrid review
Equipment levels are good too. All three models come with climate control, electric windows and door mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a six-speaker CD radio with USB connection as standard.
The entry T4 model at £19,895 is actually the best on fuel and CO2, thanks to standard fitment of smaller 15in alloys. The 17in versions optional on the T4 or standard on the T-spirit hurt the economy by comparison, but those versions still record 70mpg and 93g/km.
The top-spec T-spirit at £21,675 bumps up the equipment with Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, keyless entry and start, rain sensing wipers and rear-view camera. It also comes with leather and alcantara seats.
However all models come fitted with the same high level of safety equipment and technology, including a knee airbag for the driver. Anti-skid traction control and vehicle stability control are all part of that package, as are whiplash-lessening seats. To protect your investment, the Auris Hybrid comes with a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser that’ll lower your insurance bills as a result.
So it’s economical, safe, practical and well equipped, but Toyota hasn’t forgotten to make it drive well. The ride is well composed with minimal bump intrusion or too much corner lean, and you come away thinking the suspension settings are about right for a car that’s most at home in town.
Buyers of conventional hatchbacks might be a little concerned that the complexity of the drivetrain might bump up running costs, but that’s not the case, according to Toyota. The 1.8-litre engine has no drive belts to worry about (the camshaft is operated by a low maintenance timing chain instead), and altogether the company says the car has the same servicing costs as a Yaris 1.0 supermini.
What’s more, that battery has an eight-year 100,000 mile warranty, while the more general warranty lasts for five years, so any faults should be addressed for free. For anybody who’s motoring involves a lot of urban miles, the Auris Hybrid makes a compelling case.
