Toyota Auris 1.8 Hybrid Design Tss 5Dr Cvt [leather] Hybrid Hatchback

Driving Experience

Toyota says that the driver appeal of this car has been increased with powertrain retuning that delivers an improved, natural driving experience with no compromise in the highly efficient performance. The brand's engineers have secured a closer alignment between the increase in engine and vehicle speeds, creating a more linear acceleration feel as the driver applies the throttle. That's all very well but customer priorities when it comes to hybrid vehicle dynamics tend to be refinement, then refinement followed by refinement. People don't buy these cars to fling round corners or smoke the tyres away from the lights. A good hybrid hatchback should be about pure relaxation and low stress. It should promote a calm, measured driving style and remind the driver that the journey can be enjoyed in ways other than outbraking someone into a roundabout. Extensive soundproofing in the engine bay, front wheel arches and dashboard has reduced engine and road noise intrusion in the cabin of the current Auris Hybrid. The 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine was already one of the smoothest in its class and with the addition of the electric motor, it's also reasonably brisk. Working only via auto transmission, it'll make 62mph in 10.9 seconds on the way to 112mph. The suspension has actually been softened, but that's only because the chassis is reasonably stiff and the suspension components pretty light. This combination means that you'll get a decent ride, with handling that'll also probably be a little better than you'd expect. If your experience of this car is limited to the first generation pre-2012 version, you'll probably also probably notice that the steering is rather more feelsome than it used to be too. When operating its switchable all-electric EV mode, the Auris Hybrid generates zero CO2, NOx and particulates for distances up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to about 31mph, according to the level of battery charge and driving conditions.