Toyota Auris HSD

Green car fans will be in for treat this week when almost every car manufacturer pulls the covers off their latest ‘green’ model… one of those eco leaders is Toyota.

The new, full hybrid Auris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) makes its debut at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show this week, marking the first step in depoying HSD technology across the whole Toyota range.

Designed exclusively for the European market, the production-ready Auris HSD was built in Britain at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston factory and aims to change consumer’s perceptions of full hybrid drive technology.

And it seems the new Toyota model has got everyone talking – even the UK Government. Business Minister Ian Lucas welcomed the prospect of a home-manufactured full hybrid model built right here in Britain: "I'm delighted that Toyota has chosen its UK plants to produce the first European Toyota hybrid car and I look forward to seeing it when I’m in Geneva for the Motor Show. Toyota’s commitment to reduce CO2 emissions gives fresh impetus to our vision for the UK to lead in the design, manufacture and use of low carbon cars."

The new Auris HSD will be available in two levels: 89g/km and 92g/km, both offer the lowest CO2 emissions and strongest fuel economy in their class. Designed to combine everyday usability, driving comfort and remarkable quietness for a smooth and sophisticated driving experience, the new Auris also marks the first step in introducing the HSD technology across the whole Toyota fleet by 2020. 

Exterior design
The new Auris HSD adopts the same styling DNA as the Auris 2010 range but with a completely redesigned front-end. It also boasts a number of model-specific features which help improve the car’s aerodynamic efficiency and reference the presence of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain.

The opening in the upper front grille has been optimised to promote a smooth flow of air over the upper half of the body and further improvement in aerodynamic efficiency has been achieved by reducing the ride height by 5mm. Purpose-designed alloy wheels with integrated aerodynamic caps, low rolling resistance tyres and a large, roof-mounted rear spoiler have also been added to the new model to increase the aerodynamics.

Interior design
Inside, the new Auris HSD boasts a number of modifications, including a revised instrument panel with an Eco Drive Assist Monitor. A hybrid blue smart start button has been added to the side of the instrument cluster and the centre console incorporates switches for the Parking Control and EV, ECO and Power drive modes, and a shift-by-wire gear lever.

A choice of upholsteries specific to the model will be available including a blue-flecked fabric or Alcantara panels with leather surrounds.

Hybrid Synergy Drive
The Auris HSD is a full hybrid capable of operating in petrol and electric modes alone, or a combination of both. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive system delivers the energy-saving qualities of a series hybrid, combined with the performance benefits of a parallel hybrid.

The technology delivers impressive, seamless acceleration and remarkably quiet running, with class-leading fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from 74.3mpg and 89g/km.

Toyota’s latest generation Hybrid Synergy Driver uses a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine, a powerful electro motor, generator, high performance battery and a power control unit. A power split device with a planetary gear system combines and reallocated power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to the car’s operational requirements.

The lightweight and compact four-cylinder, 1,798cc Atkinson Cycle VVT-i engine develops 97bhp at 5,200rpm and 142Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. The high performance permanent magnet synchronous 60kW electric motor generates a maximum 207Nm between zero and 13,000rpm.

In combination, the petrol engine and electric motor generate a maximum system power output of 134bhp, giving performance to match a conventional 2.0-litre petrol or diesel hatchback. Furthermore, when operating in its switchable EV mode, the Auris HSD boasts zero CO2 and NOx emissions and can drive for up to 1.3 miles at speeds up to 31mph, depending on the level of battery charge and driving conditions.

Auris HSD eco driving experience
The new Auris HSD has four driving modes, including three that can be selected ”on-demand” by the driver to maximise the HSD powertrain’s capabilities.

The EV mode allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power lone, giving zero fuel consumption and emissions. The ECO mode maximises efficiency and fuel economy, and the Power mode boosts system performance. In addition, an Eco Drive Monitor helps driver’s maximise the HSD system’s efficiency.

The new Auris HSD is scheduled to go on sale in the UK in July. Further details of the new vehicle are expected to be announced nearer the launch date.

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Donna Kelly

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02/03/2010