Hybrids are all very well but they’re generally smaller than traditional cars and therefore less user-friendly.
Well, at least that used to be the case with the likes of the Honda CR-Z. The largest was a hatchback, either a Toyota Prius or the more luxurious Lexus CT200h. No estates. Well, not until Toyota launched the new Auris Hybrid Tourer, which really does provide the environmentally conscious with a well sized, capable vehicle but also performance.
Things have really moved on since I drove a hybrid a year ago.
My first acquaintance with the striking island blue estate is at night. It’s always more of a challenge to drive a car you’re unfamiliar with when it’s dark, for obvious reasons. A click of the keyfob and I’m inside. The delivery driver was fairly short by all accounts as my knees are around my neck as I sit in the driver’s seat. It’s easy to adjust. In common with other hybrids I am instantly struck by a feeling of fear as I rummage around for the ignition and even though I push the button start on the right of the steering wheel, there is an unnerving silence. The automatic box really does not look very substantial but on engaging the reverse function it quietly moves backwards. There is an electric parking brake and a traditional one; the first car I have come across with two. The dashboard looks a bit boxy especially where the sat nav is located; it looks like an after thought. Over time the driver does become more used to it, though. It’s a large car, not dissimilar to the Ford Focus estate in terms of styling. Head on it’s attractive and the front looks striking and well designed.
The large panoramic glass roof that stretches from the front to the back of the vehicle has an electric cover and this, in common with those found in Peugeots, is a winning formula. It really does make the cabin much lighter when the sun does decide to show its face.
With my growing family we’re having to make use of every bit of space our Victorian terrace house has to offer and so I have cleared the loft to make way for a more imaginative use of this space; office come bedroom.
Needless to say I have a great deal of rubbish to take to the tip including old bits of wood and plasterboard and a vacuum cleaner. The cavernous boot swallows it all with ease. Although I have to push down two of the rear seats to make way for this large load, it is so easy to do; you simply pull a lever on the right of the boot. Removing the security cover in the boot does prove a little more awkward. A roof box from roofcarriers.co.uk provides extra space.
Despite its loading carrying abilities this Auris Tourer still feels a very compact and sporty vehicle to drive. My wife complains that there is not enough legroom for her as a front passenger but space in the back seems more than adequate. If you want to be environmentally friendly then it will travel a mile or two on ev mode at under 30mph and I notice there’s also a battery mode on the auto box, which has the same effect of engaging ev mode but it is much easier I find than rummaging about for the other dashboard mounted switch when driving. While driving in a green way is slower it does have power when required and there is a more urgent tone to the engine, a bit like a high pitched hum when the accelerator is kicked to the floor. Toyota claims that it will return over 70mpg but the best I have experienced is 49mpg according to the electronic reading.
Overall this is the best hybrid I have driven to date, not only is it striking in appearance, it’s fast when required and capable.
Facts at a glance
Toyota Auris Touring Sports Excel Hybrid 1.8 CVT T&G
New price: £24,390
Top speed: 112mph
0-60mph: 10.9secs
Economy: 49mpg
CO2 emissions: 92 g/km
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