15.2.2013 Toyota announces Auris Touring hybrid

The new, British-built Auris Touring Sports introduces an estate car body style to Toyota's Auris range for the first time.

It's also the first model in its class to offer the choice of a full hybrid powertrain, marking further diversification of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology.

Auris Touring Sports is built exclusively by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) at its factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire, alongside the Auris hatchback and Avensis models.

The new model is expected to broaden the appeal of Auris and is expected to help increase the model's European segment share. The hybrid battery has been positioned beneath the rear seats, meaning that the hybrid version does not compromise the size of the load space and the Auris's luggage capacity.

The Auris Touring Sports carries forward all the improvements made in the new Auris hatchback. These include a more rigid bodyshell, a lower centre of gravity, improved suspension and steering, a better driving position and improved performance.

It will be available in the UK with the same powertrain options as the hatch: 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i and 1.6-litre Valvematic petrol units; the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel; and full hybrid – a first in the family/compact estate car market.

The full hybrid's Hybrid Synergy Drive system features a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and an electric motor, giving a maximum power output of 134bhp/100kW. This enables nought to 62mph acceleration in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 112mph.

Conversely the hybrid's CO2 emissions are a class-leading 86g/km; indeed emissions performance across the range is highly competitive with the 1.33 and 1.6 petrol units rated at 127 and 139g/km respectively and the 1.4 D-4D diesel at just 109g/km.

The full hybrid version that returns 86gCO2/km will mean that owners will benefit from free annual car tax, 100% exemption from the London Congestion Charge and just a 10% BIK rate for company car users. These figures combine to offer particularly low running costs, for both private and business customers.

The Auris Touring car also offers good practicality and a number of features. With the rear seats in place the load area is 1,115mm long and 1,452mm wide, giving a capacity of 530 litres. With the rear seats folded the capacity is a class-leading 1,658 litres.

As witnessed in the new Auris hatchback, the strong and distinctive exterior design maximises the aerodynamic benefits that come with the model's lower overall height and the dynamic improvements offered by its lower centre of gravity.