Enlarge imageThe new Toyota Auris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) will have two versions, one delivering 89g/km emissions and 74.3mpg combined fuel economy, and the second emitting 93g/km CO2 with 70.6mpg combined fuel economy.
The Auris HSD is a full hybrid capable of operating in petrol and electric modes alone, or a combination of both. It uses the same 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine found in the Prius - and the forthcoming Lexus CT 200h - together with an electric motor, generator, battery and a power control unit. It comes with E-CVT electric continuously variable transmission.
Powered by the hybrid battery, the electric motor works in tandem with the petrol engine to boost acceleration in normal driving. The Auris HSD can be driven in EV (electric vehicle) mode, powered by its electric motor alone for up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to about (30mph) when operating in EV mode, generating zero CO2 and NOx emissions.
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During deceleration and under braking, the electric motor acts as a high-output generator to effect regenerative braking, recovering kinetic energy that would normally be wasted as heat for storage as electrical energy in the battery.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. But the Auris HSD has lower CO2 emissions and significantly lower NOx emissions than diesel-powered cars of comparable performance.
Again like the Prius, the Auris HSD comes with EV mode, which allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power lone, giving zero fuel consumption and emissions. ECO mode maximises efficiency and fuel economy, and Power mode boosts system performance.
The Auris HSD's aerodynamic efficiency is assisted by slightly revised exterior styling, a ride height reduced by 5mm; purpose-designed alloy wheels with integrated aerodynamic caps; low rolling resistance tyres; and a large, roof-mounted rear spoiler. Working together to smooth and control the flow of air over the car, these HSD-specific design modifications reduce the coefficient of drag from Cd0.290 to 0.283, contributing to reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The interior features a number of modifications to incorporate information about the hybrid system.
The Auris HSD will be the first of Toyota's core models to be offered with the option of full hybrid, petrol and diesel powertrains. It will lead the way for the introduction of full hybrid versions of all Toyota models in Europe by the early 2020s.
It will be built in Britain and will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this week. The UK sales launch is scheduled for July.
Toyota's European whole-fleet average CO2 emissions have fallen by 14g/km between 2008 and 2009 to 132g/km.
Keywords: Toyota Auris HSD Hybrid Synergy Drive, 89g/km CO2, 74.3mpg, 93g/km CO2, 70.6mpg, 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine, Geneva Motor Show.
