Frankfurt green news: Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid
Toyota is combining its Auris small hatch with the hybrid power system of the Prius to come up with the Auris HSD Full Hybrid. The Japanese firm will build the car in its UK plant - the first hybrid it has made outside of Japan.
What's all the fuss about?
Toyota is very keen to point out that the Full Hybrid part of the Auris's title means it can run solely on petrol, on electricity alone or a combination of the two, which some of its rivals cannot. More important than semantics is that the Auris will cost from around £20,000 and is on sale in the autumn of 2010 alongside the rest of the Auris range.
What makes it so green?
The Auris Hybrid may have a 1.8-litre petrol engine, but in conjunction with the electric motor Toyota says it will produce carbon dioxide emissions of less than 100g/km. This hybrid can also run for up to 1.25 miles on electric power alone at speeds of up to 31mph to be a zero-emissions car. Toyota has yet to confirm exact economy and emissions figures.
When can I buy one?
Give it a year and you'll be able to walk into a Toyota showroom and order an Auris Hybrid off the shelf. Toyota is committed to offering a hybrid version of all of its mainstream models and the Auris is the first in line. Expect to pay around £20,000 for the Auris Hybrid when it goes on sale in September 2012.
Frankfurt green news: Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid pictures
