The Auris hatchback is set to become the first mainstream car Toyota fits its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) to for Europe and a 'concept' previewing that car will make its debut at the
Frankfurt Motor Show this month - alongside a prototype plug-in version of the
latest Prius.
Little else has been said about the Auris HSD as yet, though we expect it to feature the Prius's petrol-electric powertrain virtually unchanged and to go on sale early in 2010. The Prius range is due to receive a new plug-in version too, though it is in the early stages of development and just 150 carefully selected 'customers' will take delivery of an example next year, in what Toyota calls an 'extensive field trial'.
We had expected to see an all-electric development of the
tiny iQ in Frankfurt as well, but unless Toyota is keeping quiet about it, the only iQ news will be the presence of a body-kitted 'iQ for Sports' and another customised example with a glass roof and what appears to be cow print seat coverings.
We'll bring you more detail once we have it.
Shane O' Donoghue - 2 Sep 2009