What is it?
Toyota is set to introduce its Auris Hybrid in the autumn of 2010 and the car will be built at the company's UK plant. It's called a Full Hybrid because, as Toyota a little testily points out, its car can run on petrol, electric or a combination of both when some rivals cannot do this. Either way, the Auris uses the same Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain as the new Prius and dispatches 0-62mph in ten seconds while emitting less than 100g/km of carbon dioxide.
Why's it here?
Toyota has an ambitious plan to equip all of its mainstream models with a hybrid option and the Auris is the first step in that direction. The company believes that by making hybrid cars more available, more people will buy them to reduce their environmental impact. The Auris HSD Full Hybrid also shows that small changes, such as a 20mm lower ride height and improved aerodynamics, can help cut CO2 emissions and save fuel.
Show stopper or floor filler?
A Toyota Auris is not going to set pulses racing or hearts stopping. Yes, the Auris HSD Full Hybrid is possibly one of the more interesting cars at Frankfurt because it will be on sale in 12 months' time, but we've seen the hybrid tech already in the Prius, so no, this is not a show stopper.
Alisdair Suttie - 17 Sep 2009