Hats off to Toyota. For a long time – more specifically since 1997 – Toyota has been defending that hybrids are the engines that offer the best results towards the great goal of the automobile industry: zero emissions.
A conviction that was betrayed by years and years of incentives to Diesel engines that distorted the market − more than pointing out paths, political power should point out goals (I'll leave this discussion for another time…). What's more, that's not why Toyota let its belief in this solution that adds an electric motor to a combustion engine “cool down”.
Let's be realistic. Diesels do have their advantages, namely the reduced consumption and good performance they offer − we have not been wrong all this time. However, the increasingly ambitious emission targets and the announced restrictions on circulation in some cities, have complicated life for these engines a lot. In turn, hybrid engines have also made an interesting path in evolutionary terms.
One of the models that bears witness to this evolution is this one, the Toyota Auris Hybrid Touring Sports . I lived with her for 800 km, on a trip that took me to the Algarve. Today I'm going to tell you how it was − the sensations behind the wheel! The trip itself was not of great interest…
Interiors admittedly Toyota
General rule − general rule! − Japanese see build quality differently from Europeans. While we Europeans care a lot about the perceived quality of materials (softness to the touch, visual impact, etc), the Japanese look at the issue from a more pragmatic perspective: what will plastics look like 10 years from now?
In the eyes of the Japanese they must be exactly the same. Being hard or soft to the touch is a secondary issue.
The presentation may sometimes not be the best, but the materials withstand the toughest of tests: time − I repeat, as a general rule! A feature that Japanese car owners make worth the weight of gold when selling in the used market. I know what I'm talking about, I tried to buy a used Corolla and quickly gave up given the requested values. *.
This Toyota Auris Hybrid Touring Sports follows this philosophy. Some materials may even be a few holes below the European competition, but they don't disappoint in terms of mounting accuracy. The general perception is one of solidity and rigor. Do we talk from here for 10 years?
Extensive equipment list
Automatic braking, lane departure warning, traffic sign reading, cruise control, automatic air conditioning, etc. Both in terms of safety equipment and in terms of comfort equipment, this Toyota Auris Hybrid Touring Sport is well equipped as standard.
A filling that in terms of safety has already earned Toyota a recent distinction at the Autobest awards.
It's a pity that the infotainment system doesn't follow the same line. Navigation through the menus is somewhat complex and the graphics are already dated. For the rest, there is nothing more to point out.
Let's go to the engine?
I'll start with what is pointed out as Toyota's hybrid handicap for those who like more aggressive driving: the continuous variation gearbox. It is nothing new for anyone that due to this technological solution, in more untimely accelerations, engine noise invades the cabin more than expected. Anyone who is adept at aggressive driving should look for another van, not this one.
For those looking for a van for calmer tunes, at moderate paces, the continuous variation box is the ideal solution. Why? Because it keeps the combustion engine running at its optimal operating regime, between 2000 and 2700 rpm, offering a remarkable silence and smooth operation. Better than a diesel engine? No doubt.
Speaking of concrete numbers, the Toyota Auris Hybrid Touring Sport, resulting from 136 hp (combined power), accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 175 km/h. Therefore, in terms of accelerations, it plays the same game with the proposals of the segment equipped with Diesel engines at around 110 hp of power. Hyundai i30 SW, Volkswagen Golf Variant, SEAT Leon ST, etc.
In terms of consumption, we achieved a combined average of 5.5 liters/100 km. Again a value at the level of the Diesel alternatives. The problem is that gasoline is more expensive… for how much longer? We do not know. But until then it will be a handicap for this Toyota Auris Hybrid Touring Sports.
This is what the electric motor is for
Without the help of the electric motor, the 1.8 atmospheric engine that equips this model would never be able to achieve these consumptions.
Its role is, by the way, even this one: to help the main engine, the combustion engine. The energy that in models equipped only with a combustion engine is wasted in braking, in this Toyota Auris Hybrid Touring Sport is stored in the batteries and delivered to the electric motor to be used in speed recovery.
Nothing is lost, nothing is created… ok. You know the rest.
dynamically speaking
Suspension taring favors comfort at the expense of dynamic behavior. What does this mean? It really means that. That the strength of the Toyota Auris Hybrid Touring Sports is comfort. Chassis reactions are correct, safe and always predictable but not thrilling.
It remains to talk about the space on board
The space behind is correct. It's not a “party room” but it can accommodate two child seats or two adults. The suitcase follows the same line, with a capacity of 530 liters − a value more than sufficient, but which does not shine compared to some competitors (Hyundai i30 SW and Skoda Octavia Combi) that exceed 600 liters of capacity.
Final remarks about this Toyota Auris Hybrid Touring Sports in the technical sheet.
* I ended up buying a second generation Renault Mégane 1.5 dCi. Do you want me to talk about her one of these days?