toyota hybrid auris
Last week in Michigan, we had opportunity to sample Toyota’s European and UK-market Auris Hybrid, and came away impressed with its driving dynamics, aesthetics, and functionality, not to mention a compelling spec sheet.
What’s so special about its specs? For starters, the freshly minted Auris gets improved mpg and CO2 emissions over the regular Prius, plus it has a more sophisticated rear suspension, tends to be a tad lighter and more nimble-footed as delivered, and it costs around 4,000 euros less.
What’s not to like? Does the Auris Hybrid out Prius the Prius?
The answer is not completely, but there is some serious overlap. The Auris Hybrid – offered as a hatchback and wagon and with non-hybrid powertrains as well – borrows from the Prius Liftback its 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with electric power to create Toyota’s proprietary “Hybrid Synergy Drive” (HSD).
External dimensions put the Auris in the C-segment (compact) compared to the D-segment (midsized) Prius, but the Auris is not that small. It’s 8 inches shorter than the Prius, 0.6-inches wider, and not nearly as diminutive as the 19-inch shorter, 2-inch narrower Prius c with its 1.5-liter HSD setup.
That it offers competition to the Prius was not just our wild idea either. Others we spoke to commented similarly, and Toyota of Europe Toyota Product Communication Senior Manager Bart Eelen helped point out pros and cons between the apple-to-orange comparison.
Ellen conceded the Auris Hybrid does have some advantages, but the Prius stands strong as a symbol to die-hard fans.
“The original Prius customer, who was buying the car for its high tech credentials, iconic shape, etc. has proven to be very loyal to the Prius badge, in spite of Auris arriving,” said Eelen.
The hybrid version of the Auris on the other hand is just one variation of a line of cars built on the same platform as the Prius. Eelen said to many Europeans, the Auris Hybrid looks like any other Auris on the road – which may come with powertrains including a 1.33-liter gas engine, a 1.6-liter gas engine, a 1.4D-4D diesel engine and a 2.0D-4D diesel engine.
This said, the Auris is attracting some would-be Prius buyers, as they can’t help but recognize a vehicle introduced as a 2013 model that’s newer in its product life cycle and with certain advantages making it for some, a no-brainer.
“I don’t know whether Auris would dilute the Prius position in the U.S. if it were ever introduced,” said Eelen, “but in Europe we have definitely seen that the type of customer who used to buy Prius for predominantly practical reasons, have switched to Auris.”
In response, U.S. Toyota Product Communications Specialist, Maurice Durand confirmed Toyota is open to prospects, would “never say never,” but has no plans at present to import the Auris and myriad issues would need to be sorted first. His thought also is the Auris Touring Sports wagon would indeed erode Prius v sales, and perhaps something similar could be said of the Auris Hybrid Hatchback.
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