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Proving that
advanced, low emissions technology need not cost
the earth, the new, British-built Toyota Auris
Hybrid has the measure of its main market rivals
on value for money.
Europe’s first full hybrid C-segment
model, it combines family-friendly five-door practicality with the
proven low emissions, high efficiency, quality and reliability of
Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive. In performance terms, the 134bhp Auris
Hybrid matches conventional 2.0-litre diesels, but with significantly
lower emissions and better fuel economy. All versions of the car achieve
sub-100g/km performance (89g/km with 15-inch wheels, 93g/km with 17-inch
wheels), which means owners pay no annual road tax (Vehicle Excise
Duty). Insurance is also competitive, with a 13E group rating.
The profile is even more attractive for
company car drivers, who enjoy for a car tax benefit-in-kind rating of
just 10 per cent. The model also qualifies for a 100 per cent
Corporation Tax write-down in the first year.
Thanks to combined cycle fuel
consumption of 74.3mpg (70.6mpg with 17-inch wheels), Auris Hybrid
drivers will be paying out a lot less at the pumps, too.
The table below details a straight cost
comparison between Auris Hybrid and leading segment competitors from
Volkswagen, Ford and Vauxhall. This demonstrates not only the cumulative
savings on tax and fuel, but also the greater value delivered by Auris
Hybrid’s superior equipment specification.
| |
Toyota
Auris Hybrid T4 |
Volkswagen Golf Match 2.0 TDI |
Ford
Focus Zetec 2.0 TDCi |
Vauxhall
Astra SRi 1.7 CDTi |
| OTR price1 |
£18,950 |
£20,310 |
£20,945 |
£20,890 |
| Power (bhp) |
134 |
138 |
134 |
124 |
| CO2
emissions (g/km) |
89 |
126 |
144 |
119 |
| Combined fuel
consumption (mpg) |
74.3 |
58.9 |
51.3 |
60.1 |
| 3-year VED/fuel
savings2 vs. competitor |
- |
£904 |
£1,600 |
£716 |
| Company car tax
BiK band |
10% |
18% |
20% |
13% |
| Annual company
car tax (20%/40%) |
£378/£756 |
£729/£1,458 |
£831/£1,661 |
£542/£1,083 |
| Insurance group |
13 |
TBA |
18 |
15 |
| Auto transmission |
Std |
£1,405 |
£1,500 |
N/A |
| Climate control |
Std |
Std |
Manual |
Manual |
| Electric folding
door mirrors |
Std |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| Rear electric
windows |
Std |
Std |
N/A |
N/A |
| Driver’s knee
airbag |
Std |
Std |
N/A |
N/A |
| Specification
adjusted price |
- |
+£825 |
+£2,975 |
+£2,310 |
1
Toyota, Ford and Vauxhall OTR prices correct at 1 April 2010. 2
Fuel saving calculated at 12,000 miles per annum at an average price per
litre of £1.21 (petrol) and £1.22 (diesel).
The great reliability of Hybrid Synergy
Drive has been proven by its successful installation in Prius, which has
achieved the lowest warranty cost per unit of any Toyota model.
Emphasising quality, reliability and peace-of-mind ownership, Auris
Hybrid, like all new Toyota cars, is covered by a five-year/100000-mile
manufacturer warranty.
Residual values are also expected to
compare well with the best in the C-segment, calculated by Toyota
Financial Services (TFS) to be 38 per cent after three years/60,000
miles.
Parts and servicing
Auris Hybrid’s 10,000-mile service intervals maximise the benefit of the
car’s component lifetime efficiency. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system
itself has been designed for low maintenance requirements and
durability, and has no need for a conventional starter motor or
alternator. The 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine has a maintenance-free
timing chain, an element-type oil filter, miniaturised spark plugs and
no drive belts, features which deliver worthwhile cost savings.
Thanks to the efficiency of the
Electronically Controlled Braking System, the front and rear brake pads
are good for 40,000 and 70,000 miles respectively. High tyre pressures
(2.4 or 2.3bar) reduce wear significantly, with typical durability of
more than 30,000 miles. The standard 15 and 17-inch tyres also cost less
than purpose-made alternatives.
The exhaust system is expected to last
for more than five years, thanks to its high stainless steel content and
the LED lamp bulbs have a 20-year lifespan.
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