FIRST DRIVE - TOYOTA AURIS HYBRIDElectric cars are sparking the industry and Toyota's new launch shows it is committed to hybrids, says Michael McAleer,Motoring Editor
AS IRELAND prepares for a surge of electric vehicles – if you are to believe the buzz from the likes of the ESB – the world’s largest car firm is expanding its petrol-electric hybrid range. The Prius led the way, as a car of choice for early adopters, the sorts who sleep outside Apple shops to get the new iPad. While it has now spread to the mainstream, it still makes a statement about the environmental credentials of its owners.
Toyota now wants to bring hybrid to its heartland conservative buyers, the sort of people who are concerned for the future of the planet, but shy away from flag-waving environmentalism. For these, Toyota is introducing the hybrid powertrain to its Auris range. It’s a third powertrain option – after regular petrol and diesel engines – for buyers in the all-important family hatchback market and a very clear signal that Toyota is not prepared to give up on the hybrid model for all the hype over full electric vehicles.
For the few who still don’t understand the hybrid, basically you get a regular petrol engine but support it with an electric motor. The power comes either from the motor, the engine or a mix of both.
Several firms have dabbled in this but Toyota has had the greatest success. Its latest versions also allow limited full-electric mode to be used for up to 2kms at less than 50km/h.
The battery charges off the spare capacity of the engine and from braking (it’s a bit like how the dynamo on a bicycle works). Toyota is also working on adding a plug-in charge function on later versions of the Prius. Even with this, there will be a petrol engine on hand to give it proper range.
Competitors claim investment in hybrids is a distraction from the drive towards full electric, or even concentrating on improvements to regular engines. They point to the fact that in many instances a good diesel engine is more than a match for the fuel efficiency of hybrid models, particularly on higher-speed motorway runs where it’s predominantely the petrol engine that does all the work.
In Toyota’s defence, it offers hybrid alongside other versions, not instead of them. The hybrid principles can also be applied to any combination of technologies. For now it features a petrol engine and an electric motor; Peugeot plans to mix diesel engines and electric motors, and ultimately future hybrids might mix fuel cell technology with some other source.
Ultimately, it’s about widening the hybrid audience and that’s where this Auris comes in. The body may be the same as the regular petrol and diesel variants of the family hatchback but the powertrain is from the latest Prius. The 1.8-litre petrol engine is matched to a nickel-metal hydride battery; the power from both equating to 136bhp.
Toyota claims that’s equivalent to a 2-litre petrol engine, which would seem more than ample for a family hatchback. But any such hopes are dashed when you attempt to really push this car along. The power may be there but the car’s CVT automatic transmission never seems capable of fully harnessing its potential.
This is most noticeable on hill climbs or overtaking, when you kick down expecting the revs to flicker up and down as the power increases. Instead it seems to rise to about 5,000rpm and stays there, with the consequent engine whine. It doesn’t matter what speed you are doing – this engine whine can occur if you are too vigorous with the throttle while pulling off in the middle of town. You expect passers-by to be shaking their heads and mouthing “change gear you moron”.
The engineers say you can overcome this with a little change to your throttle movements. And the throttle response does change depending on which mode you choose. If you opt for eco-mode, the primary interest is to reduce fuel consumption, while opting for power mode provides 25 per cent better throttle response from the pedal. It’s by no means a snail on the road but enthusiastic drivers might expect more from 136bhp. A time of 11.4 seconds from 0-100km/h is respectable, if not particularly noteworthy. Then again, hybrid owners don’t always seek out the power alternative. It’s there, as Lexus demonstrated on its models, but Auris owners may be a little more conservative in their driving.
As to the rest of the car, when cruising, or in towns with the battery providing back-up, it settles down nicely and noise/vibration issues are not a problem. The ride on either the 15” or 17” wheels is comfortable, and the car’s handling differs little from the regular Auris. That’s despite the extra weight of the battery pack housed behind the rear seats.
Part of the attraction is that it’s not as much of a public statement as the Prius. The only way you can tell is that the hybrid Auris will only come in pearlescent white and carry the telltale Hybrid logo on the boot. These features – and its whisper quiet movement when running on battery power – are the only noticeable differences.
As to the all important fuel consumption and emission figures, the Auris hybrid promises an official average fuel figure of 3.8l/100km and a CO2 of just 89g/km. If the Government ever gets round to properly rewarding car firms for breaking through the 100g/km barrier there should be a tax saving, but for now it rests with all the other cars that achieve emissions below 120g/km. And by the time this car arrives, the €2,500 tax reduction on hybrids will have gone. From January 2011 it will only be available on full electric cars and plug-in hybrids. It’s a strange approach to promoting fuel efficiency. It also means that it will receive no greater benefit than the 1.4-litre diesel Auris.
As the Auris hybrid isn’t for sale here until the end of the year, no prices are confirmed. Built at Toyota’s UK plant and with technology from Japan, volatile exchange rates will play a role. Indications are that it will come in at the top of the Auris price range, close to €25,000. There will be two grades of specification for Ireland, the mid-level with 15” alloys and automatic air-con, while the high grade will have 17” alloys, Bluetooth connection, rain sensors, cruise control and a rear spoiler.
The Auris isn’t radical but it is another step in efforts to get mass appeal for hybrid technology. Next up is likely to be a hybrid option in the next generation Avensis. After that more will follow. Hybrid may not be the star eco-attraction it once was but it still serves a purpose. But will Irish buyers pay the premium if there’s no clear tax incentive?
Factfile
Engine:1,798cc 99bhp four-cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Combined they offer 136bhp. Features an electric continuously variable transmission
Performance:0-100km/h in 11.4 seconds; top speed of 180km/h
Fuel consumption:3.8l/100km (4.0 l/100km when on 17" alloys)
Emissions:89g/km (Band A motor tax – €104)
Price:estimated at €25,000
Arriving:end of year