Auris hybrid 2010 petrol, diesel, full hybrid: low cost of ownership

Best-in-class CO₂ emissions of just 89 g/km and combined cycle fuel economy of only 3.8 l/100 km offer customers significant, pan-European tax incentives, inner city congestion charge exemption and exceptionally low running costs.

The Auris HSD's full hybrid drive system has been specifically designed for low maintenance and exceptional durability. Combining low parts pricing with short service times and hence, reduced labour costs, Auris HSD maintenance costs over 100,000 km are remarkably reasonable.

The outstanding reliability of Hybrid Synergy Drive® has already been proven through its installation in the Prius, which shows the lowest warranty cost per unit amongst all Toyota models. The new Auris HSD benefits from a three year/100,000 km warranty, extended to five years/100,000 km on hybrid system components.

The Auris HSD is expected to achieve highly competitive insurance ratings, while residual values are expected to be in line with vehicles at the top of the C-segment. In the case of the UK market, a residual value target of 38-39% (depending on model grade) after 36 months/60,000 miles is anticipated.

Low CO₂ taxation and fuel costs 

The new Auris HSD fulfils Euro 5 emissions standards and is expected to meet those of Euro VI. Producing best-in-class CO₂ emissions of just 89 g/km — a figure unmatched by any other C-segment car - the Toyota full hybrid offers customers significant tax incentives in several European countries for instance, 2,000 Euros in France and 6,400 Euros in The Netherlands.

Auris HSD customers also benefit from class-leading fuel efficiency. Whilst operating in NORMAL driving mode, the new Toyota full hybrid returns only 3.8 l/100 km in the European homologation combined cycle. With the fuel consumption levels of a small city car, the Auris HSD has a driving range of about 1,180 km on a single tank of fuel.

This remarkable fuel efficiency is further enhanced by the Auris HSD's ability to operate in a unique, switchable, EV mode. Unavailable to rival, mild hybrid vehicles, EV mode allows the Toyota full hybrid to run on electric motor power alone for about 2 kilometres at speeds of up to about 50 km/h, depending on battery charge and driving conditions, whilst generating zero CO₂, NO_X and PM emissions.

Auris HSD running costs are likely to be subject to further reductions with the implementation of future congestion charging plans in major European cities. In London, for instance, the Auris HSD's hybrid vehicle status grants it exemption from the statutory charge when entering the Congestion Zone, representing a considerable annual cost saving for the urban dweller and customers who regularly travel into the city centre.

Lower servicing costs with outstanding component longevity

The Auris HSD's 15,000 km service interval maximises component lifetime efficiency, while the latest generation Hybrid Synergy Drive® system has been specifically designed for low maintenance and outstanding durability.

The full hybrid powertrain has no need of a conventional starter motor or alternator. The engine is equipped with a maintenance-free timing chain - a serving cost saving of some 300 Euros, an element oil filter and miniaturised spark plugs — realising savings of 45% and 23% respectively. It also has no drive belts whatsoever, combining excellent reliability with a further saving of some 80 Euros.

Due to the efficiency of the Auris HSD's Electronically Controlled Braking System, the brake pads have a life expectancy of over 100,000 km and may never need to be replaced during the vehicle's lifespan. Standard sized 15" and 17" tyres not only cost less than purpose-made alternatives, but also their high, 2.4 and 2.3 bar pressure significantly reduces wear, with typical durability exceeding 50,000 km.

With a proven reliability record garnered over some 60 billion kilometres of driving worldwide, the high quality Hybrid Synergy Drive® battery is designed to last the entire life of the car. Rigorously assessed for performance and durability, it is covered by a five year, 100,000 km warranty. Exhaust system life expectancy is over five years due to a high stainless steel content, and 'lifetime' LED headlamp bulbs have a 20 year lifespan.

Combining exceptional component longevity with low parts pricing and the reduced labour costs resultant from short service times, Auris HSD maintenance costs over 100,000 km are highly competitive.

The new Auris HSD benefits from a three year/100,000 km warranty, extended to five years/100,000 km on hybrid system components. Prius warranty history has already confirmed the outstanding reliability of Hybrid Synergy Drive®, showing the lowest warranty cost per unit amongst all Toyota models. Over three years, Prius warranty cost per unit is only 18% of that of the Corolla/Avensis, of which just 1.8% relates to hybrid componentry — figures the Auris HSD is fully expected to equal.

Proven Toyota quality with competitive insurance costs and high residual values

With proven Toyota quality and Hybrid Synergy Drive® reliability already exemplified through the Prius' top 'Lowest Problems' ranking in JD Power's 2007 and 2008 German, French and UK surveys, the Auris HSD will bring an unprecedented level of customer satisfaction to the C-segment.

The Auris HSD bodyshell has been designed to resist corrosion throughout the life of the vehicle. The use of galvanized steel sheets on most of the body components enhances anti-corrosion characteristics. And an underbody undercoating further prevents corrosion damage as a result of paint chipping.

The new Auris HSD also benefits from Toyota's already excellent record of low repair costs. Many components have been developed specifically to reduce impact repair costs and the body structure itself has also been designed to reduce repair costs when a minor collision occurs.

The crash box integral to the bumper reinforcement absorbs collision energy, helping to reduce body structure damage. The bumper reinforcement, front side member, radiator support, rear bumper crash box and rear side member all adopt bolt-fastening structures for reduced repair costs. And the radiator support features a retracting mechanism to minimise damage to the cooling unit in the event of a minor collision.

The Auris HSD is expected to achieve highly competitive C-segment insurance ratings, and residual values are expected to be in line with vehicles at the top of the C-segment. In the case of the UK market, a residual value target of 38-39% (depending on model grade) after 36 months/60,000 miles is anticipated.