TOYOTA Auris Hybrid Review

In spite of all this, you can use the upgraded optional Toyota Touch & Go Plus infotainment system. Apart for the functions already offered by the more humble Touch and Touch & Go version, this brings voice command. This also acts like a good parent, reading out the texts and emails so you can keep your eyes on the road.

Through the 6.1-inch touchscreen, you can also control an optional audio system provided by JBL. Even here, Toyota has insisted on saving energy. Since the system measures output in real time, it only sips electricity when required. The scheme is pretty effective - as far as the music is concerned, the alternator only has to do half the job compared to the power requirements of a normal system.

You’ll worry little about this once you buy the car though. What will matter though, is the safety. The Auris received a five-star EuroNCAP rating. The Auris comes with impressive scores, both in terms of adult and child occupant protection.

Even when it comes to pedestrians, the car did a pretty good job considering the current standards set by other vehicles of its kind. As far as its safety features are concerned, the best part are its eight airbags. Unfortunately, it lacks any special active protection systems, such as adaptive cruise control.

We’re back inside the city right now and the fuel abstinence game can begin once again. The Auris works brilliantly as a hybrid. For eco-ness’ sake, it even slightly beats the Prius at this game and this is definitely the best part of the car.

You’ll also appreciate the ease of driving and overall comfort of the Auris Hybrid. This also makes the hatchback a family-friendly option.

As for what’s not to like, the eCVT transmission requires quite some time getting used to. In fact, there’s a price to be paid for the refinement brought by the hybrid powertrain. You have to adapt to the car, not the other way around.