TOYOTA Auris Hybrid Review

The fact that you have to use the hybrid driving ways makes the diesel alternatives a more facile purchase. But the truth is that, in the city, a Golf, for instance, will never pull the same real-world efficiency of the Auris Hybrid. And then there’s the diesel rattle you have to live with, which is sensibly worse than the aural variations of the hybrid powertrain.

Alas, once you take the hybrid bits away, there’s not too much that recommends the Auris. We find the normal Auris somewhere in the middle of the hatchback pack. The worst part of the Toyota Auris is its detached character.

There’s not much going on when you’re driving this thing. The hybrid does escape this inside the city thanks to its eco play, but the problem shines through in the standard versions.

As for the complete comparison with the Prius, this is perhaps the tightest case of such a family affair. The two actually overlap on certain segments. The Prius will always keep its status, so customers who find this important, social or personal fascination-wise will remain faithful. However, those who simply buy a Prius for practical reasons will strongly consider the Auris Hybrid.

Unfortunately, there don’t seem to be any plans of bringing the Auris Hybrid to the US. In America, if you want something smaller than a Prius, you go for the Prius c. But that’s one full segment below the Auris Hybrid.

Nonetheless, we mustn’t forget that the Prius falls into the European D segment, while the Auris plays in the C segment. More importantly, the Auris Hybrid is EUR less expensive, being offered for EUR. As for the value-for-money, this Toyota receives a nine.

The situation is bound to change in 2015 though. That’s the year when Toyota should give us a new Prius, the fourth generation. Until then, we’d go with the fresher, no-frills Auris Hybrid.