Toyota Auris Hybrid WhatGreenCar Car of the Year 2010
The title of WhatGreenCar Car of the Year 2010 has been awarded to the new Toyota Auris hybrid, which is launched today.
The new Auris was chosen from a short-list of 10 green car finalists which were test-driven by six of the UK’s leading green transport and environmental experts. The judging was completely independent and showcased the most innovative green new cars available to buy in the UK during 2010.
In addition to awarding the Car of the Year title to the new Auris hybrid, the judging panel also ‘highly commended’ the Seat Leon 1.6 TDI Ecomotive, BMW 320d EfficientDynamics and Citroen DS3 1.6 HDi.
On behalf of the judging panel, Dr Ben Lane, Managing Editor of WhatGreenCar said: "With so many models now in the sub-100g/km category for CO2 emissions, this year’s contest was more evenly matched than in 2009. The SEAT Leon excelled in its drive, handling and its excellent value, with one of the lowest WGC ratings in its class. The BMW 320d has dramatically improved on the emissions of its predecessor, without denting BMW’s high standards of build and performance. And the new Citroen DS3 is the new low emission head-turner, and will be in high demand from car buyers who are looking for a green car that’s ‘sexy’."
"The judges, however, were particularly impressed by Toyota’sAuris hybrid; the latest in their developing hybrid range and, most significantly, the first hybrid in the 'small family' class. Cheaper and smaller than the Prius, the new Auris will allow significantly more car buyers to join the ‘hybrid owners’ club. In addition to the car’s superior drive and state-of-the-art driver control options, the judges also noted its ‘normal’ looks, in contrast to the more futuristic Prius; and a sign that hybrid technology is now becoming mainstream."
“One other short-listed car that also caught the judges’ attention was the all-electric Mitsubishi iMiEV. With its distinctive looks, silent running, zero-emissions, and total simplicity, several judges thought that this was the ‘car to watch’, the only reservation being the price. With a list price of over £38,000, the iMiEV remains way out of reach for most car buyers. That said, if Mitsubishi can find a way to lower the price, the iMiEV will sell like hot cakes – with a WGC rating of only 10, we hope they will.”
About the Toyota Auris hybrid
The Auris’ Hybrid Synergy drive is almost identical to that of the successful Prius, and features a 1.8 litre VVT-i petrol engine and two electric motors that work together to deliver power to the wheels in the most efficient way. The result is best-in-class CO2 emissions of just 89 g/km and a combined fuel economy of 74.3 mpg.
As in the Prius, the driver is able to switch between the power options: driving in EV-mode (electric only when batteries have sufficient charge), ECO-mode (the car decides how to use energy sources most efficiently), and POWER-mode (petrol and engine and batteries are used to maximum effect). The model is exempt from paying 'road tax' and the London Congestion Charge.
The Auris hybrid is manufactured in the UK, and is available from 1st July.
