Unveiled: Corolla Hybrid.

[omn1potent]

Unveiled: Corolla Hybrid.

STEVE COLQUHOUN

March 2, 2010

More frugal than a Prius, but will Toyota Australia import it?

If Toyota's celebrated Prius hybrid is the car that opened the world's eyes to petrol-electric motoring, then the Auris version of the same technology unveiled this week is the one that's likely to be bought in bigger numbers.

The compact Auris - or Corolla, as it's known in Australia and New Zealand - follows its big brother, the Camry, in receiving radical heart surgery to install Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.

It combines a conventional petrol-driven engine with an electric motor that enables the car to run on either, or both. Toyota says it will deliver consumption of 3.2 litres per 100km and emissions of just 89 grams per kilometres of C02.

In EV (electric vehicle) mode it can drive up to two kilometres at speeds of up to 50km/h, producing no emissions.

However, Toyota Australia says the Auris/Corolla is "not currently on our list", despite its own determination to roll out a hybrid version of every model in its range by 2020.

If it does arrive here - it goes on sale in Britain in July - it would pip the diesel-powered Ford Fiesta Econetic (3.7L/100km) as the nation's cleanest and most fuel-efficient car.

The 1.8-litre petrol engine produces 72kW of power and 142Nm of torque, while the electric motor develops 60kW. Significantly, the electric motor's maximum torque of 207Nm is available from zero all the way up to 13,000rpm, endowing it with instant responsiveness.

The two motors combine to produce around 100kW, which Toyota says will match the performance of most 2.0-litre petrol or diesel hatchbacks while significantly undercutting their fuel consumption and emissions.

The Auris hybrid will not only pick up 2010 styling updates, it will also include aerodynamic aids including revised upper and lower front grilles to improve airflow over the body and improve engine cooling, a reduced ride height, low-drag alloy wheels fitted with low rolling resistance tyres and a roof-mounted rear spoiler.

It follows the lead of the Prius and the Hybrid Camry in replacing the tachometer with an information panel providing instant feedback on how the Hybrid Synergy Drive is powering the car. There is also a "smart start" button on the side of the instrument cluster, while switches on the centre console allow the driver to choose from EV, Eco or Power modes.

Edited March 2, 2010 by omn1potent

[SuperDave]

It was only a matter of time. The whole Mitsubishi stand at the Tokyo (Chiba) Autoshow was only hybrids, not an Evo in sight. The Honda CRZ concept is hybrid, Subaru had a hybrid concept and half the Toyota stand were hybrids.

[jps137]

It was only a matter of time. The whole Mitsubishi stand at the Tokyo (Chiba) Autoshow was only hybrids, not an Evo in sight. The Honda CRZ concept is hybrid, Subaru had a hybrid concept and half the Toyota stand were hybrids.

And now that Porsche and a few of the others are producing high performance hybrids (see link)

http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/...00302-pdwl.html