Test Drive: Toyota Auris HSD - 3 in 1

We tested the hybrid Toyota Auris HSD, which benefit from the same technology as the Toyota Prius. Auris HSD is but a 3 in 1 car, taking the best attributes of an electric car, an economic and a powerful, all at a reasonable price.

A machine to consume as little as possible but not sacrifice too much comfort, practicality and safety with which we are accustomed to each is ideal, given that fuel prices continuously increasing, and this trend will be preserved in future.

Electrically powered cars are probably long-term future, but as the thing now with batteries (must be recharged at least 8 hours) and issues of autonomy (limited) - maybe you can afford to have two cars - one for city and one for longer trips. Or maybe not. There is another option. There is only one car can be as efficient in fuel consumption as it is practical and reasonable acquisition costs and maintenance. Hybrid car.

Toyota Auris HSD is the second hybrid model, where the Prius, the Japanese manufacturer's range for customers in Europe, but it is the first car based on a version of the classic internal combustion engine. HSD Auris has been developed as a hybrid car but is based only platform that provides customers and gasoline and diesel. Hence the resulting lower production costs and thus a final price reasonable.

Exterior and interior

Auris to a "normal" hybrid model does not come out too much, having only a lower ground clearance, and some changes of the front bumper design, a better aerodynamics. HSD Auris goes almost unnoticed in traffic, being a normal car, and only one eye of a connoisseur would notice.

Inside is but a few details and distinctive features. The Toyota Blue means green, so that clocks have a board outline and blue background. There is no tachometer but over time you realize that unnecessary information simply does not belong in the Auris HSD. At left is a dial that indicates how your driving (with charging batteries, driving strong organic or driven, sports). On the face of the speedometer display and trip computer information, with an animation of the hybrid system operating system, instant consumption, environment, etc..

On the center console, controls can be found at the top of the classical music system (radio CD MP3 and six speakers), air-conditioning system. At the bottom is the button electronic parking (such as car stops, and "thrust at speed) and E-CVT transmission lever and three buttons for three driving mode EV, ECO and Power. There is also a classic for the handbrake lever.

Inside there is enough room for five passengers, each with enough space for legs and head. Trunk (279 liters to 350 liters normal model) but had suffered most because of the location of the batteries under the rear seats and special suspension systems, super-compact design.

Engine and transmission

Toyota Auris HSD has the same system as the Prius hybrid, consisting of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine VVT-i that develops 99 hp at 5200 rpm and 142 Nm at 4,000 rpm with a 60 kW/80 hp electric motor and 207 Nm. Power unit is powered by electricity stored in the battery pack located under the rear seat.

Transmission is ensured by an automatic gearbox, E-CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission Electric), very compact, efficient and comfortable, especially in urban traffic.

In traffic

Climbed behind the wheel of a button available to start, Auris HSD with keyless start system. You hold down the brake and press START. I can not hear anything, no vibration noise coming from the engine compartment. The instrument panel comes to life and shows you the necessary information. With at least half-charged battery, HSD Auris leaves in place only by the electric motor that hardly any sounds. Those with finer ear will feel easy and just a whistle if you push too hard acceleration, you can go into electric mode up to 2 km (with full battery) and up to a maximum speed of 50 km / h.

The Auris HSD I had a revelation in city traffic. By now I was accustomed to "run" between the lights, already knew the route while the circus is usually on every traffic light green and how fast should I (less than the legal) to catch them all. The Auris HSD can go quietly, ECO mode, enabled by default when starting the car, knowing that there is no point rushing it. If it turns red car stops the gasoline engine anyway, if it was enabled, and consumption is zero. If you press too hard acceleration, you can go casual with electricity only, the battery charging to the deceleration and braking.

We covered almost 100 km in the city with ECO mode and I have never felt the need for more. Even if the accelerator pedal is soft, smooth driving is, if you need more power simply press the pedal more firmly - almost instant gasoline engine - if it was not active - in operation at a high speed to provide maximum torque necessary and thus can overcome or leave the place safely and without fear.

However, HSD has a Toyota Yaris driven mode called Power. By activating it, the throttle becomes more sensitive tool responses to commands. Driver receives maximum power provided by the hybrid system and can lead to a more sporting manner.

EV (Electric Vehicle) is ideal when you arrive in the district where you live and look for a parking space. Press the corresponding button and simply feel that float. But beware to those around: the machine does almost no noise, so it is very easy to hit someone unsuspecting.

All the category on the road, however I have to give a minus Auris's HSD for suspensions, which were a little hard for my taste, especially since in our streets are as they are (full of bumps, potholes, etc.).

Consumer

Toyota Auris HSD has an official fuel consumption of 3.8 liters benzină/100 km, both in and outside of town. I've been able to test drive a consumption of 4.2 litres/100 km in normal conditions where we went, nearly 100 km through the city, with air conditioning and can open a little easier than usual, but the lowest consumption was the main goal. Surely you can get a lower consumption just as sure-sure to get one if it leads more sporty, with sudden accelerations and speeds.

But it is important that this tool allows you that. You can go smoothly through the city without traffic to confuse at least one consumer, but you can go hard with the 130 horsepower available, but also with the lowest consumption in the market. Only in this way, I think, can really get rid of "bad pump" ...

Safety

Like any other car Toyota Auris HSD put passenger safety its first priority, providing the maximum safety standard in its class: seven airbags, including driver's knee, ABS & EBD & BA, stability control system (VSC) , electronic traction control (TRC) system, hill start assist (HAC), electronically assisted braking system, reduction of injuries in case of rear impact (WIL), etc.. In addition, safe parking, HSD Auris has a reversing camera and the images are displayed on the inner mirror electrocromatic view mirror.

Source: http://www.toyota.com/

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