Auris Hybrid Not Much Different Than A Prius?

[Jands]

The Auris hybrid (as a Toyota model) totally confuses me when you compare it to the Prius. Initially I thought it would be a smaller car so was really interested to see what kind of mpg it got compared to the Prius...but mpg is pretty similar (on paper), weight is pretty similar, Prices are pretty similar, Prius is only a little longer but the Auris is a little wider, the Auris has a better cloth trim but a smaller boot and plenty of other differences...now obviously people will have different reasons for choosing an Auris over a Prius (including simply wanting a hyrid in a more conventional and traditional form) but I'm wondering why Toyota even bought a hybrid version of the Auris out when it isn't that much different to the Prius IMO? Surely a smaller or larger hybrid than a Prius would have been better?

[Grumpy Cabbie]

I think it's just the start of the hybridisation of their entire model range - which should be completed by 2015 or so.

[Jan&tone]

My understanding is that the Prius is mk1 'avensis' size and the Auris' is 'focus' size.

However, the size of cars these days seems to be out of kilter completely, for example, todays focus is the same size as rhe mk1 cortina of many years ago. I think that really each model these days is made for a specific group or segment of people and would appeal to that group for different reasons.

I also believe that each 'update' of a model, makes it slightly bigger, the Avensis is larger than the Carina that it originally replaced etc...

[sjrainsford]

Yeah i think the Auris is classed as a C segment car. But the Prius is more like a D segment when you look at internal seating space. So closer to an Avensis as mentioned. My Gen 2 is bigger internally for occupants than my Jaguar X Type estate was.

However, I'd guess that really the Prius wasnt designed to be a member of the segment banding commonly used for cars.

I'm personally looking forward to seeing a B segment sized hybrid though, especially if they make it work size and efficiency wise. I'd guess they'd call it a Yaris/ Vitz so it doesn't get too distanced from its other models.

[timberwolf]

The Auris hybrid (as a Toyota model) totally confuses me when you compare it to the Prius. Initially I thought it would be a smaller car so was really interested to see what kind of mpg it got compared to the Prius...but mpg is pretty similar (on paper), weight is pretty similar, Prices are pretty similar, Prius is only a little longer but the Auris is a little wider, the Auris has a better cloth trim but a smaller boot and plenty of other differences...now obviously people will have different reasons for choosing an Auris over a Prius (including simply wanting a hyrid in a more conventional and traditional form) but I'm wondering why Toyota even bought a hybrid version of the Auris out when it isn't that much different to the Prius IMO? Surely a smaller or larger hybrid than a Prius would have been better?

Personally, I don't think Toyota's strategy of sticking the hybrid technology in every model is about making better hybrid cars, I think it is about making money. If you wanted to make better hybrid cars you'd start with a blank sheet of paper, not give the engineers/designers the headache of fitting a hybrid system into an existing model range.

[Jan&tone]

The Auris hybrid (as a Toyota model) totally confuses me when you compare it to the Prius. Initially I thought it would be a smaller car so was really interested to see what kind of mpg it got compared to the Prius...but mpg is pretty similar (on paper), weight is pretty similar, Prices are pretty similar, Prius is only a little longer but the Auris is a little wider, the Auris has a better cloth trim but a smaller boot and plenty of other differences...now obviously people will have different reasons for choosing an Auris over a Prius (including simply wanting a hyrid in a more conventional and traditional form) but I'm wondering why Toyota even bought a hybrid version of the Auris out when it isn't that much different to the Prius IMO? Surely a smaller or larger hybrid than a Prius would have been better?

Personally, I don't think Toyota's strategy of sticking the hybrid technology in every model is about making better hybrid cars, I think it is about making money. If you wanted to make better hybrid cars you'd start with a blank sheet of paper, not give the engineers/designers the headache of fitting a hybrid system into an existing model range.

Which is what they did, successfully, with the Prius.

In the US, Canada and Australia the Camry, Avensis/avalon Prius, Auris, are all available as Hybrids, as will the whole range by 2015/2020.

with the excessive tax taken by successive governments here, hybrids are the way to go until fully electric cars get the same sort of range.

I can go to Scotland in a few hours in my Prius, but the Electric Mini that the BBC is taking to Scotland will take 4 or 5 days.

The other alternative to enable us ro dodge this iniquitous fuel tax is of course to buy a horse!! You can feed the roses then too....

[Seamaster73]

I've never understood the pricing/positioning of the Auris HSD in the UK. It's no cheaper than a Prius, no more economical than a Prius and it's smaller and less versatile than the Prius. Apart from rabid "Buy British" types, I can't fathom who'd buy one in preference to a Prius.

[monya]

I've never understood the pricing/positioning of the Auris HSD in the UK. It's no cheaper than a Prius, no more economical than a Prius and it's smaller and less versatile than the Prius. Apart from rabid "Buy British" types, I can't fathom who'd buy one in preference to a Prius.

I can help you out there. The Auris is shorter by at least 6 inches which, in London at least, can make the difference between squeezing into a parking space or not.

Also I don't have to wear my heart on my sleeve.

[Jan&tone]

I've never understood the pricing/positioning of the Auris HSD in the UK. It's no cheaper than a Prius, no more economical than a Prius and it's smaller and less versatile than the Prius. Apart from rabid "Buy British" types, I can't fathom who'd buy one in preference to a Prius.

Lol you and I are biased mate!!!

Having said that, I think the Auris is actually cheaper, till you start adding bits like Satnav etc.. and it is slightly smaller so if you want a Focus sized car.....

[sjrainsford]

Its all down to personal preference. Plus if theres more choice then all the better for us!

The BBC mini thing just doesnt carry any weight whatsoever anyway. Especially considering its not a full production model, and purely a test mule. Plus how many two car families need both cars to go more than about a 40 mile round trip? Its all opinion, but my other half could use an electric vehicle with a 70+ mile range for all of her driving.

The technology has to start somewhere. It may be a good way off yet, but as the price falls...

Anyway sorry, its diverted a little from the original topic.

[FourFourTwo]

I've never understood the pricing/positioning of the Auris HSD in the UK. It's no cheaper than a Prius, no more economical than a Prius and it's smaller and less versatile than the Prius. Apart from rabid "Buy British" types, I can't fathom who'd buy one in preference to a Prius.

Well, it was the Auris HSD that got me interested in the whole hybrid thing. For some reason, the car just appealed to me, whereas I had never even considered the Prius.

(That's not to say that I won't consider one in the future though and I'm following the progress of the Plug-in Prius with great interest.)

By the way, regarding the comment above about price, I have my HSD on a lease deal and it was quite a bit cheaper to lease the Auris HSD than a Prius.

[Jan&tone]

Its all down to personal preference. Plus if theres more choice then all the better for us!

The BBC mini thing just doesnt carry any weight whatsoever anyway. Especially considering its not a full production model, and purely a test mule. Plus how many two car families need both cars to go more than about a 40 mile round trip? Its all opinion, but my other half could use an electric vehicle with a 70+ mile range for all of her driving.

The technology has to start somewhere. It may be a good way off yet, but as the price falls...

Anyway sorry, its diverted a little from the original topic.

Mmmm, been thinking about this post, i think we could probably get away with a 40/50 mile range, but it would be a very expensive second car. Usually 2nd cars tend to be very cheap ones simply 'cos they are 2nd cars!

Perhaps i would consider a fully electric car on two conditions

Firat, they would have to be the same or similar cost as, say, my Aygo.

Second, i would have to find somewhere to plug it in! My garage is a lockup some 300 yards from the house and my Prius lives in there

But, we could probably live with it on balance....

[Doesn'tExist]

To me the Auris is way too small, not enough leg room in the back, almost unusable boot, feel much lower rent type vehicle, looks boring, doesn't look like a hybrid, doesn't come with grown up car options. Its something my great grandparents would buy. Do I need to go on or do you get the idea that to me there is a world of difference between them.

[hertsnminds]

Just have a look at Toyota's posh brand, Lexus to see a full hybrid range the CT, RX, GS and LS which are hybrid; luxury compact, luxury vehicle, performance saloon and luxury saloon.

How different from HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) is LHD (Lexus Hybrid Drive) you would suspect not much.

Of course when you start to look at the Lexus hybrid range you will be paying at least twice as much as you would for a Toyota Badge hybrid.

[ashpole]

An interesting range of replies with a dusting of bigotry here and there.

For a retired couple, like my wife and I, the Auris HSD was the perfect choice and size. Although it is has a fairly small boot it's OK for our everyday life but will transport four 114 litre suitcases plus hand luggage to and from Heathrow for when we travel. The price was right for the standard of equipment we got. It's comfortable and in my opinion, doesn't feel cheap.

I love the Prius but I prefer the Auris HSD, horses for courses and personal choice - but I wouldn't criticise those that chose to buy the Prius.

Oh yes, the five year servicing costs were lower than the Prius - as supplied by Sims in Northampton.

[Doesn'tExist]

Just have a look at Toyota's posh brand, Lexus to see a full hybrid range the CT, RX, GS and LS which are hybrid; luxury compact, luxury vehicle, performance saloon and luxury saloon.

How different from HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) is LHD (Lexus Hybrid Drive) you would suspect not much.

Of course when you start to look at the Lexus hybrid range you will be paying at least twice as much as you would for a Toyota badge hybrid.

Actually some of the Lexus Hybrid Drive is rather different than what the Prius and Auris got, except for the CT200h.

There are quite a few different hybrid setups. And no you don't pay twice as much, I think in comparison the CT200h looks better value for money than the Prius. I for one wished we waited for one instead of the Prius.

[Jan&tone]

An interesting range of replies with a dusting of bigotry here and there.

For a retired couple, like my wife and I, the Auris HSD was the perfect choice and size. Although it is has a fairly small boot it's OK for our everyday life but will transport four 114 litre suitcases plus hand luggage to and from Heathrow for when we travel. The price was right for the standard of equipment we got. It's comfortable and in my opinion, doesn't feel cheap.

I love the Prius but I prefer the Auris HSD, horses for courses and personal choice - but I wouldn't criticise those that chose to buy the Prius.

Oh yes, the five year servicing costs were lower than the Prius - as supplied by Sims in Northampton.

I think you hit the nail on the head! It is personal choice all the way, coupled with the depth of the pocket of course

[kithmo]

There are quite a few different hybrid setups. And no you don't pay twice as much, I think in comparison the CT200h looks better value for money than the Prius. I for one wished we waited for one instead of the Prius.

But it is smaller than the Prius, more like a posh Auris and I would guess the top of the range Auris is cheaper than the equivalent spec CT200.

[Doesn'tExist]

For us the Auris would just never be an option on looks alone, nor is money the deciding factor after all we were downsizing our second car. Spec to me is a bit more than a tick on a features list. Now don't get me wrong I haven't tried the CT200h so can't make any conclusions.

And as I said 'To me' and 'For us' they are just our opinions and experiences each to their own choice, I wouldn't go around saying anyone is a bigot in this thread.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

For us the Auris would just never be an option on looks alone, nor is money the deciding factor after all we were downsizing our second car. Spec to me is a bit more than a tick on a features list. Now don't get me wrong I haven't tried the CT200h so can't make any conclusions.

And as I said 'To me' and 'For us' they are just our opinions and experiences each to their own choice, I wouldn't go around saying anyone is a bigot in this thread.

I think the CT200h is the bargain of the decade. It's only £3,000 more than the base Prius and looks so much nicer and more 'finished' without all that horrid recycled plastic crap. If it wasn't that the boot is tiny I'd have been tempted to swap the old Prii in. I do think it'll prove popular, esp with the trendy brigade.

I'm just waiting for the plug in Prius or the Camry if they were decide to reintroduce that.

[Jan&tone]

For us the Auris would just never be an option on looks alone, nor is money the deciding factor after all we were downsizing our second car. Spec to me is a bit more than a tick on a features list. Now don't get me wrong I haven't tried the CT200h so can't make any conclusions.

And as I said 'To me' and 'For us' they are just our opinions and experiences each to their own choice, I wouldn't go around saying anyone is a bigot in this thread.

I think the CT200h is the bargain of the decade. It's only £3,000 more than the base Prius and looks so much nicer and more 'finished' without all that horrid recycled plastic crap. If it wasn't that the boot is tiny I'd have been tempted to swap the old Prii in. I do think it'll prove popular, esp with the trendy brigade.

I'm just waiting for the plug in Prius or the Camry if they were decide to reintroduce that.

Camry is available RHD in Australia Grumpy. overland trip from Oz is about 4 weeks and car would be 100pct run in by the time you got it home!!!

[Doesn'tExist]

Would be quite an interesting trip as well. Perhaps you could do it self financing as a taxi driver. Grumpy Cabbie sounds like a good title for a channel 4 documentary as well.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

Grumpy Cabbie sounds like a good title for a channel 4 documentary as well.

Sounds like an oxymoron to me! lol

[Doesn'tExist]

Well ofcourse and with the demographic of c4 they could have a spin off called just that nobody would be the wiser ;-)

Just remember us when you are rich and famous gc.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

Just remember us when you are rich and famous gc.

Did you get out the wrong side of bed this morning?