Newbie Prius Or Auris Hybrid?

[Seboni121]

Hi never done a hybrid before so, are they any good ?, mpg , ownership and etc are you happy with yours? A lot of questions I know but better to get as much info as possible, I am currently running 2 fabia diesel the latest crtdi 1.6 105 bhp which I am happy with but, cost wise I.e running cost is going through the roof at the mo, so downsizing to 1 car and need it to be economic rather than saving the planet, I am leaning toward the Prius but I like the bubble shape of the auris, so in essence any information is useful and greatly received, I'm looking at the new model which is out in June, but as you lads and lasses already running the previous models would have all the knowledge of above mentioned, thank you for your patience

[Grumpy Cabbie]

Depends on what you use the car for - the Prius and Auris hsd cannot tow. It also depends on your journies. If you search through some of the earlier articles on this site you will note users experiences of fuel economy in different circumstances. To be fair, unless you do a lot of town use or require an automatic gearbox there isn't much gain by having a hybrid over the Fabia*, if you're making the change just to save money (* see note below).

On the plus side, the hybrids are super smooth and quiet in town, £0 road tax, 134 bhp, 0-60 in 10.5 seconds, superb fuel economy in towns and 65-75 mpg is possible in summer. Bizarrely the hybrids are more economical then as the a/c doesn't put the same strain on the system as on traditional cars - it's run off the large High Voltage Battery. The Prius is larger than the Auris hsd, with a larger boot and more rear legroom, but the Auris doesn't make the 'statement' than some people think the Prius does. Underneath the Prius and Auris hsd are virtually the same hybrid system (99.5%). Oh and petrol is about 9p - 10p a litre cheaper than diesel and the hybrids smog emissions are about 20-200 times cleaner than a diesel, so important if you or a loved one has asthma or heart issues. Replacing your fabia with a hybrid is like taking at least 20 fabia's off the road as far as air pollution is concerned.

In fact, if your kids or grandkids have asthma, you owe it to them to get rid of the diesel. I could bore you into the ground about the poor emissions from even the latest diesels - it isn't just the soot that's an issue! Oh and remember, the engine in a hybrid is off when stationary or in slow moving traffic.

[Chris Dance]

Prius is the best car I have owned. I have had a generation 2 Prius and I now have the generation 3. When I got the Gen 3 last year I also viewed the Auris. It is not as roomy as the Prius and lacks boot capacity. The Auris is still a nice car. GC has already told you about the fuel consumption, last Summer I got 69MPG. I am in low 60s at the present time. I have just renewed my congestion charge which is only £10 a year. You have to apply annualy to get the exemption from the full charge. Nil road tax makes it a very economical car. We are oldies and find the car very comfortable even on long journeys. Our son has the Gen 2 Prius and we have travelled with him to the French Alps several times and that is a 12 hour + journey. Some folk do not like the interior but I think its fine and luckily we have no rattles etc. If you order the Prius and you can afford it get the T Spirit with leather upholstery. I would also recommend side protection strips. The Prius is smooth running and if you drive it as the DVD that comes with the car recommends you will have happy motoring. Even when you are stuck in traffic you are not consuming fuel. Like GC says get rid of the stinking diesel. Main batteries are warranted 8 years and the car 5 years. If you have any further Qs please ask.

[kithmo]

The Auris is smaller, but also cheaper to buy.

The Auris is much quieter on the move (road noise).

On paper, the Auris is slightly more economical (mpg).

The Auris looks like a normal car, so less Hybrid hate from 4x4ers.

Although, personally I prefer the Prius, for its different shape, the more futuristic instruments, I love the HUD especially the NAV feature, the larger boot and more rear legroom and it is definitely the best car I've ever had.

Either way, Auris or Prius, the free VED, low insurance and phenomenal fuel economy make them very cheap to run.

They are very easy to drive too.

Good luck choosing.

P.S have a look on the Fuelly website to compare different cars real world mpg.

[johalareewi]

The Prius is longer than the Auris so can be trickier to park in a tight spot. On the other hand, it has more space for luggage and stuff. The Auris might be more economical on paper but the Prius is more aerodynamic so mpg can be slightly better in practice. Toyota ran a promotion recently to see who could get the best mpg. Tests were done in an Auris and/or Prius and interestingly, the Prius had the edge.

New tyres for the 17 wheels can be very expensive, whereas tyres for 15 inch wheels are pretty standard. This might be a factor for you if you do a lot of miles and want to keep running costs down.

[daveybee]

Unlike the rest of the guys who have already responded, I have an Auris. Great little car, very quiet and economical, but it has a hideously tiny boot if you don't have the boot maximiser fitted. We chose not to as we wanted to keep odds and sods out of sight under the boot "floor".

[cuius]

Even with the "maximiser", which is basically the under-floor tray you have shown without the two dividers, the boot is still small. The dimension from back of seat to boot lid is restricted compared to other C-segment hatchbacks irrespective of overall capacity in litres.

Still like it though!

[Grumpy Cabbie]

Be nice if the OP did let us know their findings rather than disappearing into the ether!

[Red diesel]

Be nice if the OP did let us know their findings rather than disappearing into the ether!

I see your point but when my father purchased his current car it followed a year of headscratching of whether to change or not to change.

Not helped by fathers idea that you seemingly can't go in and talk to salespeople

when you haven't decided whether you want to buy a car.

If id asked for advice for my Dad on a forum youd have had little update other than - still doesn't know whether he wants to buy anything. The speed of the final deal however broke all records - Monday, garage rings to say can't find what your looking for. Father mentions that he is now interested in something else entirely having driven an example of said car 2 days before. Dealer happens to be on his way up country to see 2 examples of said car to purchase for stock. Monday evening - dealer has bought one or both of said cars - brings car to father on way home. Father purchases said car there and then * - which inspite of my irrational hatred for it has been a very good car so far.

With regard to the Auris boot - tbh its not that bad for the size of the car, yes it could be bigger. But imo - its perfectly useable looking. A weeks shopping should fit in easy. And looking in the picture - i think youd get your holiday baggage in okay with some thought.

*Wed purchased 2 previous cars from said dealer who has a very good reputation

Red diesel

[Grumpy Cabbie]

I meant it would have been nice for the op to just say a quick "Cheers guys" or similar, rather than asking a question and then just disappearing.

[AGL]

I'll re-ask my question here...

61 TSpirit or 12 T3?

[daveybee]

Even with the "maximiser", which is basically the under-floor tray you have shown without the two dividers, the boot is still small. The dimension from back of seat to boot lid is restricted compared to other C-segment hatchbacks irrespective of overall capacity in litres.

Still like it though!

Agreed, the boot is very small, however, we haven't seemed to have suffered - everything we've tried to fit in has, one way or another (even shutting the tailgate and all the windows). :P

[johalareewi]

I'll re-ask my question here...

61 TSpirit or 12 T3?

Auris or Prius (obviously the T3 is Prius but the TSpirit?)

[AGL]

Sorry - Prius.

It's a toss up between the Prius options and Focus 1.6TDCi Titanium.

I'm erring toward the Prius at the minute, but can't decide on the 2012 T3 or 61 TSpirit.

[valmiki]

Is the 2012 T3 the facelift version? In which case you may want to compare specs, the new model came with some extras as standard that may be to your liking. If not, it'd be the T-spirit for me.

[AGL]

Yep - 2012 brand new T3.

I've been waiting a couple of months for a new brochure to download to the iPad but Toyota seem to be dragging their feet in knocking one up.

i like the idea of the touch screen as standard, reversing camera, daytime running lights etc...and the fact it will be brand, brand new. Sllightly put off, hoqwever, by the smaller wheels - and the fact i can't find out anywhere what they look like.

[kithmo]

Yep - 2012 brand new T3.

I've been waiting a couple of months for a new brochure to download to the iPad but Toyota seem to be dragging their feet in knocking one up.

i like the idea of the touch screen as standard, reversing camera, daytime running lights etc...and the fact it will be brand, brand new. Sllightly put off, hoqwever, by the smaller wheels - and the fact i can't find out anywhere what they look like.

After having the 17" wheels and knowing how noisy they are I wouldn't be put off by the smaller wheels and the new 15" wheels look better than the old style ones IMO.

If you prefer the 17" wheels (and I believe they only come in a darker colour now), then you should opt for the T4.

[AGL]

Thanks, Kithmo, but the company car policy won't stretch to a T4.

Popped in to my local Toyota yesterday - Marshalls - and it was an awful experience. Apparently, the wheels have not changed on the T3, there's no Touch N Go and there's no reversng camera! To be fair to the chap that was dealing with me, he'd only been there for 5 weeks and was referring to some other clueless sales guy who should have known better.

[johalareewi]

Apparently, the wheels have not changed on the T3, there's no Touch N Go and there's no reversng camera!

Wrong for 2 out of 3.

T3 does have new wheels. There is a backup camera as standard. But only Touch, not Touch and Go (but it might be available as an option).

http://www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/frame_start.jsp?id=CC2-Prius-landing#configure

As for 15 inch vs 17 inch. Tyres for the 15 inch are way cheaper than for the 17 inch. Although that might not be an issue for you as a company car.

[AGL]

Sorry, i meant Touch, not Touch & Go.

I was just staggered that he reached for an old brochure and showed me the pre-facelift T3 and said the stereo would like that. Anyway, think i'll opt for a the new T3, potentially in Cabernet Red, and delivery should be in 8 weeks. Need to order in the next day or so as the company needs to spend the money before the end of the year!

[AGL]

Looks like it will have to be a brand new T3, from the company's point of view, as they can offset mroe against a brand new car, i think.

Has anyone managed to see what a new T3 looks like anywhere, please?

[don21]

Just bought a Gen2 Tspirit and would reccomend it any day over a Ford tdci diesel.

[johalareewi]

Has anyone managed to see what a new T3 looks like anywhere, please?

Some pics here. The level II is the USA equivalent of our T3...

http://priuschat.com...official-photos