Toyota has launched the new Auris Hybrid, which is basically a Prius with a more car-like appearance, in the British market. Powered by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain consisting of a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and an electric motor putting out a combined power of 134 hp, the Auris goes form nought to 60 mph in 11.2 seconds and can reach top speed of 112 mph. As for the fuel economy, well that depends on the size of the wheels!

You see Toyota says with the standard 15-inch the car does 74.3 mpg with CO2 emissions of 89 g/km, but with the 17-inch wheels which are standard for the T Spirit models and optional for the T4 trim, it will average 70.6 mpg and 93 g/km. So the 17-inch wheels option is quite pointless, because after all those who buy and drive hybrids don’t have a clue of the benefits of bigger wheels like grip and stability and better looks. All they want is fuel economy, so…

As mentioned the 2010 Toyota Auris Hybrid comes in two T4 (starting form £18,950) and T Spirit (starting from £20,700) trim levels. Here’s the list of equipments you get with each model:

T4 standard features:
# Climate control air conditioning
# Six-speaker audio with CD, radio, MP3 file player
# USB and Aux-in connection
# Front and rear electric windows
# Electric, heated door mirrors
# Front fog lights
# LED running lights
# Colour-matched door handles and mirrors
# Push-button start
# Seven airbags, including driver’s knee airbag
# Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC)
# Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)

T Spirit extras:
# Leather and Alcantara upholstery
# Cruise control
# Bluetooth
# Dusk-sensing headlamps
# Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
# Smart Entry and Start
# Auto-dimming electrochromatic rear view mirror
# Rear view camera display in rear view mirror