Toyota announced the launch of a new version of the Auris Hybrid hatchback and wagon in the UK with class-leading CO2 emissions of 84 g/km (85g/km for the Auris Hybrid Touring Sports). Low CO2 figure means low fuel consumption, much lower tax, and all in all, exceptionally low running costs.

To arrive at that rating rather than going through the hybrid system again, Toyota engineers refined the little details and employed various aerodynamic improvements such as new aero-stabilising fins in the rear glazing. This way they didn’t have to compromise on the car’s performance, which frankly is not very brilliant as it is. But then again, you don’t buy a hybrid for performance.

Mind you, the 84 g/km CO2 rating is for the Icon models only. The normal Excel model has to make do with 99 g/km, which is still pretty good.

The new generation Auris is doing pretty good in the market, with sales up 27 per cent in the first quarter of 2013. In the UK, sales of Auris have been even better, increasing by 31 per cent to March 2013.