I currently own a Prius II and have so for the past three years. All my comparisons are to the PII. Last week I borrowed an Auris HSD from our local Toyota dealer for one day (while the Prius was serviced). Over all, it's quite similar driving experience, but better in most ways to the Auris advantage. The steering and handling is improved, and in power-mode, it's a bit quicker. This is also a lighter and smaller car so that must make a difference somewhere. I drove some of my normal commuting distances and it usually consumed a bit less fuel, and keeping in mind, this car was brand new and will probably be even more efficient as it is used more, just like the P. When running on battery alone, it sounds slighly more than the P, an electrical whoozing sound. I like it, since it reminds me that I'm saving gas. I'm missing the 5-min diagram which I usually have on my display, and the big display is now gone. Instead there are two round small monocrome displays, and one of them has the trip-computer functionality. The speedometer is now analog, which is fine. A more fine grained way of displaying the charging of the battery is on the other side of the speedometer, that is nice, although there is no indication of how much energy saved per 5 min. The steering wheel feels really great and the seats are also much better. One thing to think about is how the bluetooth-phone system is going to work without a big display??? Since the car is smaller, it has a smaller trunk, it all comes down to whether or not you can cope with a smaller car. Headroom in back and front is great, I'm pretty tall and have no problems. This is a car I'm consider buying, the downside is that it's pretty expensive, at least where I live. Regards!
I really dont know, it looks like Auris is not coming to north america according to this wikipedia article: [ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Auris]Toyota Auris - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]
We will be getting the production version of FT-CH. I don't know if it will be based on Auris or not.
I think they said after the alpha Prius (minivan). Probably 2012 or 2013 model year. They are bringing out 8 hybrids in a couple of years. It will be very interesting to see so many choices. UK is getting the first taste with the Auris HSD. I wonder what other hybrids are planned for the UK.
The Auris HSD is proving quite popular over here despite the price and very small boot/trunk. From reading the UK hybrid forums it appears that many like the economy of the car without making the 'statement' that the Prius does. Hybrids are taking off over here suddenly. Maybe the high cost of fuel or other reasons but the Prius sold its annual quota in 6 months and is still selling well. In fact I see many more gen3's/2010s on the road now that the older gen2 shape. Not sure why the Auris can't be sold in NA other than you have the Corolla and they're completely different vehicles despite looking similar size. I'd be all for them selling them to you as it would help exports at the UK manufacturing plant. Rumour has it that a Yaris hybrid is due late 2011 or early 2012, but can't find anything definite about that.
The Auris hybrid probably isn't sold in N.A. because of costs. The regular auris likely isn't as designed for the N.A.'s bumpier roads, crash, and epa tests.
It's because we already have a "Corolla hatchback" called the Matrix. This would confuse the public... even though the Auris is more of a traditional hatchback, like the Mazda3/Axela while the Matrix is more a wagon-type hatchback (if that makes sense). It's also available with a 2.4 litre from the Camry (same goes for our Corolla). The Auris in Japan has a 3.5 litre V6 model called the Toyota Blade. Yeah I've heard about the Yaris as well. It's due for a redesign anyway (came over as a 2006 model on our shores)
We're getting the Lexus ct200h which shares the same platform as the auris. I'm rather excited about this car.
I'll take the one on the right. I like the rims. Fan blade every other spoke, cool. It also has performance damper in the front and rear.
But over here there is a difference in cost of about £8,000/$12,400, so yeah I'd get the one on the right if I could afford the extra money.
Yeah it's probably gonna be the same here. In Canada, the Prius ranges from $27,800 to $37,2xx. (£16,900-£22,500) before tax.
@kaze72 Last friday I tested the Auris HSD in order to become a Prius/Hybrid ambassador. By reading you it appears that our impressions are the same ones. Bienvenue chez Toyota Belgium @UsedToLoveCars The pic : it's in Belgium
