Auris Hybrid Ordered
Discussion
Not a "true" EV I know, but as a carbon-offset scheme for the chim, I've just ordered an Auris Hybrid.
Company car scheme stipulates Toyota or Vauxhall, Diesel or Hybrid. I currently have a 1.7 diesel Astra, base spec (a misunderstanding of just how randomly priced the cars are lead to that error).
I have a fuel card but pay back by the mile for private mileage - of which I do about 24k per year - the 120 mile round trip commute on the M25 and M4 sees to that - and also sees off any thoughts of a plug-in.
Having decided long ago that I need an auto for the journey, I took a look into it. Wasn't willing to spend on a Vauxhall auto so took a look at the prius - still expensive per month but then I happened upon the Auris.
I've never been totally sold on the looks but I had one for a 24hr test drive and was smitten.
So, completed the order form today for a top spec car in white with panoramic roof, leather etc. £25k book price is frightening when one considers what other cars that money will buy - however the otr price is under 18k, which conversely seems like an utter bargain. Especially compared to my current car. It's going to save me 2k per year - which can be put back into the 4.6 V8 in the garage..
One day, when I work within 10 miles of home, I'm going to have a twizzy. Until then, this will do!
Company car scheme stipulates Toyota or Vauxhall, Diesel or Hybrid. I currently have a 1.7 diesel Astra, base spec (a misunderstanding of just how randomly priced the cars are lead to that error).
I have a fuel card but pay back by the mile for private mileage - of which I do about 24k per year - the 120 mile round trip commute on the M25 and M4 sees to that - and also sees off any thoughts of a plug-in.
Having decided long ago that I need an auto for the journey, I took a look into it. Wasn't willing to spend on a Vauxhall auto so took a look at the prius - still expensive per month but then I happened upon the Auris.
I've never been totally sold on the looks but I had one for a 24hr test drive and was smitten.
So, completed the order form today for a top spec car in white with panoramic roof, leather etc. £25k book price is frightening when one considers what other cars that money will buy - however the otr price is under 18k, which conversely seems like an utter bargain. Especially compared to my current car. It's going to save me 2k per year - which can be put back into the 4.6 V8 in the garage..
One day, when I work within 10 miles of home, I'm going to have a twizzy. Until then, this will do!
xjay1337 said:
Surely something like a Bluemotion Golf Mk6 or a Polo would be better for Economy. Especially for motorway chugging.
I just don't get Hybrids.
Think they're a bit of a waste to be honest.
More efficient, less complex and more reliable than a diesel, whilst using fuel that's up to 10p / litre cheaper.I just don't get Hybrids.
Think they're a bit of a waste to be honest.
How is that a waste?
Somewhat surprised at the negativity here. This forum is all about EV and a hybrid is an EV or sorts. I've never even seen or heard of one of these cars so welcome the viewpoints.
OP, please let us know your feedback as you live with the car. It's the early adopters that shape the next generation and things can only get better IMO
OP, please let us know your feedback as you live with the car. It's the early adopters that shape the next generation and things can only get better IMO
I'll update properly when it actually arrives, however to answer a couple of the points based on my 24hrs with one last week;
It did 60mpg in stop start traffic which is far better than I'd expect to see out of a diesel simply by virtue of the fact the car can move without needing the engine.
Even the petrol engine is remarkably efficient (I was surprised) - showing over 60mpg at 50mph and still in the 50s at motorway speeds.
The lack of vibration and engine noise means it's actually more relaxing than a diesel.
Due to the way my car scheme works, fuel economy is of no interest to me. I pay a fixed amount back depending on engine size / type. A hybrid up to 2 litres is 2p per mile less than a diesel up to 2 litres. That mounts up when it's doing 600 miles per week.
As such, it doesn't need to "make sense" in the traditional sense.
There are certainly a number of initial "why did they do that?" Questions;
Why is the hybrid system in the auris hamstrung vs the Prius? It only does 1.25 miles in full ev mode. I presume it's space for batteries.
Why is the dash so bland vs everyone else's? Even vs the Prius?
Why on earth have they fitted a digital clock from the 1980s in the dash?
Why do toyota insist on whacking their generic "seatbelt warning" panel into the middle of the dash?
Why is the only available leather "ice grey"?
All very strange.
I mustn't grumble - I get to run it at no expense for 3 years, it came with a 9k discount and I've got the v8 at home for the weekends.
Current she'd doesn't go back until sep so won't be able to give any ownership comments until then!
It did 60mpg in stop start traffic which is far better than I'd expect to see out of a diesel simply by virtue of the fact the car can move without needing the engine.
Even the petrol engine is remarkably efficient (I was surprised) - showing over 60mpg at 50mph and still in the 50s at motorway speeds.
The lack of vibration and engine noise means it's actually more relaxing than a diesel.
Due to the way my car scheme works, fuel economy is of no interest to me. I pay a fixed amount back depending on engine size / type. A hybrid up to 2 litres is 2p per mile less than a diesel up to 2 litres. That mounts up when it's doing 600 miles per week.
As such, it doesn't need to "make sense" in the traditional sense.
There are certainly a number of initial "why did they do that?" Questions;
Why is the hybrid system in the auris hamstrung vs the Prius? It only does 1.25 miles in full ev mode. I presume it's space for batteries.
Why is the dash so bland vs everyone else's? Even vs the Prius?
Why on earth have they fitted a digital clock from the 1980s in the dash?
Why do toyota insist on whacking their generic "seatbelt warning" panel into the middle of the dash?
Why is the only available leather "ice grey"?
All very strange.
I mustn't grumble - I get to run it at no expense for 3 years, it came with a 9k discount and I've got the v8 at home for the weekends.
Current she'd doesn't go back until sep so won't be able to give any ownership comments until then!
wasserboxer said:
More efficient, less complex and more reliable than a diesel, whilst using fuel that's up to 10p / litre cheaper.
How is that a waste?
Sorry, how are they more efficient and less complex?How is that a waste?
Diesel engines are very simple mechanically compared to petrol engines, are not burdoned by complex regenerative braking and automatic fuel switch technology... as for reliability that is largely much of a muchness these days.
I love petrols but diesels always would get the vote for economy in my view.
wasserboxer said:
Well, most hybrids don't have a traditional flywheel or clutch. Or turbo, particulate filter, EGR valves etc.
The Toyota package is very simple, very clever, and has an incredibly low failure rate.
You do know petrol cars have flywheels, clutches, turbos and EGR valves.... only thing is a particulate filter. Which if everything is working and the car is being driven as designed (not around town all day) are generally pretty trouble free...The Toyota package is very simple, very clever, and has an incredibly low failure rate.
Not wishing to turn this into a debate, or appear to be a smart arse..
The toyota hybrids don't have turbos..
The engine and motor are connected to the cvt box via planetary gears, not a clutch and flywheel.
It really depends what you mean by complex. If you mean complex in terms of moving parts then a 4cyl Diesel engine and drivetrain is more complex than a toyota hybrid.
If you mean complex in terms of different electromechanical systems and the required development to get it all to work properly in a package then yes, you're probably right.
I'd have to ask..."so what?" Though.
A coracle is a less complex way of crossing a river than a hovercraft. Not sure that makes it better or worse?
The toyota hybrids don't have turbos..
The engine and motor are connected to the cvt box via planetary gears, not a clutch and flywheel.
It really depends what you mean by complex. If you mean complex in terms of moving parts then a 4cyl Diesel engine and drivetrain is more complex than a toyota hybrid.
If you mean complex in terms of different electromechanical systems and the required development to get it all to work properly in a package then yes, you're probably right.
I'd have to ask..."so what?" Though.
A coracle is a less complex way of crossing a river than a hovercraft. Not sure that makes it better or worse?
I have done 250k odd miles in Toyota Hybrids and I feel that they are reliable, comfortable and good for long trips.
My last Prius did 120k with nothing but servicing and Fuelly gave the actual MPG as 57.9.
Take the low BIK and the fact you are using cheaper fuel makes sense to me.
Current plodder is a CT200H and I have the itch to change to an Ampera, but only because of the lower BIK to me.
My last Prius did 120k with nothing but servicing and Fuelly gave the actual MPG as 57.9.
Take the low BIK and the fact you are using cheaper fuel makes sense to me.
Current plodder is a CT200H and I have the itch to change to an Ampera, but only because of the lower BIK to me.
Just picked up a prius+ last week (7 seat). After running generic french mpvs for some years and having largely horrible experience with reliability went for this.
Do about 15k miles a year in the family bus, but much short trips which probably was the killer for diesel reliability (turbo ingested in a 70k mile C4GP - pretty much a write off).
All reviews (and the taxi ranks!) tell me this is going to be a trouble free long termer. So far loving it, the tech, screens, dash, mpg - but my point of reference is my subaru so take that for what it is!
Do about 15k miles a year in the family bus, but much short trips which probably was the killer for diesel reliability (turbo ingested in a 70k mile C4GP - pretty much a write off).
All reviews (and the taxi ranks!) tell me this is going to be a trouble free long termer. So far loving it, the tech, screens, dash, mpg - but my point of reference is my subaru so take that for what it is!
xjay1337 said:
Of course.
I should have clarified, i know the hybrids are not turbocharged, etc. not a complete moron.
At end of day if you are happy with the car that's what matters but just personally I don't see the point of them.
I see the point of them - more economical, quicker, more refined, more spacious, more reliable, less smelly than a Golf bluemotion with possibly the smoothest auto transmission available today thrown in as a bonus.I should have clarified, i know the hybrids are not turbocharged, etc. not a complete moron.
At end of day if you are happy with the car that's what matters but just personally I don't see the point of them.
xjay1337 said:
Of course.
I should have clarified, i know the hybrids are not turbocharged, etc. not a complete moron.
At end of day if you are happy with the car that's what matters but just personally I don't see the point of them
It was you that mentioned turbos in the context of hybrids :-p I should have clarified, i know the hybrids are not turbocharged, etc. not a complete moron.
At end of day if you are happy with the car that's what matters but just personally I don't see the point of them
As mentioned above, the way my car scheme works, it wouldn't make sense NOT to have gone for this. Top spec auris hybrid for £2k per year less than a slower, mid-range diesel Astra. It's a no brainier.
Of course if I were choosing from any car out there the decision would have been different, but as it is, it fits my requirement perfectly.
There are certainly fors and againsts - a 320d would travel twice as far between fill ups, for example - and would also bet unable should I so desire.
Anyhooo!
I'm contemplating the estate version of the Auris hybrid for my next company car.
Good spec, smooth "auto" transmission, big boot, quieter engine and should easily equal or better the MPG figure of my current diesel (~53mpg average) whilst attracting a higher mileage rate and consuming cheaper fuel...
Keith, I'll be interested to hear how you get on with your Auris
Good spec, smooth "auto" transmission, big boot, quieter engine and should easily equal or better the MPG figure of my current diesel (~53mpg average) whilst attracting a higher mileage rate and consuming cheaper fuel...
Keith, I'll be interested to hear how you get on with your Auris
keith2.2 said:
Why is the hybrid system in the auris hamstrung vs the Prius? It only does 1.25 miles in full ev mode. I presume it's space for batteries.
I don't think it is. 1.25 miles sounds about the same as what the non plug-in version of the Prius will manage in full EV mode. It's worth remembering that they were designed to be a hybrid, with both power sources to call on, and it's not really an EV car.Gassing Station | EV and Alternative Fuels | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff