Car Trends Magazine

Toyota showed off its Auris Hybrid Concept at this autumn's 2009 Frankfurt motor show – and here's the finished version testing in Europe ahead of launch in autumn 2010.

This will be Toyota's first mainstream hybrid; the Prius has pioneered the petrol-electric technology in a standalone bodystyle, but now the Japanese want to roll out the Hybrid Synergy Drive across its entire volume model range. So the Auris is first of many more Toyotas to wear the HSD hybrid badge of honour.

The 97bhp 1.8-litre petrol-electric drivetrain of the Auris Hybrid is largely shared with the Prius, giving this five-door hatch sub-100g/km CO2 emissions married to 0-62mph performance in around 10sec.

What's new on the Auris Hybrid?

Like on the Prius and Honda's Insight, there are numerous aero tweaks to make the Auris cleave the air more efficiently. Not surprising, as BMW engineers told us this week that the aero wheels on the new ActiveHybrid 7 alone save 2% off fuel consumption.

So there are changes at the front end, and the rear bumpers visible in this spy picture are flatter. They make the car look wider, but are in fact designed to optimise airflow and reduce turbulence and drag. The car sits 20mm lower, has a new rear spoiler and a drag figure of around 0.28cd.

Is the Auris Hybrid really green then?

It should be compared with conventional Auris models - and because it's a full hybrid, it can run on battery power alone in zero-emissions mode. There will be several driving modes selectable by the driver: Eco for maximum efficiency; Power for more performance; EV mode for full electric running for 2km at up to 31mph.

The Auris Hybrid production car scooped here will be built in the UK's Burnaston factory and go on sale in the second half of 2010.

(By Tim Pollard, First official pictures)