Frankfurt Preview: Toyota Auris HSD concept leaks ahead of debut
Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Toyota will be bringing a number of concept vehicles to the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, including a plug-in version of its Prius hybrid that uses a lithium ion battery pack in lieu of the standard model's nickel metal hydride unit. While that car is understandably generating the most press, the Japanese automaker also plans to debut the Auris HSD Full Hybrid concept in Germany, and it also deserves our attention.
While Toyota is officially calling this car a concept, its widely expected that the car is nearly ready for production. The final version of the Auris Hybrid will be assembled in Toyota's Burnaston, Derbyshire plant starting in the middle of next year, and it will go on sale shortly thereafter. This car shares much of its underpinnings with the Lexus HS 250h and will likely be equipped with a 1.8-liter four cylinder powerplant mated up with the automaker's Hybrid Synergy Drive.
Expect a few extras appropriate for concept car duty when the Auris HSD is officially unveiled next week, including what appears to be a show car-spec interior and full solar roof. See for yourself in the gallery of leaked images below.
Gallery: Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid concept
[Source: 4WheelsNews]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Serge 9:30AM (9/11/2009)
Looks nice. Why is this car not coming to the States?
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ebow 10:04AM (9/11/2009)
Isn't a 1.8 L engine a bit large for this car, especially since it will be paired with an electric motor?
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3PeaceSweet 10:23AM (9/11/2009)
I guess its so they can share the power train with the Prius / 250h
Although since they are also releasing the PHEV prius perhaps they should look at introducing the next generation HSD using a smaller ICE (the 1 liter 3 cylinder from the iq / Aygo?) with can use the existing battery and motor set up but could have a the PHEV prius battery added as an option.
Snowdog 2:33PM (9/11/2009)
Seems quite right sized. Auris is essentially the same as a Toyota Matrix. Not much difference in size from a Prius, so it makes sense that it has the same drivetrain as the Prius. A smaller one would likely be quite weak and slow. A smaller version will likely be unleashed in a Yaris hybrid in the future.
The 250h has a bigger gas 2.4L gas engine.
skierpage 5:57PM (9/11/2009)
Toyota increased the engine size in the 2010 Prius and mpg went *up*. You would think a smaller car with a smaller powertrain could get even better mpg, but it hasn't happened in the USA (Europe has compact diesels). I don't know if Toyota has only optimized one powertrain or if 1.8L is fundamentally the sweetest spot for HSD.
It is deeply bizarre that the highest MPG new car is a mid-size fairly powerful 5-passenger car; it seems to enrage some car enthusiasts who want greens to suffer for their eco-penance. Remember when getting the highest MPG meant a tiny car like the Geo Metro Xfi?!
Matt234 10:16AM (9/11/2009)
Looks very nice, and should be a good fit for someone who doesn't want a car as big as the Prius. Looking forward to seeing some pricing info.
And thank you Toyota for making a serious small car that does not have the instrument cluster in the center stack.
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quiescence 11:50AM (9/11/2009)
I like the look of this a lot. To me, it sort of resembles a cross between a Nissan Versa and a Toyota Matrix, only it looks better than either of them.
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Joe Bonaparte 12:04PM (9/11/2009)
Green hot hatches will sell !!! Guess I'll build my own until I can buy a new one.
http://www.evalbum.com/2618
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