Frankfurt 2009: Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept needs a shorter name
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Sep 17th 2009 at 2:20PM 
Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
And now for your viewing pleasure, we bring you these live shots of the Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept (seriously, could Toyota have come up with a longer name?). Technically, the vehicle shown in our image gallery below is listed as a concept car, but every indication is that it's not all that different than what will be rolling out of Burnaston factory in England sometime during the second half of 2010.
We wouldn't necessarily count on the dash-mounted solar panels that feature trays to recharge your electronics – though, how cool would that be? – but the rooftop cells may make it into production to help keep the cabin cool on sunny days as a similar system already is optional on the 2010 Prius. In any case, Toyota's 1.8-liter four cylinder and Hybrid Synergy Drive ought to ensure stellar fuel economy and carbon emissions of below 100 g/km – both important considerations across the pond where gas is especially pricey and taxes are high.
Hit the jump to reread the press release and refresh your memory on all the little concept-appropriate details.
Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Toyota Auris Hybrid
PRESS RELEASE:
TOYOTA UNVEILS AURIS HSD FULL HYBRID* CONCEPT
Frankfurt motor show debut for precursor to Toyota's first full hybrid mainstream European production model
KEY POINTS
* Concept previews new Auris HSD Full Hybrid, Toyota's first full hybrid mainstream model in Europe
* World debut at the Frankfurt motor show
* Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, shared with latest generation Prius
* Sub-100g/km CO2 emissions, class-leading combined cycle fuel consumption and 0-62mph acceleration in around 10 seconds
* Detailed exterior styling changes to improve aerodynamic performance
* Extension of on-board solar power technology
* Auris HSD Full Hybrid production model to be built at TMUK's Burnaston factory
* Sales scheduled to start during second half of 2010
* 'Full Hybrid' means the car can be driven on petrol engine alone, electric motor alone or combination of both. Not all hybrids can do this.
The new Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept, presented publicly for the first time at the Frankfurt motor show, marks a significant milestone in Toyota's plan to equip its mainstream European models with full hybrid technology. Toyota is committed to making the environmental benefits of its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) accessible to a wider customer base and it is on track to offer a hybrid version of every model in its range by the early 2020s.
A five door hatchback is the best selling type of car in Europe and consequently the installation of HSD in Auris is the logical first step in deploying full hybrid technology across Toyota's entire European model line-up.
By introducing the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept, Toyota also aims to shift customer perceptions of hybrid technology. The obvious advantages are exceptional fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions, but customers will also experience smooth and sophisticated driving unlike any other family hatchback, thanks to the everyday usability, comfort and quietness of the Toyota full hybrid powertrain.
The Auris HSD Full Hybrid will be built by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) at the Burnaston factory, near Derby, with sales scheduled to start during the second half of 2010.
The news that Europe's first hybrid production model will be built in the UK has been welcomed by the British Government. Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "I'm delighted Toyota has chosen the UK to build its first hybrid vehicle in Europe. When I visited the Burnaston plant in July, I saw for myself the energy and commitment of Toyota and its workers. The unveiling of the new car at the Frankfurt Motor Show brings the vision of making the UK the best place in the world to develop low carbon vehicles a step closer. I look forward to seeing the cars roll off the line next year."
Exterior design
The design of the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept reflects the installation of a full hybrid powertrain in a mainstream package. Subtle changes have been made to Auris's styling to improve aerodynamic efficiency and blue hybrid badging identifies the car as a member of Toyota's full hybrid fleet.
The front end is designed to optimise airflow and so help maximise fuel efficiency. The front and rear bumper corners have flat surfaces, a feature that not only accentuates the car's wide and solid stance, but also smoothes the flow of air over the vehicle's flanks, minimising turbulence and drag.
The ride height is lower by 20mm compared to the conventional Auris, and underbody panels and a rear diffuser have been fitted to smooth and control airflow beneath the car. The bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels are designed to cut air turbulence in the wheel arches and are shod with low rolling resistance tyres. A larger, more efficient rear spoiler is also fitted. These aerodynamic elements target a drag coefficient of 0.28.
Interior design
The cabin has a number of special features that are linked to the car's full hybrid status.
The seats and upper dashboard are finished in blue Gaucholino leather with light blue accent stitching. To complement the exterior body colour, the centre console and side air vents have a tactile, pearl white finish.
The instrument cluster has hybrid blue illumination, with a design that combines high technology with easy-to-read displays. Alloy pedals reinforce the performance dimension of HSD technology and the steering wheel has a flat bottom section for easy driver access and better legroom.
Sequenced entry and exit lighting is provided, including puddle lights integrated in the door mirrors and ambient illumination of the footwells and headlining. Thick carpeting raises the on-board comfort and refinement levels and also contributes to a marked improvement in cabin quietness.
Refined driving experience
Using the same powertrain as the latest generation Prius, the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept is the first mainstream model in Europe to benefit from Toyota's refined, smooth and quiet Hybrid Synergy Drive.
The car will accelerate from nought to 62mph in around 10 seconds, while returning class-leading combined cycle fuel economy and sub-100g/km CO2 emissions. It offers four driving modes, three of which can be selected on-demand by the driver: ECO mode maximises hybrid system efficiency and fuel economy; Power mode boosts performance; and EV mode – a feature only available with a full hybrid system – allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone for up to 1.25 miles (2km) at speeds up to 31mph, with zero fuel consumption and zero CO2 and particulates (PM) emissions.
Building on the inherent quietness of HSD, particular attention has been paid to further NVH reduction measures to achieve a calm, quiet cabin environment at all speeds. Road and engine noise have been suppressed by comprehensive use of soundproofing materials, and full thickness glazing and an acoustic windscreen reduce wind noise at cruising speeds.
Environmentally efficient technology
Using technology that was first brought to the market in the latest generation Prius, the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept marks a further development of solar powered ventilation, with solar panels covering the entire roof.
Similar technology is used inside the cabin, with solar panels on top of the dashboard that generate sufficient energy to recharge mobile phones or portable music plays mounted in purpose-designed charging trays. In the future, Toyota aims to advance this technology to provide solar powered recharging of the hybrid battery.
Further energy-saving measures include the use of LED technology for the front and rear lights.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Geo 2:27PM (9/17/2009)
the corolla replacement in EU already has a shorter name - Auris
and this hybrid version has a shorter name than the one in the post title as well -
Auris Hybrid
:):)
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StickShift 2:27PM (9/17/2009)
So, whats the point of this when there is already the Prius? Is this smaller, and therefore better suited to European roads?
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Geo 2:45PM (9/17/2009)
yes, the Auris is shorter in length but a little wider than the Prius. This replaced the corolla in EU (which was different than the Corolla here in US). The EU Corolla was smaller than the US Corolla and it is true that the 5-door (the hatch) is more popular than the sedan version.
zamafir 2:45PM (9/17/2009)
yup. look no further than the bright fugly lexus hatch concept to understand why this exists. I'm glad toyota's finally thinking outside the box in terms of platform sharing, I'm just not sure a hybrid luxury hatch is going to sell so well in europe. especially with a lexus badge. we'll see.
Ferrer 3:36PM (9/17/2009)
Thing is, nobody will be interested in this in Europe.
Redline 10:08PM (9/17/2009)
It's a Corolla hatch and they have been in production for quite a while now.
Luis 2:28PM (9/17/2009)
Sounds like a Japanese translation.
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Patrick 2:33PM (9/17/2009)
AB, would it be possible to not include the manufacturers' press release in each post? I mean link it to a PDF that can be read, but it's such a pain to scroll through the whole press release on an iPhone/other mobile device, just to get to the comments. You guys summarize the press releasein your post, just post a link to it for anyone who really cares to read the whole thing. This one wasn't too bad, but some take like 30 scrolls on my phone before the comment section.
/rant.
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Patrick 2:38PM (9/17/2009)
Oh and while you're at it, can you fix whatever script has to be fixed so that AFTER I post my comment on I.autoblog.com, it redirects me BACK to I.autoblog.com instead of the regular site??
And when I go to the next page of the comments, it loads to the top of the page, instead of landing me right back by the comments again, necessitating scrolling all the F back down again. It didn't used to be like this before the last update so fix it please!
DKB_SATX 2:44PM (9/17/2009)
You'd probably have better results from emailing John Neff or one of the other editors rather than posting technical site-design requests in the comments. Their email addresses are by their names in the "Team Autoblog" area of the page.
Chibi Chaingun - blackhivemedia.com 4:25PM (9/17/2009)
I agree with this rant. On the iPhone it sucks scrolling through those press releases and if you comment it takes you to the regular site instead of the iPhone/Mobile site. :( Love the site and the iPhone site, but feedback is feedback! :)
DKB_SATX 2:46PM (9/17/2009)
Reasonable-scale practical hatchback with tolerable looks and an efficient drivetrain... while here the Corolla is just a sedan. Feh.
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doctoroctos 2:51PM (9/17/2009)
Wow, that's a nice looking car. Does that come with a coupon for a free neutering?
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Bobmarley 3:35PM (9/17/2009)
It doesn't look that bad...for what it is. It actually looks like it could have a Mazda badge on it. And it looks really slippery!
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Level 3:46PM (9/17/2009)
WOW Toyota can actually make good looking small cars
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ForgedInternals 4:22PM (9/17/2009)
I'll take the Blue shadow emblems so long as theres no chrome Hybrid strip on the doors. This is what the second generation Matrix should have looked like.
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Trajan 4:28PM (9/17/2009)
God forbid they put a turbocharged I4 in something like this.
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Chibi Chaingun - blackhivemedia.com 4:29PM (9/17/2009)
I'm not sure I like the shape. It's not terrible but kinda reminds me of a Versa (not a good thing in my book). I love the Yaris hatch and the new Corolla is alright for a sedan, but this could look sooo much better, imo. I guess 'boring' is the best way to describe this design.
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JDM Life 4:45PM (9/17/2009)
Looks great.
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Derek 4:51PM (9/17/2009)
How about the Toyota AHSDFHC? Better?
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