(Tue 18 May 10)

The first hybrid version of the Toyota Auris will go on sale in the UK on July 1, priced from £18,950. Like the Prius, it uses a 1.8-litre petrol engine and an electric motor which give a combined power output of 134bhp, leading to a top speed of 112mph and 0-62mph acceleration of 11.4 seconds.

However, the more important figures relate to fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Again, the Auris is very similar to the Prius here: with 15" wheels the figures are 74.3mpg and 89g/km, while on 17s, with lower-profile tyres, the Auris manages 70.6mpg and 93g/km. In either form, it's exempt from annual VED payments under the current system.

The Auris Hybrid will be sold in the T4 and T Spirit trim levels. The T4 is the one costing £18,950, while for £20,700 the T Spirit provides those 17" wheels along with leather/alcantara upholstery, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic headlights and wipers, an auto-dimming interior mirror and a rear view camera.

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