We say Fairly dull in terms of drive and design but one of the more efficient cars on the market - list prices are very high though.Performance Toyota says its 136bhp 1.8-litre VVT-i Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) engine and 60kW electric motor provides the same amount of power as a 2.0-litre diesel or petrol equivalent which is quite a claim given that it clears 62mph in 11.4 seconds with a top speed of just 112mph. It doesn’t look like it’s a quick car, and its performance backs that up – an obvious trade off for its economy and emissions.Emissions The Auris HSD is a hybrid so if there’s one thing you’d expect of it, its low CO2 emissions and good fuel economy figures. It does both of those things thanks to its combination of a 1.8-litre engine and an electric motor, returning 74.3mpg and emitting 89g/km in CO2 emissions.Unfortunately, while those figures might have been more impressive in 2007 when the Auris HSD was first released, it’s less impressive now with a number of petrol and diesel engines from the likes of Volkswagen and Ford catching up with the Toyota. It still makes for low running costs.Driving The Toyota Auris HSD is above all a frugal machine and not something you’d expect to handle well around corners. It doesn’t either. It’s a pootler rather than a drivers’ car.There’s a large amount of bodyroll around corners even though it’s not particularly tall, but that’s because its tyres have high sidewalls. It doesn’t handle particularly bad but it is a hatchback and therefore up against the likes of the Ford Focus and the Volkswagen Golf; compared to those two heavyweights it’s not as good. There will be few complaints but a shortage of praise as well.Feel We’ve called it a pootler and the general feel of the car works to the same extent. There’s nothing untoward in terms of the cabin or cabin noise and the hybrid engine is ok on the motorway and around town. The only surprising thing is perhaps its lack of noise.Generally there’s not a lot the grabs the eye in terms of pros or cons on the Auris HSD.Space Space is where the Auris HSD excels. It’s similar in size and shape to the likes of the Toyota Verso and the Vauxhall Agila in the sense that it’s more of a hatchback cum MPV than an out and out hatchback.The benefit of that design is that, whilst it may suffer in terms of drive and handling, it’s brilliant in terms of space and practicality. There’s plenty of head and legroom for all occupants. Because it needs to house an electric motor, boot size isn’t great at just 233-litres but rear seats fold flat, freeing up additional space.Equipment Just two specifications are available with the Auris hybrid in the form of the entry-level T4 model and the T Spirit version. All models come with six speakers, MP3 compatibility and keyless ignition as well as a multi information display, trip computer and an Eco driving indicator. Whatever you choose we’d advise the larger 17-inch alloy wheels – as are standard on the T4 version – because of their look and the improvements they bring with handling.Price Pricing for the Toyota Auris HSD hatchback starts from £18,950 which means it’s not one of the cheapest hatchbacks on the market, despite the savings you’re likely to make in terms of running costs thanks to its hybrid drivetrain.Quality The Auris is a Toyota which means you’re more likely to die before it does because they’re supremely reliable. However that reliability doesn’t mask what, in truth, is a fairly cheap feeling cabin.There should be few issues but it won’t appeal to those who are used to the high-quality plastics and finishes of the likes of the Ford focus or the Vauxhall Astra.Safety In terms of safety the Auris hybrid is well kitted out. There are five airbags throughout the cabin – including one for the drivers’ knees – while ABS is fitted as standard alongside a fuel cut safety system, traction control and vehicle stability control.Pros The Toyota Auris HSD makes for cheap motoring thanks to its hybrid drivetrain. CO2 emissions are low meaning it is VED and congestion charge exempt. It’s also extremely reliable thanks to Toyota’s typical levels of build quality.Cons The Toyota Auris HSD isn’t particularly cheap to buy and its low emissions and brilliant fuel economy force a trade off in terms of drive and handling which is fairly dull – like its styling. The materials inside the cabin also feel cheap when compared toAlternatives Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra
