Toyota Auris Hybrid Crowned WhatGreenCar Car of the Year

The new Toyota Auris Hybrid officially went on sale yesterday and instantly scooped its first award, being named the WhatGreenCar Car of the Year 2010.

The British-built Auris Hybrid was chosen from a short-list of 10 green car finalists which were test-driven by six of the UK’s leading green transport and environmental experts. The judging was completely independent and showcased the most innovative green new cars available to buy in the UK during 2010.

On behalf of the judging panel, Dr Ben Lane, Managing Editor of WhatGreenCar said: “The judges were particularly impressed by Toyota’s Auris Hybrid; the latest in their developing hybrid range and, most significantly, the first hybrid in the ‘small family’ class. Cheaper and smaller than the Prius, the new Auris Hybrid will allow significantly more car buyers to join the ‘hybrid owners’ club. In addition to the car’s superior drive and state-of-the-art driver control options, the judges also noted its ‘normal’ looks, in contrast to the more futuristic Prius; and a sign that hybrid technology is now becoming mainstream.”

Auris Hybrid returns a class-leading official fuel consumption figure of 74.3mpg and tax-efficient CO2 emissions from just 89g/km, a level unmatched by any other car in its segment. In addition, NOX emissions are significantly lower than those of diesel cars of comparable performance.

The benefits of the Auris Hybrid’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain go beyond exceptional fuel economy and low CO2 emissions: it is user-friendly and delivers a quiet, comfortable and stress-free drive unlike anything else in the C-segment.

Details of all 10 short listed cars, together with information about the WhatGreenCar Award can be viewed at: www.whatgreencar.com/green-car-of-the-year-2010.php

ENDS