Turning to Economy mode, through a switch hiding behind a stubby gear selector whose return-to-neutral mechanics produces disarray, softens the resonance by dulling the throttle response, together with performance. However for commuting, it’s very good – and the thrashing noises establish an incentive to back off and save you petrol.
You could perhaps drive in totally electrical power mode, at as much as 31mph for 1.2 miles, though the motor is much better left to fire up when the ingenious electric brain sees fit, which happens to be routinely in metropolitan jams.
A difficult and highly uneconomical race thru the hillsides gave 36.6 mpg – an alternative economy-minded tester managed 57.7 mpg - so 60 miles per gallon-plus must be managable.
Nevertheless revving this particular Auris is an unrewarding experience, this hybrid variation having had removed the fairly recently-updated ordinary models modified agility – blame Cd-minimizing lowered suspension, fuel-eking excessive tyre-pressures and extra weight – and its steering is quite dull as well.
This is a vehicle that’s more transport - if fascinating transport - than enjoyable drive, nevertheless one that proves civil at practical velocities (more so than the Prius) & tempts very efficiently with its impressively decreased running prices.
