Toyota has improved the CO2 emissions and fuel economy of the Auris by introducing a new engine with a stop and start system – a first for Toyota cars.
The new 1.3-litre petrol engine boasts low emissions of 135g/km and a 19 per cent improvement in fuel consumption compared to the previous 1.4-litre engine.
| 1.3-litre VVT T2 3dr | 135 g/km | 48.7 mpg |
| 1.4-litre VVT T2 3dr | 163 g/km | 40 mpg |
The stop and start system stops the engine whenever the car is stationary, and then starts it up immediately when the driver needs to move off again. It saves the fuel otherwise wasted keeping the engine ticking over unnecessarily and therefore emits less CO2.
Rather like Peugeot, Toyota is helping car buyers identify its green range with a new brand name – Optimal Drive.
The Auris will be followed by an eco-friendly iQ, emitting just 99g/km of CO2, and Avensis in January next year. Both of these cars will be available as Optimal Drive models.
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The iQ will sit in road tax band A and will consequently be free to tax. The Avensis has also had its CO2 emissions cut by 10 per cent, where the 1.8-litre T2 model now boasts 154 g/km.
Avensis buyers will be pleased to hear that there are already huge savings on the brand new model at some online car supermarkets. We found one model with a saving of over £4217 at Broadspeed.com. Read more.
The Auris Optimal Drive is now on sale from £12,705.
