The Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept

Toyota’s new concept car is the Auris HSD full hybrid concept. What the ‘full’ part means is that the car is capable of being driven by petrol, electric power or a combination of both. Partial hybrids are not set up to do this, being permanently a synergistic setup. The concept previews at the Frankfurt Motor Show, in what will be a World debut.

So what’s so special about this concept then? Well, firstly it uses the class-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain from the latest Prius, which should mean super-economy if driven ‘properly’. Secondly, we’re looking at a car that emits less than 100 g/km of C02 – so your wallet will benefit from free road tax, year after year of ownership (or until the government deems that even lower regulations need to be in place/they need more money from the driving folk).

Startlingly, this is a car that will cover 0-62 in around 10 seconds. Whilst this isn’t hot hatch territory, it’s far better performance than many other economy models out there, meaning that we’re starting to get close to having the best of both worlds.

Naturally the bodyshape has been analysed in order to reduce drag and increase slipperiness (a good thing to make the car use less fuel), and there’s even a further development with solar power for ventilation.

And the greatest thing? The road-going production model is scheduled to be made at the Toyota Burnaston factory, so our own fair Isle will be responsible for one of the most responsible cars on the road. Sales will sometime in the second half of 2010.