Toyota Auris Hybrid review

What’s clear is that the Auris is extremely refined whatever the power source. Because the electric motor helps out with extra shove, the petrol engine doesn’t need to be revved hard and so the overwhelming sensation is one of quiet strength. Together the power sources provide 134bhp, but it feels a lot more, especially in town driving, where the Auris Hybrid pulls away with real gusto.

Despite all that technology hidden from view, the car itself is actually very easy to drive. Shift that stubby gearlever into D and everything happens automatically. You do have some choices – shift the lever in B and the regenerative braking sending power to the battery is sharper, helping the economy and, as a bonus, reducing the wear on the brake pads. There’s also a button for Power Mode to increase acceleration force by 25 per cent, or a fuel saving ECO Mode.

A dashboard display lets you know how you’re doing economy-wise, but other than the blue-glowing Hybrid badging, it’s very easy to forget you’re in a hybrid at all. The same roominess offered by the standard Auris continues over with the exception of the boot, which is smaller by 75 litres because of the battery pack. However the 60/40 split rear seat backs still fold down to give a useful luggage carrying flexibility and there’s even room for a hidden compartment under the boot floor.