The Geneva hybrid vehicle show, kind of

But is it all just hype?

Auto shows and hybrid cars. It's the norm, right?

So far the Geneva Auto Show has seemed a bit like a hybrid festival, particularly with the debuts of Porsche and Ferrari hybrids sucking up a lot of press.

But what do these hybrids really mean? Not much.

Probably the most important debut thus far has been Toyota's Auris hybrid, since it's actually production ready, but if it isn't much cheaper than the Prius, can the Auris hybrid really conquest many more hybrid buyers?

Likewise, Hyundai's diesel hybrid i flow concept certainly makes Hyundai's hybrid plans look more compelling. Still, hybrids are already too expensive for most buyers, can diesel hybrids really change that, even in diesel-loving Europe?

None of that means the Geneva Auto Show is a hybrid disappointment, but one of these years a legitimate show-stopper would be nice. I'll keep my fingers crossed for now.

Auris hybrid more efficient than Prius. Cheaper?

Is it just about styling?

When the new Toyota Auris hybrid goes on sale in Europe, it will be even more efficient than the Toyota Prius. The third generation Prius rates at 72.4 mpg on the European cycle, while the new Auris hybrid achieves between 70.6 mpg - 74.3 mpg, dependent upon options according to MotorTrend. Thus, at best, the difference in fuel economy between these two Toyota hybrid cars is not staggering, especially once downsized by the US's EPA cycle.

So, what's the point of the Auris? European styling? More cost-effective fuel efficiency? A combination of both? I guess we'll find out soon.

Toyota Auris hybrid ready to hit the EU

Coming this Spring

The new Toyota Auris hybrid will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, and the production-ready hybrid will go on sale throughout Europe later this Spring.

Not many details on the new Auris hybrid are yet available, but Toyota did reiterate its plans to have hybrids across its entire lineup by 2020. And, while the new Auris hybrid is not intended for the US market, it is a step towards the new compact hybrid cars that Toyota has planned for the US market some time next year.

Auris hybrid details released. For Europe only?

At least initially

Toyota has released a few new details for its upcoming Auris hybrid. For instance, the Auris hybrid offers a drag co-efficient of 0.28, thanks to a full exterior redesign.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive powering the Auris will utilize a 97-hp 1.8L gasoline engine mated to a NiMH battery that provides several different driving modes. ECO mode is for is efficient driving; power mode increase performance; and EV mode is for pure electric driving.

Using EV mode the Auris hybrid can drive up to 1.25 miles using only electric power at speeds up to 31 mph.

Toyota will begin Auris hybrid production next year in England, but there is no indication that Toyota has any plans to sell the Auris hybrid in the US.

Auris hybrid more advanced than the Prius

Better than the Prius?

At the Frankfurt Auto Show there will be a good bit of hype around Toyota's plug-in Prius. However, there might be even more hype around the new Auris hybrid vehicle.

Unlike the Toyota Prius, the Auris hybrid will be based on Toyota's first HSD Full hybrid technology that enables the Auris to run solely on electric power, gasoline or a combination of the two. Likewise, according to early reports, the Auris hybrid will then be able to use the engine as a generator to recharge the batteries, or to power the Toyota's latest hybrid offering.

Expect more details in the next few weeks.

One step closer to a Corolla hybrid

Auris hybrid to begin production next year

Toyota has confirmed that it will begin producing a full hybrid version of the Auris in England in mid-2010.

‘With today’s announcement, Toyota has taken a significant step forward in ensuring that full hybrids become more accessible to a wider range of customers. Such efforts are crucial if we are to see more low-carbon vehicles on European roads,’ said Tadashi Arashima, CEO and President, TME.

And, since the Auris is built on the same platform as the Corolla, a Corolla hybrid is only a decision away.

Would a Corolla hybrid be a good addition to Toyota's family of hybrid cars?

Yaris hybrid coming, Auris hybrid possible

Yaris hybrid confirmed

Small Toyota hybrid cars are coming.

Akihiko Otsuka, chief engineer of the redesigned, third-generation Toyota Prius stated, ""We are developing a low-priced hybrid vehicles like Honda's Insight. We are going to compete by expanding our hybrid-vehicle lineup to smaller hybrids, in the class of the Vitz [sold in Japan] and Yaris.".

Likewise, Otsuka noted that the current Prius will now share a great number of parts with the Toyota Auris while confirming that the Auris - the Corolla platform in the US - was designed so that it could carry a hybrid system.

Cheap hybrid vehicles are on the way! Unfortunately, don't expect any of these new hybrids until at least 2011.