In its press conference today (5 March) at the Geneva Motor Show Toyota Europe said that it’s planning a big push on hybrids this year, which are expected to increase by 35% this year to 150k units or 18% of the total 850k sales. 

This includes the forthcoming Auris Touring Sports – which made its production debut at the show – which will also be available with the same 1.8-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, offering CO2 emissions of 85g/km. This makes it the first model in its class to offer the choice of a full hybrid powertrain, marking further diversification of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. 

The Touring Sports – which is the first estate version offered of the Auris – will also offer 530 litres of boot space, rising to a maximum 1658 litres and the Easy-Flat seat system. The range starts from £15,595 for the Active, which is available with either a 1.33 Dual VVT-i petrol engine or a 1.4 D-4D diesel, both with six-speed manual transmission.