Tag Archives: Autocar’s

Car review

Review of the Used Toyota Auris 2012-2018

The Toyota Auris was described as a practical and sensible choice by Autocar’s road test.

While this might not sound very exciting for a new car, it is actually a positive attribute for a used car. When faced with a multitude of questionable second-hand vehicles, prioritizing practicality over emotion makes sense for many car buyers.

The second-generation Auris was introduced in 2013, available as a five-door hatch and a Touring Sports estate. During the design, Toyota aimed to match the standards set by the Volkswagen Golf Mk6. Despite being durable, the Auris falls short in comparison to the old Golf in most areas, except for its hybrid technology.

The 134bhp 1.8-litre VVT-h engine boasts an impressive claimed fuel economy of 70mpg, although real-world figures are closer to 50mpg. Additionally, it can travel a little over a mile on battery power alone. Paired with a clever automatic gearbox, the VVT-h engine is a technical marvel that offers a quiet, smooth, and relaxing drive, albeit lacking in excitement.

Almost two-thirds of the hatchbacks for sale are equipped with the VVT-h engine, indicating its popularity. Other engine options include a few petrol variants, with the 114bhp 1.2T being the most favorable due to its smooth and powerful performance. However, the two diesel options, an 89bhp 1.4 D-4D and a 109bhp 1.6D, are considered sluggish and noisy, especially in their Euro 6 iterations.

News

First Lamborghini EV to be unveiled as a concept next week

In a recent exclusive interview with Autocar, Lamborghini has shared details about its first electric vehicle (EV), which will be revealed in concept form next week. This announcement supports Lamborghini’s previously stated plan for electrification, which was announced in 2021.

The EV, known as Direzione Cor Tauri, takes its name from the Latin term for a bull’s heart and the brightest star in the Taurus constellation. Lamborghini’s electrification plan outlines a three-step strategy.

The initial stage of the plan involved creating pure internal combustion engine (ICE) specials, which concluded last year. This was followed by the launch of Lamborghini’s first plug-in hybrid, the Revuelto, which has already sold out until 2026.

By the end of 2024, all three of Lamborghini’s current models – the Aventador, Huracán, and Urus – will be available as plug-in hybrids.

The introduction of these plug-in hybrids will help Lamborghini reduce its official carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by half of the 2022 levels by 2025. The company’s two EVs planned for release after 2024 will further contribute to a significant reduction in emissions.

Lamborghini’s CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, emphasized that customer perceptions have shifted with regards to electrification. Customers are now more aware of environmental regulations and interested in sustainable technologies that also enhance performance. The success and acceptance of Lamborghini’s hybridization phase have paved the way for a new breed of customers to consider full electrification.