Toyota Auris Hybrid (2013-2019) running costs

The Toyota Auris Hybrid cost around £1,300 more than the 1.2-litre petrol automatic model when new, but although the fuel-economy difference between the two versions was plain to see, achieving the Hybrid's lofty 72mpg claim depends very much on the kind of driving you do.

With the electric motor in operation only at very low speeds, if you're a rural driver, you may find the petrol engine taking over as soon as you leave your drive. In fast-moving traffic, that heavy electric motor and its battery pack just add to the weight the Auris has to carry. If you make frequent journeys in busy urban areas, though, the ability to crawl along in zero-emissions electric mode might well save you money.

It's a shame that, despite its 'alternative-fuel vehicle'' classification, CO2 emissions of 91g/km put the Auris Hybrid above the cutoff for exemption from the London Congestion Charge.

Toyota Auris Hybrid insurance group

The Auris Hybrid offers a potential cost advantage over its purely petrol-powered siblings thanks to its lower insurance groups. All trim levels are rated in group 9 or 10, while the 1.2-litre petrol version occupies groups 12 and 13. That puts the Auris Hybrid on par with the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, which is classified in insurance group 10. The Ford Focus 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel, meanwhile, starts in insurance group 15. It's worth seeking an insurance quote before you make a decision to buy, though, as personal circumstances can sometimes cause car-insurance costs to vary more than group classifications.

Warranty

Toyota's five-year/100,000-mile warranty is one of the most generous on the market, only narrowly beaten by Hyundai's five-year/unlimited-mileage policy and Kia's seven-year/100,000-mile cover. The Toyota warranty also includes 12 years' anti-corrosion cover, and three years' paintwork and surface rust cover, both with no upper mileage limit, but solely addressing manufacturing defects. You can extend the warranty on an Auris Hybrid in 12 or 24-month increments. However, the car must be no more than 10 years old and have no more than 100,000 miles showing when the final year of extended warranty is purchased.

Servicing

The Toyota Auris has 10,000-mile maintenance intervals, and the brand's service charges follow a flat nationwide rate, so there should be no need to shop between branches. Toyota also offers 'essential care' servicing for cars over five years old, with reduced rates to encourage owners to continue using franchised dealers for servicing.

Road tax

The Toyota Auris Hybrid is classified as an 'alternative-fuel', car which makes it liable for a slightly reduced £135 rate of annual road tax, compared to £145 for regular petrol models.