The title of WhatGreenCar Car of the Year 2010 has been awarded to the new Toyota Auris hybrid, which is launched 1st July.

Winner Car of the Year 2010

• Toyota Auris hybrid – WGC Rating: 31 – CO₂: 89 g/km

The new Auris was chosen from a short-list of 10 green car finalists which were test-driven by six of the UK’s leading green transport and environmental experts. The judging was completely independent and showcased the most innovative green new cars available to buy in the UK during 2010.

On behalf of the judging panel, Dr Ben Lane, Managing Editor of WhatGreenCar said: "The judges were particularly impressed by Toyota’sAuris hybrid; the latest in their developing hybrid range and, most significantly, the first hybrid in the 'small family' class. Cheaper and smaller than the Prius, the new Auris will allow significantly more car buyers to join the ‘hybrid owners’ club. In addition to the car’s superior drive and state-of-the-art driver control options, the judges also noted its ‘normal’ looks, in contrast to the more futuristic Prius; and a sign that hybrid technology is now becoming mainstream."

About the Toyota Auris hybrid

The Auris’ Hybrid Synergy drive is almost identical to that of the successful Prius, and features a 1.8 litre VVT-i petrol engine and two electric motors that work together to deliver power to the wheels in the most efficient way. The result is best-in-class CO₂ emissions of just 89 g/km and a combined fuel economy of 74.3 mpg.

As in the Prius, the driver is able to switch between the power options: driving in EV-mode (electric only when batteries have sufficient charge), ECO-mode (the car decides how to use energy sources most efficiently), and POWER-mode (petrol and engine and batteries are used to maximum effect). The model is exempt from paying 'road tax' and the London Congestion Charge.

The Auris hybrid is manufactured in the UK, and is available from 1st July.

Green Car of the Year 2010 is Toyota iQ