Five-Point Inspection: Toyota Auris Hybrid Touring Sports

2. Powertrain

The Auris Hybrid Touring Sports is powered by an economy-minded drivetrain. Half of this system is comprised of a 1.8-liter gasoline four-cylinder and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Running on the Atkinson cycle, this engine puts out a rather measly 98 horsepower; lowered performance is a concession to efficiency.

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Making up lost ground is the other half of the powertrain, which is comprised of an electric motor and an energy-saving battery pack mounted beneath the car’s rear seats so it doesn’t eat up any interior space. Add it all up and this electrified drivetrain delivers a total of 136 horsepower.