Hybrid technology

Toyota has just been awarded the title of the “world’s greenest brand” as part of  a new global survey from the international brand consultancy, Interbrand. The new global survey is called Best Global Green Brands and takes into account environmental performance plus public perception, to give a “green profile” which then produces a Green Performance Score.

Toyota’s development of full hybrid technology, notably with the Prius, was a key contributor to their strong green performance and since 1997, Toyota and Lexus have notched up 3.2 million hybrid vehicle sales worldwide. The Interbrand report covered data from the world’s leading markets including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, USA, Japan, Brazil and India with Toyota receiving an impressive top score of 64.19.

The methodology for the new report was designed by Interbrand and Deloitte, with the new Green Performance Score designed to be applied across differing industries. Interbrand also interviewed over 10,000 consumers across ten of the world’s largest markets to understand consumer perceptions of a brand’s green performance.

Lexus IS 250C interior

Lexus has released the IS 250C Limited Edition which is one of the most stylish coupe-convertibles on the market. It has a quick and quiet electric folding roof that lets you enjoy open-top motoring in a matter of seconds and there are only 50 examples of this Limited Edition being made.

Lexus IS 250C Limited Edition coupe-convertible

The car has a distinctive black and red semi-aniline fine leather interior and each model comes with a numbered badge denoting its special status (hidden in the glovebox).

The 250C Limited Edition is based on the regular SE-L model and standard options include 18-inch alloy wheels, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats with built-in ventilation and heating, cruise control, electric one-touch access to the rear seats, climate control and cruise control.

In addition to the launch of the IS 250 C Limited Edition, Lexus is also providing a new panoramic roof option for the full hybrid RX 450h SE-I which can be specified on order (costs £900). This fixed roof lets light flood into the cabin and provides an excellent view all-round for the driver and passengers alike. We should have Lexus car leasing prices on the new models loaded shortly.

Lexus CT full-hybrid

The Lexus/GAZOO Racing CT full-hybrid has made its debut at the world-famous race circuit at Nurburgring in a gruelling endurance race. The GAZOO Racing CT has a higher-capacity 2.4-litre petrol engine (compared to the usual 1.8-litre in the CT200h), plus it features Lexus Hybrid Drive.

The race car uses just its electric motor at start up and under braking, producing zero tailpipe emissions and of course using no fuel. At higher speeds, the combustion engine takes over with the electric motor providing additional power. If you a running your own business and are interested in leasing a Lexus CT200, then we have the full range on the site now.

Toyota Auris HSD

Toyota is launching a new production ready Full Hybrid Auris HSD at the Geneva Motor Show. This car is designed exclusively for the European market and incorporates Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) to deliver class leading CO2 emissions.

The Auris HSD will be available in two versions, the 89g/km and 92g/km models offering extremely low CO2 emissions for this C-segment car. The Auris HSD has the new exterior styling that has recently been adopted across the whole Auris range, with aerodynamic efficiencies helping to reduce drag across the car.

Auris HSD

Inside the car there are a number of modifications including a revised instrument binnacle in which the tachometer has been replaced by an Eco Drive Assist Monitor, to help further reduce CO2 emissions. The Auris HSD can operate in petrol or electric modes alone and is powered using a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and a powerful electric motor (60kW).