Toyota Hybrid Ride & Drive event - check out what MN attendees thought of the day!

[MichelleMumsnet]

This thread is for the seven Mumsnetters who attended Toyota's Hybrid Ride & Drive event at Toyota HQ in Epsom on 6th February and had fun whizzing around in the different hybrid cars!

Here's what Toyota say, "Toyota have been making hybrid cars for over 12 years and have sold over 2.4 million Prius Hybrid models to date, but there are still many myths surrounding this technology, like do hybrids need special fuel? (No!) Does a Hybrid save me road tax? (Yes!) How does it feel to drive a Hybrid? To bust these myths, Toyota held an event day at Toyota HQ about Hybrid cars."

Below are some questions we’d like you to answer about the day:

Q1. What was your overall impression of the day? Could you describe the day to non-attendees?

Q2. Did you find the day informative? If so, why? If not, why not? What did you learn?

Q3. Was there anything you learnt which really surprised you? If so, what was it?

Q4. Out of the different cars that you got to test-drive which car did you prefer? Can you give your reasons as to why?

Q5. What was your favourite part of the day?

If you took any pictures on the day feel free to upload them onto this thread.

Please note that any comments posted on this thread may be used by Toyota on their social media channels, in any other marketing material and potentially elsewhere. Please only post if you're happy with this.

Thanks and good luck,

MNHQ

If anyone drove an Auris hybrid can you post what you thought please-I'm about to get one as a company car and am unsure!

Well I'm here and already impressed. They had a visitors badge waiting and a personal wifi key set out. Just having a coffee and chat. Will post more soon.

Q1. What was your overall impression of the day? Could you describe the day to non-attendees?

It was a great day, well organised as EstoyAqui said we arrived and everything was set up down to a personalised logon to the WiFi. The day consisted of a little getting to know the cars having a look at them sit in them and a few questions on what our thoughts were on Hybrids etc... Then we went out an a Treasure hunt, which was lots of fun and brought out the competitive side in a few people, not me of course and then the opportunity to drive another hybrid as there are currently 5 different hybrids (not including the Plug in Pruis). A prize giving for the winners of the Treasure hunt and then reluctantly going home.

Q2. Did you find the day informative? If so, why? If not, why not? What did you learn?
Yes it was very informative, I was surprised to learn that Toyota have been working on a Hybrid concept since the 60's and the top speed of the Le Mans Hybrid (210MPH just incase you wanted to know). I'm sure there was a lot more interesting facts that I learnt.

Q3. Was there anything you learnt which really surprised you? If so, what was it? What I said above, both surprised me. The top speed surprised me as I didn't expect that of an eco car.

Q4. Out of the different cars that you got to test-drive which car did you prefer? Can you give your reasons as to why?

Pruis+ was my favourite, it felt very grounded especially while going around curves. It's also sits slightly higher off the ground which is nice when getting in and out of it. Other bonuses, the heads up display simple but not intrusive in any way with the ability to change the information displayed from the basic speed, to the eco bar and speed etc... The reversing camera, built in sat nav, the drinks holder on the passengers side, the ability to move each seat in the middle row independently, Smart Entry. Negatives: it doesn't have the self parking feature of the Prius or Auris.

Q5. What was your favourite part of the day?
The Treasure Hunt was easily the best part of the day, closely followed by lunch.

We drove the Auris Tourer, and it was great to drive. What are your worries? That's probably an easier place to start. It's not at all sluggish, starting it is easy especially with the keyless entry.

Thank you very much for a lovely day.

Q1. What was your overall impression of the day? Could you describe the day to non-attendees?

The day was interesting. The purpose was to inform mumsnetters and potential hybrid drivers about the range of hybrid cars and dispel any myths about them.

It was very well organised, although allocated parking for us would have got things off to a quicker start. First of all my test-drive partner and I answered questions about ourselves, what we drove etc and then we had a general chat about the range and went on a treasure hunt. I drove an Auris 5-door hatchback first and then a Prius in the afternoon. We drove around country lanes, on dual-carriageways and through the town centre, experiencing different driving conditions, although it rained heavily throughout the whole day!

Q2. Did you find the day informative? If so, why? If not, why not? What did you learn?

The day was very informative. I already knew a bit about hybrids but the technology has improved a lot since the early days and the cars were certainly impressive. Fuel economy and other eco aspects of driving are coming more to the fore these days when considering what car to drive, so this was a very timely exercise.

Q3. Was there anything you learnt which really surprised you? If so, what was it?

I thought the Prius was the only hybrid car that Toyota produced, so it was good to know that there are hybrid options on 3 models now. Other than that, the cars were more or less what I expected.

Q4. Out of the different cars that you got to test-drive which car did you prefer? Can you give your reasons as to why?

The Prius was definitely my favourite. The Yaris would be too small for myself and my kids as we are the 'tall family', the Auris is a nice car to drive, comfortable, economical etc, but the Prius is spacious and comfortable and looks good - I drove the 5 seater but the 7-seater Prius Plus would be great for a larger family and it looks good from the outside and the inside! For the family looking for something other than a gas-guzzling 4x4, the Prius Plus ticks the boxes. Both the cars I drove had great features to make life easier for the driver and passengers and driving itself was effortless, visibility is excellent, information about fuel economy is straightforward and, once you get to know them, the controls are a doddle.

Q5. What was your favourite part of the day?

I enjoyed the treasure hunt. I didn't have to think about driving the car, it was that easy, so we could concentrate on the route and the questions and photo/video opportunities. Its such a shame the weather wasn't on our side.

Q1. What was your overall impression of the day? Could you describe the day to non-attendees?

really good fun, and a great experience. We arrived at the large HQ to be met with coffee and pastries, then were put into pairs. We did a quick video about who we were, what we already knew about cars/hybrids and what we already drove, then out to drive one of the hybrids on a GPS challenge. This involved a driver, a passenger with a samsung tablet with an app with various GPS points marked on it and a rep from Toyota. We had to drive round getting as many points as possible through answering questions, making videos and taking pics. Bit of a challenge in the weather, would have been much nicer today but hey ho!

Then back for lunch, another video with our impressions of the cars, and a change to drive something else quickly before wrap up.

Q2. Did you find the day informative? If so, why? If not, why not? What did you learn?

Definitely. I ended up with a much better understanding of how hybrids worked (though this was down to asking questions, we didn't get any info handed out/presented which I was a little surprised about. I can understand not wanting a lecture but 5 mins on hybrids 101 would have been good)

Q3. Was there anything you learnt which really surprised you? If so, what was it?

how easy and smooth the Prius was. It's lack of go off the lights took some getting used to (though that may be down to what car you drive normally)

Q4. Out of the different cars that you got to test-drive which car did you prefer? Can you give your reasons as to why?

I really liked the Prius. Very very easy to jump in and drive. Good seating position for me (I'm not tall!) and comfortable. Didn't feel quite the same about the Prius+, not sure really why not.

Q5. What was your favourite part of the day

The GPS challenge - a great way to get us relaxed with each other and the cars. The toyota reps were all very friendly and helpful.

Q1. What was your overall impression of the day? Could you describe the day to non-attendees?

The day was efficiently run and non-stop in a relaxed way. I arrived to be directed to parking spot, guided into the building where my pass waited. Then I was taken up stairs where tea. coffee, juice, pastries and other Mumsnetters were waiting. From then on I didn't seem to stop. I was whisked off for some filming and interviews, then chatted to some bloggers.
Then it was time for the treasure hunt! This was fabulous fun. We were placed in teams of two, to go with a Chaperone (a top Toyota sales guy) to drive around Epsom area and answer questions or do photo/video challenges when we got close to GPS beacons. We had a tablet to guide us, and it was brilliant fun. I would highly recommend it for a corporate day out type event.
The best bit was that unlike a normal test drive we really put the cars through their paces as we drove into a field (to do a video) and over a kerb and so on.
Then it was lunch. DELICIOUS! Amazing cup cakes, pity most of us were too full to devour them.
Then we did further test drives, to see what the other cars in the range were like. And at some point further interviews and filming.
Then it was looking at our film and photo efforts of earlier (some real pros among the MNers I must say, if Top Gear needs new presenters then look no further).
Then it was prize giving! Good bags and home.
I had a really good day, and would recommend anyone else to take the opportunity if offered.

Q2. Did you find the day informative? If so, why? If not, why not? What did you learn?

I learnt a lot!
I didn't realise there was such a range of Hybrid cars.
Road Tax, mainly free. For the Prius plus its only £20 a year!
The electric engine is service free.
If Bob Old could travel 365000+ in his, their reliabilty and resilence must be good.

Some cars can park themselves

I want one - but you didn't tell me how to convince my DH that it is a priority.

Q3. Was there anything you learnt which really surprised you? If so, what was it?

Some cars can park themselves

How easy and comfortable it is to drive an Automatic.

The Prius+ is surprisingly good looking for a 7 seater!

Q4. Out of the different cars that you got to test-drive which car did you prefer? Can you give your reasons as to why?

The Prius (I didn't drive an Auris), as it is big enough for my family. Although people thought I would be put off by the technology, I ignored most of it during the brief test drive. I did love the projection of the speed so you can see your speed without taking your eyes off the road even briefly.

Q5. What was your favourite part of the day?

The Treasure Hunt. Great fun, and a painless way to learn facts, as well as really drive the cars.

Q1. What was your overall impression of the day? Could you describe the day to non-attendees?

I arrived to find a parking space allocated. The very friendly security guard directed me to reception. I had arrived early as I was unsure about traffic. I had expected to sit and wait but I was given a prepared security badge and shown immediately into a lovely room where a personal Wi-Fi login was provided, along with tea and coffee. As the other Mumsnetters arrived I spoke with Tim who was incredibly knowledgeable about all the cars and really put me at ease as to what to expect.

The day consisted of a chat about what we would be doing. Allocation of teams and details about which car we would be driving. A GPS challenge (we really did get to put the cars to the test!). Lunch followed by filming our thoughts on the cars and then another chance to drive the cars again.

Q2. Did you find the day informative? If so, why? If not, why not? What did you learn?

I was blown away by how little I knew of these cars and how much they could save in terms of energy and money. I had a perception that Hybrid was a new technology but in reality Toyota have been perfecting this since 1969. The driver feedback on the console was really handy. It allows you to see when the car is using battery or petrol and adjust your driving to be more efficient. I had anticipated the cars to be sluggish and clumsy but they were anything but. I drove the Prius+ and would definitely recommend it. The drive was punchy and smooth. It took a bit of getting used to as everything was automatic. I did not have to think about lights, wipers or gears. The technology inside was fab and it was such a quiet drive.

I loved the heads up display which showed your MPH on the windscreen. It felt futuristic without being invasive.

The Prius+ has 7 seats and they can be configured independently. This means that the passengers’ comfort is key. I was put into a team with Mumsnet HQ which meant I drove the entire challenge alone. I was driving for an hour and a half and not once did I feel uncomfortable.

Q3. Was there anything you learnt which really surprised you? If so, what was it?

I was surprised at:

How quick the cars were.

How little they would cost to run.
There were many models to suit all needs.
The batteries used in them have an 8-year warranty.
The tax disc for most models is £0 a year.
They are silent, truly silent. I was concerned I had stalled the car a couple of times due to this!

I was amazed at the Auris that could park itself. It was so strange to be in a moving car in close proximity to other cars and not be holding the wheel. It felt so alien but the car parked itself perfectly. Apparently some Prius models are also capable of this. I would definitely be looking at this feature in the future.

Q4. Out of the different cars that you got to test-drive which car did you prefer? Can you give your reasons as to why? ??

The Prius+ was my favourite. I was not looking for an MPV but it felt no bigger than driving my Golf. It was simple to drive and had more than enough space and power. I loved that it was such an intuitive car. It would be great to drive even with 6 kids in tow as it was so simple to use.

I also liked the Auris (did I mention the parking itself?!) and would definitely consider this for a city runaround.

Q5. What was your favourite part of the day?

The GPS challenge was great fun. Our chaperone was really knowledgeable and made the drive fun. I enjoyed trying all the cars and will definitely consider them for the future.

Thank you all at Toyota and Mumsnet for making my day smooth, simple and memorable.

Q1. What was your overall impression of the day? Could you describe the day to non-attendees?

The day was really efficiently run. I arrived and was shown to an allocated parking space and shown into the very impressive Toyota HQ. We were given coffee and pastries as we got to chat with the other Mumsnetters and bloggers. We then were given details of the days timetable and allocated into teams to take part in the treasure hunt.

The treasure hunt was around a very wet Epsom with tablets linked to GPS with questions about the Hybrids, fun photos and even some video challenges. After that was back to Toyota HQ for a lovely lunch and the chance to give our thoughts about the cars. We then had a final chance to test drive any of the range that we had not been in.

Q2. Did you find the day informative? If so, why? If not, why not? What did you learn?

I found the day really informative. I am no car expert and knew very little about the Hybrid range. I drove the Prius and loved how easy to drive it was. The dashboard is really futuristic and the Toyota Rep showed us the various displays when the petrol engine worked and also when the engine went into electric mode.

Q3. Was there anything you learnt which really surprised you? If so, what was it?
I had been unaware that there was such a range of Hybrid cars, having only heard about the Prius. The Prius + looks a great MPV and the Auris a great mid size car. I was also surprised how easy the cars were to drive, very smooth as they switched between modes. The economy of the cars was really impressive with very high MPG and zero road tax. The self park was amazing on the Auris and so easy it was unnerving!

Q4. Out of the different cars that you got to test-drive which car did you prefer? Can you give your reasons as to why?

I got to drive the Prius and the Yaris. My favourite was the Prius as it felt very modern and I loved the electronic dashboard. It was also incredibly easy and comfortable to drive.

Q5. What was your favourite part of the day?

I had great fun completing the Treasure Hunt. It was a fun way to get to know the cars and the Toyota Rep was very helpful guiding us towards the answers.

Thanks Toyota and Mumsnet for a really well organised and fun day.

Q1. What was your overall impression of the day? Could you describe the day to non-attendees?

The whole day was extremely well organised - name badges waiting, coffee and pastries waiting and some lovely Toyota people to look after us all day. I had a surprisingly smooth journey around the M25 to get there, so managed to get one of the allocated spaces near Toyota HQ - very welcome later on as the rain poured down. And down. And down! The day was split into a quick briefing session, followed by a treasure hunt in the morning then lunch and a chance to drive a different hybrid around the lanes of Epsom in the afternoon.

Q2. Did you find the day informative? If so, why? If not, why not? What did you learn?

I must confess that I was a hybrid virgin. At the back of my mind (OK, hands up in confession, the front of my mind...!) I actually thought you had to plug them in!! You don't. However, speaking to many of my friends since the day (and not only girls, boys too...!), there are lots of people who were also under this misapprehension, so I don't feel as bad... So yes, the day was extremely informative and I learnt some very key points about hybrids - mainly about fuel economy. Watching the diagram on the display telling me how little petrol I am using becomes strangely addictive and would make me feel slightly less aggrieved about sitting in traffic when I know that I am using NO petrol at all!

Q3. Was there anything you learnt which really surprised you? If so, what was it?

Just how pleasurable the cars are to drive - no loss of power, exceptionally smooth and stress-free. The battery and petrol engine transfer seamlessly between each other, ensuring the most efficient use of fuel and this means I don't have to think about anything to do with driving; so my mind can be occupied with more important things, like shoes and chocolate!

Q4. Out of the different cars that you got to test-drive which car did you prefer? Can you give your reasons as to why?

I drove the Auris and the Prius. Just from a size perspective, I preferred the Prius, lots more room for shopping and more chance of not hearing the kids whining from the back! However, the Auris was also great fun to drive.

Q5. What was your favourite part of the day?

It was all good, but the Treasure Hunt was the most fun. On a sunny day, it would have been even better! Thanks for a brilliant day

Q1. What was your overall impression of the day? Could you describe the day to non-attendees?

The whole day was really well organised. From a parking spot, to badges, to planned events, talks, lunch etc. Toyota and the Mumsnet Teams were really friendly and chatting which is nice.

The Treasure Hunt aspect was really well thought out, from our teams to the fun tasks of answering questions, taking pictures and shooting videos.

Q2. Did you find the day informative? If so, why? If not, why not? What did you learn?

Very informative. I knew hardly anything about Toyota Hybrids before attending... and now I am seriously considering buying one!

Q3. Was there anything you learnt which really surprised you? If so, what was it?

A lot of it surprised me actually. From how smooth the ride is, to how most Hybrids do not pay road tax, and those that do are a maximum of around £20 per year!

Q4. Out of the different cars that you got to test-drive which car did you prefer? Can you give your reasons as to why?

Even though it's not big enough for our families needs, I really enjoyed driving the Toyota Auris Tourer. It was a smooth ride, plenty of space and a large boot. I am trying to convince my husband to upgrade his car to one of these :)

Q5. What was your favourite part of the day?

Definitely the driving around - and of course getting to see everyone's videos after the Treasure Hunt!!

I went as a Mumsnet Blogger - you can read my blog post here >> confessionofsahm.com/2014/02/toyota-hybrid-ride-drive-mumsnet/