EV mode limit

Have noticed with my Auris hybrid tourer if I try to engage eV mode above 20 mph sometimes when on a shorter trip or having engine not being warm comes up eV mode can't be activated excessive speed but when on longer trips or engine Warner works up to 30 as normal is this normal?

"EV mode" is auto-disengaged by speed, acceleration, Battery charge level and probably other system factors like MG & Inverter temperatures. 

There seems to be a limit to the acceptable speed when the button is pressed (like 20mph) which is lower than the speed at which you get the "EV Mode Disengaged- Excessive Speed" message (like 30 mph). That is all perfectly normal. 

However there is much more to it than that!

You can still get what I think of as "EV Running" (ie in EV but not in the button-pushed 'mode') at higher speeds (like up to 50mph?), which is indicated by the green 'EV' light in the middle of the dash. 

On the level or on a slight downhill, come off the throttle completely and, if there is enough in the Battery (and the engine is warm but you aren't asking for heating etc) the petrol engine will stop and the green light will come on. Then you can maintain your speed using the electric motors by just very lightly tickling the accelerator - push too hard and the green light goes out as the petrol engine silently starts! Using push-button Eco Mode makes it easier to use the throttle to maintain your progress without losing the green light. 

Maximising "EV Running" (rather than pushbutton EV Mode) seems to be one of the important skills to maximise your mpg. 

I'm still learning! 

Remember you have a non plugin hybrid, in pure ev. the range is very limited.

When I exit the M61 to drive and into Manchester, the petrol engine only kicks in when setting off from the lights and getting to 40. then on i can cruise all the way to I get to market car park before the Battery is too low for ev driving.