Yaris ‘most affordable’ hybrid

Published: 16/01/2012

Toyota has released the first pictures of its Yaris HSD model – the first supermini in the world to get the hybrid treatment – ahead of the car’s debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

“The Yaris will be Toyota’s compact model hybrid for the European market, while in the US, a compact version of the best-selling Prius, called the Prius C, will be the small car hybrid of choice,” reports The Green Car Website.
“Toyota says the model will be the ‘most affordable full hybrid in Europe’ when it goes on sale later this year.”
The website says the Yaris is the “ideal B-segment model” for the hybrid treatment, and is expects it to deliver class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
“Joining the Auris Hybrid, the Yaris Hybrid will be the flagship of the Yaris
range and share the same new-design ‘face’ of its conventionally-powered sister models. “The Yaris hybrid will combine a new 1.5-litre petrol engine with a more
compact electric motor, transaxle, inverter and battery pack. The result is a system that is 20 per cent lighter than that used in Auris Hybrid yet still capable of delivering 98bhp (74kW).
“Thanks to all the key HSD components being reduced in size, and the location of the fuel tank and hybrid battery under the rear seat, Yaris Hybrid offers the same occupant space and 286-litre luggage capacity as conventional petrol and diesel Yaris models.”

(Source: The Green Car Website, New Car Net, Honest John, Auto Express, 10 January)

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