TOYOTA has revealed the first pictures of its much-awaited Yaris Hybrid model which is due to make its public debut at the Geneva motor show in March.
As the Japanese company’s best-selling car in Europe, this latest Yaris follows the launch of the Auris model in 2010 as the second core Toyota model to feature full hybrid technology.
Toyota has downsized its Hybrid Synergy Drive for Yaris, combining a new 1.5-litre petrol engine with a more compact electric motor and battery pack to create a system that’s 20 per cent lighter than used in Auris Hybrid.
And thanks to key components being reduced in size, and the location of the fuel tank and hybrid battery under the rear seat, Yaris Hybrid offers the same cabin space and luggage capacity as conventional petrol and diesel Yaris models.
Its 98bhp powertrain will deliver a strong balance of performance and CO2 emissions, while drivers will also be able to use of drive modes that create zero NOx, particulate and CO2 tailpipe emissions.
As the new flagship of the Yaris range, the hybrid shares the same new-design Toyota face as its stablemates, and both automatic air-con and e-CVT automatic transmission will be fitted as standard.