Toyota Yaris Hybrid unveiled

• First full hybrid model in European supermini
• No compromise on performance, with maximum 98bhp
• World premiere at Geneva motor show, on sale in the UK early summer

First pictures of the Toyota Yaris Hybrid have been released – in advance of the car’s planned Geneva motor show debut in March.

The Yaris is the firm’s latest model to utilise Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology but remains visually identical to other Yaris models, sharing the same frontal redesign.

With the Yaris Hybrid, Toyota has downsized the Hybrid Synergy Drive, combining a new 1.5-litre petrol engine with a more compact electric motor and battery pack. The result is a system that is 20 per cent lighter than that used in the larger Auris and Prius Hybrids.

Toyota claims the reduction in size of the hybrid system allows for the same occupant space and 286-litre luggage capacity as other petrol and diesel models.

Standard equipment includes automatic air conditioning and e-CVT automatic transmission.

The hybrid system delivers 98 bhp, offering performance levels between the conventionally powered 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre petrol engines, while economy rivals that of the 1.4-litre diesel.

Like the Auris and Prius Hybrid, the Yaris will also feature a zero tailpipe emissions all-electric driving range of several miles.

According to Toyota, the Yaris Hybrid is expected to go on sale in the early summer. It follows on from the Auris Hybrid in 2010 and will become Toyota’s second core model to utilise full hybrid technology.

By Philip Shoulder