Toyota Yaris Hybrid - 80mpg Petrol/Electric Hybrid

Yaris Hybrid - Tunnel Vision?

After it's unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show the new Toyota Yaris Hybrid is due in UK showrooms this summer.

The yaris has already been available in petrol & diesel varieties and, from June the petrol/electric hybrid arrives. The Yaris Hybrid builds on Toyota's extensive Hybrid history, having sold over 3,000,000 Hybrid vehicles worldwide. This latest generation 'Hybrid Synergy Drive' to use Toyota terminology, is 440lb or 20% lighter than the power pack used in both the Prius and the Auris.

This is achieved with a smaller 1.5 litre VVT-i petrol engine and more compact electric motor coupled to a smaller inverter which in turn is fed by a lighter Nickel/Metal Hydride battery pack situated near the fuel tank under the rear seats. Remarkably cabin space isn't compromised in comparison with the Petrol only or diesel versions of the new Yaris, which just goes to show what a great packaging job Toyota have achieved.

Speaking of the cabin, the changes are minimal: a Prius-style “combimeter” showing energy flowing through the drivetrain, a blue-edged electronic gear lever, Toyota’s touch screen with pale-blue illumination and a couple of extra buttons down near the gear lever for the Eco and Electric Vehicle modes. The Yaris Hybrid also features dual climate control air conditioning, a reverse parking camera and mp3/ipod/telephone connectivity, ABS and stability/traction control.

Claimed Miles Per gallon is 81 (UK, about 67 US), but manufacturers claims are usually achieved in fastidiously prepared laboratory conditions and are rarely achievable in real - life situations, so you'll probably be lucky to achieve 60 MPG (UK)

Providing you don't floor the throttle from the traffic lights - Sebastian Vettel Style -  it will whisper away from a standstill using just battery power, and has a total EV range of 1.2 miles. With two motors and all the associated Hybrid gubbins it weighs about 20%  more than the basic petrol Yaris, so electric vehicle mode doesn't last long and the petrol engine bursts into life to take over the acceleration duties. Handling is bound to be dulled by the extra weight, but that's not what this car is about, though it's nice to dream of  having the best of both worlds!

Power: petrol engine 73bhp, motor 60bhp, battery 26bhp. Total combined: 98bhp
Top speed: 120mph
Acceleration: 0-62mph in about 12sec
Fuel economy: From 81mpg
CO2 emissions: 79g/km
VED band: A (£0 Road Tax), london congestion charge exempt
Price: £14,995 (UK)