Toyota teases hybrids for Geneva

By Jack Rix

04th February 2011

The wave of new Toyota hybrids continues to flow! Following the triple premiere in Detroit, where the more efficient Prius plug-in, larger Prius V MPV, and compact Prius C Concept were introduced, Toyota has released teaser images of two new petrol-electric models for the Geneva Motor Show next month.

First is the Yaris HSD, a new concept that previews a production B-segment hybrid in the near future, it also shows how the next generation Yaris will shape up. It marks the next step in Toyota’s roll-out of full hybrid versions of its complete model range in Europe. Performance and economy figures are yet to be released.

Also confirmed is the Prius+, essentially a renamed version of the Prius V revealed in Detroit, but with a third row of seats fitted for European customers - making it the only seven seat MPV hybrid on sale. Five inches longer and an inch wider than the standard Prius, there's more leg and headroom for passengers - it also offers up to 50 per cent more boot space.

Under the skin the Prius and Prius V both share the same platform and powertrain - the familiar 1.8-litre engine working in tandem with an electric motor - but here thanks to the extra weight combined fuel economy will be 48mpg.

All the details on Toyota's two newcomers will be released at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1.