Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Toyota is peeling back the layers on the Yaris Hybrid, with this image which shows just how compact the new supermini's hybrid system is. 

On sale in June, the Honda Jazz Hybrid rival features a petrol-electric system that has been significantly modified compared to that used by the Prius and Auris hybrids. 

While the Prius and Auris use a 1.8-litre engine, the Yaris features a 1.5-litre petrol engine which is 10 per cent smaller and 16.5kg lighter. Combined with an electric motor the system produces a total of 99bhp. 

The electric driveline components have also been reduced in size and weight, including the motor itself, the Power Control Unit and transaxle, which is shorter and lighter. The nickel-metal hydride battery pack is located under the rear seat, so boot space is the same as in the standard Yaris. 

The Yaris Hybrid promises some spectacular figures. It should return around 80mpg – making it even more efficient than both the Auris and Prius hybrids, which return 74mpg and 72mpg respectively.

Toyota has not yet released official CO2 emissions, but with the Auris and Prius Hybrid models emitting 89g/km, it is expected that the Yaris Hybrid could emit around 85g/km, making it the cleanest hybrid in its class. By comparison the Honda Jazz Hybrid emits 104g/km and does only 62.8mpg. 

That super clean hybrid system will mean that, like the Auris and Prius hybrids, the Yaris will be exempt from road tax and the London congestion charge. 

The new hybrid supermini will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and is expected to be priced from £15,000 – potentially around £1,000 less than the Honda Jazz Hybrid.