Full hybrid Yaris set for Geneva

Here is a sneak peek of the first full hybrid supermini on the market, the new Toyota Yaris Hybrid, which will have its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The car is able to run solely on electric power, with zero exhaust emissions, and can also act as a closed system that never needs to be recharged. The system is similar to that in the Auris Hybrid, but redeveloped in key areas to make it 20 per cent lighter.

The Yaris Hybrid’s 1.5-litre petrol engine is new, while the motor, battery pack and associated components are smaller.

The result is a Yaris just like any other with the family face to match, but combining 98bhp with what Toyota is calling “segment-leading CO2 emissions.” Its key rival is the Honda Jazz Hybrid, which doesn’t run a full hybrid system and emits 104g/km, so expect sub-100g/km from the Yaris.

Toyota is staying tight-lipped about final numbers until official tests have been run and the data confirmed.

What’s particularly impressive is that Toyota has been able to package all the hybrid technology without compromising interior or boot space at all, leaving it with the same 286-litre luggage capacity as any other version.

Modifications have been made, however, to the aerodynamics of the hybrid model to make sure it’s as efficient as can be.

There will be driving modes available for using the electric motor as much as possible, creating a zero-emission, super-quiet car for in-town driving. When the batteries’ energy is depleted the petrol engine will cut back in and help to recharge them.

Final specifications are yet to be confirmed, but all models will come with continuously variable automatic transmissions and climate control.