An amazing number of potential car owners have absolutely no idea what Hybrid refers to in the motoring context. In the case of the Hybrid Yaris, one leaps into a thoroughly modern, very comfortable and roomy five-seat saloon car.
Then the full beauty of the power system becomes apparent as this delightful motoring experience, fully automatic in our case, pings in on the consciousness. This vehicle has no fewer than three means of locomotion. For those wanting, or needing, to drive far and fast, foot irreverently held on the fast pedal, the petrol engine will do the job to a T, to the exclusion of all else.
However, choose Eco mode and the driver enjoys having a petrol engine happily working alongside very good electric motors. Not only does this ensure a high number of kilometres per litre of fuel but it also cuts right back on the emissions thrown out.
Hybrid offers a much cleaner alternative to either a pure petrol or diesel power plant
Truth be told, most of the extensive test run was completed in the Hybrid mode. Acceleration, helped by both power sources working, was totally acceptable, and with a top speed of over 160 km/h available and emissions hovering around 79g for every kilometre covered, the Hybrid system was just about all things to all drivers.
However, in EV mode, when selected, the occupants are wafted along at speeds of up to 35 km/h in perfect silence as the electric motors work alone. This may well ensure that ‘them indoors’ have absolutely no idea that the ‘prodigals’ or late night visitors have returned to the roost, possibly in the ‘wee small hours’.
There will, of course, be hardened moaners and critics with their ‘yes, but’ comments. Forget it; shove them in the masterfully large boot.
Toyota always make vehicles that include safety factors, starting of course, with beautifully engineered crumple zones that allow a progressive deformation in the front and rear if some mannerless oaf decides to use the Yaris as an experimental crash barrier. And yes, side impacts are also well catered for.
Before entering the world of electronic wonders it should be pointed out that, provided all five occupants are wearing their allotted seat belts, the Yaris has no fewer than seven air bags to ensure even more safety during any nasty experience that may have damaged the car’s structure. They may have also gone a long way in helping the passengers retain their proper ‘shape’, especially if the car is being driven intelligently within our local, well-cushioned speed limits.
However, never forget that if two vehicles come to grief front to front while moving at the local speed limit of 80 km/h, the speed at the moment of impact will be 160 km/h, and as the relevant laws of physics cannot be overcome, in such a situation, any vehicle would be most seriously bent.
The electro-mechanical aids, quite apart from the delightfully balanced power steering, include ABS braking system that introduces cadence, non-skid braking when the stop pedal is really pushed hard.
The EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) optimises the brake force on each wheel, which can be really appreciated when braking hard on some of our less decently maintained roads.
Then one comes upon the finale in this braking trilogy: Brake Assist. This neat electronic wonder detects when the driver is attempting an emergency stop and applies extra brake pressure, which in turn ensures the ABS function works to its full potential.
We are not finished with the brake system, as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) actually plays with individual brakes and controls the engine output to help prevent the driver losing it and skidding when cornering on slippery surfaces. This works with Traction Control (TC) and automatically reduces engine power and controls brake force if you, the driver, accelerate too hard. The general idea is that traction should be restored.
Children are closely cosseted if using Isofix compatible chairs, and it must be said that Marcel Loporto and I enjoyed every moment of our test drive, partly because, for the foreseeable future, until hydrogen motors and the batteries of electric motors can do a total ‘job’, the Hybrid motor offers a much cleaner alternative to either a pure petrol or diesel power plant, especially in urban and purely rural areas where the ultimate speed is of little importance.
The driver should adjust the steering column and raise or lower the seat, and then with a most comfortable driving position, the full potential, including the very, efficient brakes, may be enjoyed to their full potential. In fact, braking distances rather put the dear old Highway Code to shame.
Verdict
Comfort
Even with five on board the comfort levels remain genuinely high.
Performance
More than acceptable as the driver has three power modes to choose from.
Cool
Family cars simply don’t come anywhere near a hybrid.
Quality
Toyota build quality has for years been a benchmark.
At a glance
Top speed
168 km/h.
0-100km
11.2 seconds.
Economy
Combined driving mode 81 mpg. Urban driving 91mpg.
C02 emissions
Combined driving 79 g/km.
Engine
1.5 litre Hybrid.
Power
100 bhp at 4,800 rpm.
Maximum torque
111Nm from 3,600-4,400 rpm.
Additional information on Hybrid motor generator
Maximum voltage
520 V.
Maximum output
45 KW.
Maximum torque
169 NM.
This engine combines a 1.5 litre VVT-I petrol engine with two electric motors.