Toyota is bringing their hybrid technology to the B-segment with the Yaris HSD Concept unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. This concept will spawn a production model in 2012.

This car is part of Toyota’s goal is to offer full hybrid power in all its models in Europe as early as possible in the 2020s, a programme which began in 2010 with launch of Auris HSD in the C-segment. They are not yet preapre to give us the exact eco figures of the Yaris Hybrid, but they say it will offer class-leading fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, plus low cost of ownership.

Toyota sees a growing demand for small clean cars in the B-segment and the Yaris HSD is a proper respond to that need. It offers the same qualities as a normal hatchback with zero or very little emissions.

Toyota Yaris HSD Details:

Exterior design – a new direction for the next Yaris
The Yaris HSD concept inherits the clever packaging that has historically been a fundamental of element of Yaris, with a spacious and practical interior married to a more advanced and sophisticated exterior design.

The upper grille opening is shallow, flanked by highly contoured headlamps, promoting a smooth airflow over the upper body. The Toyota emblem is fully integrated into the front lip of the bonnet.

In profile, the car’s monoform shape is emphasised by a long, sweeping roofline and single, crisp character line running the length of the vehicle. Short front and rear overhangs and a long wheelbase maximise the room inside for passengers and luggage.

There are a number of styling cues that identify the car as a Toyota full hybrid. Flat, vertical ‘aero’ corners minimise air turbulence and house front foglamps and matching rear reflectors. Airflow is also managed by a large, integral rear spoiler, underbody covers and 18-inch aero wheels with enlarged gaps to promote cooling. Attention to detail extends to the aero-efficient shape of the door handles and rear side view cameras (featured in place of conventional door mirrors).

The hybrid-specific white pearl paintwork is exclusive to the concept car and shows off a new development of this finish, with sparkling blue metallic accents created using multi-layering application techniques. The car’s Hybrid Synergy Drive is further indicated by hybrid blue Toyota badging, LED daytime running lights and ‘synergy’ blue illumination of the rear-view camera housings and doorhandles.

Hybrid Synergy Drive in the B-segment
Fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions are established attractive qualities in the B-segment. Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive will carry these forward with the additional benefit of offering fully electric driving capability – a function that is particularly effective in urban environments.

In all-electric EV mode the system produces zero CO2, NOx and particulates tailpipe emissions.

Every Toyota full hybrid comes with low cost of ownership built-in. The high fuel efficiency and low emissions save on fuel bills, attract tax benefits and inner city congestion charge exemptions and keep running costs down. Moreover, Hybrid Synergy Drive is designed for low maintenance requirements and hard-wearing performance. The system has no starter motor or alternator, the timing chain is maintenance-free and there are no drive belts, which improves reliability and saves on upkeep bills.

Toyota engineers continue to focus on how overall system performance can be improved by capturing solar power. Yaris HSD’s roof is entirely covered with solar panels, to provide independent powering of the car’s air conditioning unit, thus reducing fuel consumption.

HSD powertrain downsizing – the engineering challenge
Introducing full hybrid technology to the B-segment has presented Toyota with some unique engineering challenges. The powertrain design has to be tailored for installation within Yaris’s compact and extremely efficient packaging, without compromising its quality and performance, or detracting from the passenger accommodation and loadspace. Success in this task is essential to meet the growing demand for urban-friendly family vehicles, in which space and the benefits of hybrid performance are prime requirements.

European production
The production model which will follow the Yaris HSD concept will be launched throughout Europe during the second half of 2012. Cars will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France’s Valenciennes plant.