Yaris HSD: an important step in Toyota’s hybrid strategy

Toyota debuted at this year’s Geneva Motor Show a concept car that represents the big step that Toyota is giving towards a full hybrid roll-out strategy in Europe. The Yaris HSD concept brings the Hybrid Synergy Drive® to the B-segment, the biggest volume segment in Europe.

As part of Toyota’s strategy to adapt all its main models in Europe to the hybrid technology as early as possible in the 2020s, the Japanese brand is now aiming at the B-Segment with the Yaris.  And with the number of customers opting for hybrid drive for their next vehicle rising Toyota sees in it a gateway to attract them.

In terms of design the Yaris HSD concept has kept most of the qualities of the current model, offering customers a combination of small, compact packaging and a spacious, practical interior.

On the outside the hybrid concept received a new, more advanced and sophisticated style, which includes a new shallow upper grille opening that is flanked by highly contoured headlamps and helps air flow smoothly over the upper half of the body. The brand’s logo has been integrated on the front lip of the bonnet.

In profile, the Yaris HSD has a sleek, monoform shape which is emphasised by the long roofline, with a single line running through the length of the vehicle. The short front and rear overhangs and a long wheelbase help to maximize the interior space of the concept car.

Toyota is preparing the launch of the production model of the Yaris HSD concept for the second half of 2012. The new full hybrid will be produced at the Valenciennes plant of Toyota Motor Manufacturing France.