Brussels, Belgium,
31
December
2011
|
18:00
Europe/Amsterdam

The new Yaris Hybrid: Well balanced dynamics, ideal for city driving

— Zero emission driving possible for a high proportion of journey length and duration

— Transmission optimised for a more natural acceleration feel

— Two additional on demand driving modes: EV and ECO

— Class leading turning radius of 4.7 meters

— Low, 550 mm centre of gravity

— Electronically Controlled Braking system for powerful and progressive braking

Building on the inherently quiet, smooth power delivery of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive®, the fundamental elements of intrinsic driving pleasure — such as acceleration/braking feel, balance and agility — have been thoroughly refined without any compromise in the new Yaris Hybrid.

Toyota's engineers have undertaken exhaustive testing to ensure the new Yaris Hybrid's dynamic abilities will meet customer expectations at all vehicle speeds and in all driving scenarios.

 

Full Hybrid in operation

Recent real world tests with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain reveal that the Yaris Hybrid zero emissions driving accounts for around 66% of the average commuter journey length and around 58% of the total journey time, with the petrol engine being switched off.

The electric motor's ability to deliver maximum torque from the vehicle acceleration start provides significant benefits during the stop/start driving of urban traffic conditions, combining brisk acceleration from a standstill in near silence with class-leading acceleration under full throttle of 0-50 km/h in only 4 seconds.

The new Yaris Hybrid's seamless, E-CVT electric continuously variable transmission benefits from a new control system to create a more progressive engine rpm increase during vehicle acceleration. Optimised at 70-90% throttle opening, the new system suppresses excessive increases in engine rpm under acceleration, offering drivers a more natural-feeling, linear relationship between vehicle and engine speeds.

Supplementing this enhanced E-CVT transmission, two alternative 'on-demand' drive modes may be selected to further increase driving efficiency, performance and fuel economy.

From start-up and at speeds up to 50 km/h the new Yaris Hybrid automatically operates in EV mode, driving under electric motor power alone. The driver may also select EV mode manually. This unique driving mode is only available to drivers of full hybrid vehicles.

With vehicle range dictated by battery charge, the EV drive mode allows for urban driving with minimal noise and zero CO2, NOx and PM emissions for up to two kilometres. Because the petrol engine is switched off throughout its operation, the EV drive mode contributes to a significant reduction in the Yaris Hybrid's overall fuel consumption.

In ECO mode, throttle response to aggressive accelerator pedal inputs is reduced and air-conditioning control optimized for improved fuel economy. Depending on driving conditions, the ECO mode can help drivers achieve about 10% reduction in fuel consumption versus the normal mode.

 

Optimum Weight Distribution for Balanced Driveability 

The extensive use of high-tensile steel within the new Yaris Hybrid's construction not only saves weight, but also offers greater bodyshell rigidity for handling stability. Some 50% by weight of the body is formed in high-tensile steel, allowing for weight reduction with no loss of torsional stiffness.

With an unchanged 2,510 mm length wheelbase, the front overhang has been increased by just 20 mm to accommodate the downsized full hybrid powertrain. With both the fuel tank and the new, more compact hybrid battery located well within the vehicle wheelbase and as low as possible, the new Yaris Hybrid combines a particularly low, 550 mm centre of gravity with 63:37 front/rear weight distribution to deliver well-balanced driveability.

 

Enhanced Aerodynamics for Class-leading Drag Coefficient

Aerodynamic efficiency is fundamental to fuel efficiency, vehicle stability and quiet running, and every element of the new Yaris Hybrid's bodywork has been styled to optimise airflow and minimise drag.

Sized to optimise hybrid powertrain cooling, both upper and lower front grilles have been carefully shaped to both smooth and minimise the intake of air into the engine bay.

The profiles of the front bumper aero corners, bonnet, steeply raked A pillar, door mirrors, roofline, rear spoiler, rear bumper aero corners, the rear combination lamps and even the wheels have all been designed to maximise the Yaris Hybrid's aerodynamic efficiency.

In addition, numerous underbody airflow rectification components have been adopted to create a flat surface, smoothing the flow of air under the new Yaris Hybrid. These include a front spoiler, a large engine undercover, and front, centre and rear spats. A rear undercover incorporates vertical fins which create a laminar flow effect to enhance ride stability.

As a result, Toyota's new full hybrid boasts a class-leading drag coefficient of just Cd 0.286.

 

Agile Handling and Responsive Steering

The new Yaris Hybrid shares the standard Yaris' proven combination of MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. Modifications to both spring and damper rates are optimised based on the new full hybrid's weight distribution.

The independent, MacPherson strut front suspension shares the mass and vibration reduction measures introduced on the standard Yaris, optimising the system's road tracking performance and minimising vibration whilst delivering appropriate ride comfort, driving safety, agility and grip.

The rear torsion beam suspension also benefits from the mass reduction measures and system enhancements introduced on the standard Yaris, once again reducing vibration and enhancing ride comfort, while improving vehicle agility.

The Yaris Hybrid features a quick steering gear ratio of 56 mm/rev to deliver a better steering feel and vehicle response. The bearing rigidity of the rack and pinion gearing reduces friction and system play, further enhancing accuracy and feel. The vehicle has a class-leading turning circle of only 4.7, allowing for great manoeuvrability in congested city streets or whilst parking.

 

Powerful Regenerative Braking and Low Rolling Resistance Tyres

Incorporating Electronic Brakeforce distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), the new Yaris Hybrid is equipped with an Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) system which coordinates the control of both hydraulic and regenerative braking.

The new full hybrid is fitted with ventilated disc brakes to the front and solid, discs to the rear for powerful, progressive and well balanced braking efficiency.

Coordinated control of the hydraulic and regenerative braking systems maximises the regeneration of energy by the electric motor during deceleration and under braking.

Fuel efficient tyres offer ultra-low rolling resistance and enough levels of grip, while their reduced vertical stiffness further improves ride comfort.