Yaris Hybrid

The Yaris Hybrid will make its world premiere, bringing true innovation to the B-segment. This vehicle will bring Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology to a wider customer group, making it the most accessible full hybrid proposition in the European market. Combining a smooth and silent drive with superior urban agility and maximised interior roominess within a compact exterior size, it will feature the lowest emissions in the segment.

FT-Bh concept

Also making its world debut, the FT-Bh concept is an ultra-lightweight, full hybrid vehicle study, designed to achieve low emissions within an economically viable production framework. The techniques and thought processes demonstrated in the concept avoid the use of exotic and expensive materials or complex procedures, using only those already commonplace in the automotive industry.

GT 86

Making its European debut, Toyota's eagerly awaited GT 86 will be launched across Europe from this summer. Toyota's latest sports car model brings purity, excitement and driving engagement to customers at an affordable price.

TOYOTA NS4 and FCV-R concepts

The TOYOTA NS4 and FCV-R concepts will both make their European debuts. The TOYOTA NS4 is a next generation Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) responding to customer desire for added value in hybrid motoring with advanced design, refined sensory satisfaction and enhanced driving involvement. The FCV-R concept embodies TOYOTA's next step towards the mass-production of hydrogen powered vehicles, paving the way for the launch of a sedan-type Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) by 2015.

TOYOTA diji

Finally, also making its European debut at Geneva, the TOYOTA diji concept offers the ultimate in personalisation. The entire body, both exterior and interior, functions as a display area, with body colour and display content changeable as the driver desires. Messages and information can be displayed with the same ease as downloading an app. Moreover, the TOYOTA diji can form a link with surrounding vehicles and infrastructure to offer a truly connected driving experience.

The Toyota press conference will be held on Tuesday, March 6 at 10:15 CET.

All the latest Toyota news and information coming to you from the 82^nd Geneva Motor Show on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/toyotaeurope

The vehicle interior can also function as a display area, freely modifiable to match a customer's mood of the moment. Content such as navigation information is blended seamlessly into the interior through the use of augmented reality technology. Moreover, a holographic 'navigation concierge' figure can provide occupants with driving information and guidance through a vocal interface.

Operation of the TOYOTA diji is not limited to vehicle occupancy, with a number of functions accessible remotely via a Smartphone or any other mobile communication device. A network update function ensures the vehicle's drive, control and multimedia systems are always equipped with the latest software.

The TOYOTA diji is also able to link with surrounding vehicles and infrastructure, allowing it to detect other, potentially hazardous vehicles —such as those in blind spots- in advance, or to connect with friends who are driving nearby.

In addition to the outstanding Eco credentials inherent in every Toyota equipped with Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology, it represents an increase in customer desire for added value in areas such as advanced design, refined sensory satisfaction, state-of-the-art safety features and sophisticated driving involvement.

Elegantly Proportioned Exterior Design

The TOYOTA NS4 concept signals a new styling direction for the Toyota brand aimed at creating an emotional connection with customers. The concept's styling reflects a new take on the aerodynamics of Toyota's Under Priority design language, with a low overall vehicle height and a cab-forward stance.

Based on a compact, next generation platform, the four-seater, four-door TOYOTA NS4 is 4,650 mm long, 1,770 mm wide and just 1,370 mm high. It shares it's generous 2,700 mm wheelbase with the Prius.

Aerodynamically efficient, the TOYOTA NS4 features a low frontal aspect and low roofline, linked by steeply raked A-pillars. The A-pillars themselves are of a particularly thin construction, not only enhancing the elegance of the PHEV concept's styling, but also offering dramatic improvements in interior visibility. Although ultra thin, the A-pillars maintain roof roll-over integrity.

Featuring a large, trapezoidal lower grille, the front of the vehicle reflects a development of Toyota's Under Priority design language. Keen Look styling is reflected in narrow, piercing headlamp clusters topped with the signature of thin, uniquely positioned Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

In profile, powered swan-wing doors ensure maximum ease of ingress and egress, whilst a new design language of subtle, overlaid chrome detailing adds a feeling of lightness to the concept. An elegant 19" alloy wheel design is clad in low rolling resistance 225/40R19 tyres.

To the rear, a large, trapezoidal bumper aperture reinforces the Under Priority frontal design. Keen Look, aero spoiler-style lamp clusters wrap around the sides of the vehicle and layer into the rear wing blisters, the lamps' sharp trailing edges functioning as an aerodynamic spoiler.

The practical rear design not only further enhances the vehicle styling, but also maximises accessibility to the luggage space.

Innovative Interior Design Technologies

The sweeping lines and strong individual forms of the beautiful cabin environment combine superb quality and comfort with an innovative, fun and intuitive Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and latest-generation, eco-friendly materials.

The TOYOTA NS4 concept's HMI provides a user interface built around a multi-touch screen with the look and feel of a smartphone.

The multimedia interface's simple, intuitive operation controls air-conditioning, audio and navigation systems, conveying vehicle and battery charge information quickly while minimising distractions and maximising driver awareness. The HMI system is even capable of 'learning' driver preferences and habits, anticipating driver responses to specific environments and situations.

Within the cabin, a constant, comfortable environment is ensured through careful temperature control. All glazing is in UV blocking and heat-resistant glass. Four new glass technologies are introduced to improve driver visibility, and both petrol and electric driving mode mileage efficiency:

&bull Fluorine coated glass causes rain drops to form into hemispherical shapes for improved visibility and rain drop elimination. This technology is also used on the roof solar panel.

&bull An integral, high-performance material creates an anti-fogging film to increase visibility.

&bull An ultraviolet (UV) absorbing inner-layer removes 99% of harmful UV rays.

&bull An anti-solar film with radio-wave transparency reduces the internal vehicle temperature and ensures electronic device functionality.

The heat-resistant instrument panel features a heat-dissipating carbon coating, and a next generation air-conditioning system combines air curtain technology with immediate comfort 'spot' air-conditioning.

The air curtain system directs ventilation from the windscreen base, over front and side glazing and along the roof. Traditional, instrument panel-mounted air outlets are not required, thus improving the styling of the dashboard. In addition, the system is able to direct air-conditioning to specific points, allowing faster heating or cooling of the cabin.

Even the vehicle bodyshell itself incorporates a heat-resistant coating an insulated paint finish that suppresses vehicle body temperature increase, even under hot sun.

The TOYOTA NS4 concept is equipped with a next generation Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain. Combining reductions in component size and weight with a rapid charging time, it aims at improved overall fuel economy, better acceleration and a greater all-electric range.

The powertrain incorporates a 2.0 litre petrol engine to combine the system's extended full electric driving mode and 2015 class-leading fuel efficiency with the performance to offer its driver a smooth driving experience.

Safety features brought to mainstream

Strengthening the company's lead in active, passive and preventive safety, the TOYOTA NS4 highlights the introduction of state-of-the-art safety technology to mainstream vehicles.

The concept introduces a next generation Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) which uses millimetre-wave radar and stereo cameras mounted on the front of the vehicle to detect and react to lane departure, pedestrians, and other vehicles.

This driver assistance feature helps to avoid collisions with other vehicles, road-side obstructions and pedestrians by applying the brakes and providing steering assistance. In addition, the system emits near-infrared beams to enhance PCS recognition at night.

Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) LED headlights help prevent vision-impairing glare for oncoming drivers. Using a camera mounted above the centre of the windshield and partial shielding inside the headlights, this feature allows drivers to maintain near-high beam illumination to improve night-time visibility.

Using sub-millimetre wave radar, the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane and alerts the driver using visual indicators placed in the upper dash.

Inner and outer rear view mirrors have been replaced with cameras that provide the driver with a panoramic rearward view. The rearward image is displayed on a dedicated dashboard mounted screen above the navigation screen and provides a wider view than conventional rear view mirrors.

Through advanced, beautifully proportioned styling, innovative, user-friendly technology and state-of-the-art safety features, the TOYOTA NS4 concept is designed to add increased desirability, sensory satisfaction and driving pleasure to the next generation plug-in hybrid ownership experience.

The new concept's design is driven by 5 key pillars targeting optimum fuel efficiency and minimised emissions: Mass Reduction Driving Resistance in the form of aerodynamics and tyre rolling resistance Powertrain Efficiency Thermal Energy Management and Electricity Saving.

Combining a highly significant reduction in weight for a car of this class with painstaking aerodynamics, a rigorous reduction in driving resistance and a frugal yet highly efficient full hybrid powertrain, the FT-Bh concept is projected to deliver an average fuel consumption of just 2.1 l/100 km and CO₂ emissions of only 49 g/km.

The FT-Bh targets CO₂ emissions which are less than half those of the current 1.0 litre Yaris. But only through the mass-production of an affordable ultra-low emissions vehicle can sales volumes be large enough to make a genuine contribution to the real world reduction of total vehicle CO₂ emissions on a global scale.

Aimed, therefore, at maximum affordability, the techniques and thought processes demonstrated in the concept's design do not involve the use of exotic, expensive materials or complex procedures, but only those already commonplace to the automotive industry.

Moreover, the goals of light vehicle weight, a low centre of gravity and maximum powertrain efficiency are beneficial not only in terms of low fuel consumption and emissions, but also in offering a more responsive, agile and engaging driving experience.

Design

Styled under the 'Ecomotion' theme, the FT-Bh concept's exterior design combines emotive shapes with an extremely high level of aerodynamic performance to achieve ultra-low fuel consumption.

Its form inspired almost entirely by the natural flow of air over the exterior surfaces, the concept represents a new approach to bodywork design. Key panels such as the roof are formed to represent fabric stretched taut between fastening points, reflecting their ultra-lightweight composition.

Inheriting elements of Toyota's Under Priority design language and Keen Look styling, the front of the vehicle is dominated by a large undergrille, a powerfully sculpted bonnet and vertical headlamps integrated into the front wings.

The stretched fabric styling of the roof panels adds a feeling of lightness to the vehicle. This is further emphasised by ultra-slim A- and C-pillars which maximise the glazed area of the cockpit for improved visibility and perceived cabin spaciousness.

The FT-Bh's arch-shaped rear creates a stable stance with low centre of gravity. With the cabin merging seamlessly into the rear of the vehicle, an uplifted rear bumper and crisp, chevron-shaped corner elements, the styling optimises aerodynamic performance, contributing to a low drag coefficient of only 0.235 Cd.

The stretched fabric panel design theme is continued throughout the car's interior styling, and is readily apparent in the form of the centre console, dashboard, seats and steering wheel. The concave form of the centre console creates a driver-focused cockpit whilst maintaining a feeling of both lightness and spaciousness.

Reduced Overall Mass 

Fabricated in a combination of high-tensile steel, aluminium and magnesium, the FT-Bh concept targets an overall mass reduction of some 25% over the 1,030 kg 1.0 litre Yaris, bringing its total weight down to just 786 kg.

Because the hybrid powertrain is marginally heavier than a conventional 1.0 litre engine, the overall mass reduction required of the bodyshell, interior trim, chassis and electronics is actually some 340 kg, or 33% of the Yaris' weight.

Conversely, the FT-Bh's full hybrid powertrain adds some 60 kg in weight to the concept.

Toyota engineers have identified reduction targets of 33% for the body and chassis —with no detriment to safety performance- and 27% for the powertrain and electronics. With a body-in-white mass reduction of 20-25%, key to achieving a total mass reduction of over 30% is a reduction in the weight of interior parts and trim by approximately 50%.

This is reflected in the minimalist interior design of the FT-Bh concept, which features the minimum of structure and lightweight components of high torsional stiffness to combine superior ergonomics and functionality with the lowest possible weight.

Such a large saving in the weight of cabin parts has a highly significant 'ripple effect' in weight reduction throughout the rest of the vehicle. For instance, it reduces the applied load on both the body structure and the suspension, allowing for a commensurate downsizing of components. It also leads to a reduction in the required engine displacement, saving both weight and thermal energy losses.

Further benefits of such a substantial reduction in vehicle mass include a lower centre of gravity -just 541 mm- for more responsive, agile handling and powerful braking, and a reduction in production costs, making the vehicle more readily affordable to a larger cross-section of customers.

Lowered Driving Resistance 

Measures to save fuel by reducing the road load of the FT-Bh concept are focused on aerodynamics and a tyre rolling resistance coefficient reduction. Minimisation of the aerodynamic coefficient of drag and the vehicle's particularly small frontal area target a resistance reduction of 25%. And the use of low rolling resistance tyres accounts for a significant improvement in fuel efficiency.

The concept is a comprehensive study in next generation aerodynamic techniques. It features air curtain intakes to the frontal extremities, air-stream alloy wheels, airflow-disrupting door mirrors replaced by cameras, handle-less electric latch doors, a pagoda roof with a dropped rear section, and a sharply cut rear end section incorporating an air outlet slit and an underfloor spoiler to smooth the flow of air away from the rear of the vehicle.

In combination, these measures lower the FT-Bh's coefficient of drag from a B-segment average of about 0.29 Cd to just 0.235.

The new Toyota concept highlights several cyclical 'efficiency benefit sequences' made possible by the synergy between aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

For example, if fuel efficiency is improved, then the powertrain generates less heat, and the cooling system can be downsized. This allows for a reduction in the amount of cooling air necessary, allowing the front of the vehicle to be changed. This change lowers the coefficient of drag, in turn leading to a further improvement in fuel efficiency.

The fuel tank provides a further example: if fuel efficiency improves, the fuel tank can be downsized. Downsizing the fuel tank allows the amount of air that flows under the rear of the car to increase, which decreases resistance. Aerodynamic drag is reduced, leading to an additional improvement in fuel efficiency.

The concept rides on narrow, large diameter, 145/55R18 low rolling resistance tyres, which make a further significant contribution to lowering the FT-Bh's road load and driving resistance with no loss of grip or traction.

High Efficiency Powertrain

The FT-Bh's full hybrid drive system is a masterpiece of powertrain downsizing. Almost 90 kg lighter than the Prius' HSD system, it features substantial weight savings to every component of the drive-line.

The petrol engine is 38 kg lighter than that of the Prius. And the lithium-ion battery pack weight is almost half that of the Prius' nickel-metalhydride battery.

The lightweight, 2-cylinder, 1.0 litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine combines high efficiency with a low thermal capacity. Combustion efficiency has been maximised through the adoption of a long stroke, a high, 13:1 compression ratio, a next generation D4 injection system with a high fuel-injection pressure, a larger Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system with cooling and a high tumble port design.

Ultra-low friction measures have been applied to the axis receivers, timing belt and electric water pump, and painstaking thermal energy management involves the use of a low heat capacity, reduced cold friction and the careful control of heat flow to regulate engine oil and water temperatures.

As a result, this remarkable powertrain achieves an average fuel consumption of only 2.1 l/100 km, and CO₂ emissions of just 49 g/km.

A combination of light vehicle weight and hybrid power offers FT-Bh drivers a return to the fundamental pleasures of city driving. The concept's light, 786 kg kerb weight maximises responsiveness to both throttle and brake inputs, while the hybrid powertrain's electric motor produces maximum torque from a standstill to provide nimble drivability in traffic.

Reinforcing the adaptability of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology to alternative energy sources, the FT-Bh also serves as a study for even greater fuel efficiency in the mid-term future through the potential installation of two alternative powertrains: a compressed natural gas hybrid (CNG-HV) version with CO₂ emissions of only 38 g/km, and a Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version emitting just 19 g/km of CO₂.

Thermal Energy Management and 50% Electricity Saving

The FT-Bh targets improvements in the recovery of thermal energy and a 50% reduction in electricity consumption.

Using the twin strategies of a reduction in demand for heat and a reduction in heat loss, further stringent measures are applied within the interior. The FT-Bh uses lighter cabin components that have a smaller thermal capacity or a high degree of thermal insulation. Carefully zoned air-conditioning targets only occupied areas of the cabin, and any remaining waste heat —already minimised due to the ultra-high-efficiency hybrid powertrain- is effectively used.

The current draw from the FT-Bh's LED headlamps, interior lighting and other electrical components has been drastically reduced, lowering power consumption to 50% of that of conventional cars. The glazing construction has been designed for maximum thermal efficiency, and even the concept's pearl white, matte-finish heat-reflecting paint possesses excellent thermal insulation characteristics.

As hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles replace most of today's conventional cars, electric vehicles will be used for short-distance travel, and fuel cell vehicles for middle- to long-distance journeys.

Reinforcing the company's environmental lead in the drive towards sustainable mobility, Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology has been specifically designed to be 'future proof', and is readily adaptable to use in Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV), Electric Vehicles (EV) and Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV).

The Significance of Fuel Cell Technology

Toyota believes that the solutions to energy and emissions issues offered by the Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) make it the closest technology yet to the ultimate eco-car, with hydrogen as an ideal, ultra-clean energy source.

Producing electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen (stored in the vehicle) and oxygen (from the air), a fuel cell structure comprises electrodes and polyelectrolyte films sandwiched between separators. When hundreds of cells are stacked together, the result is a fuel cell 'stack', known as an FC stack.

Generating zero CO₂, NO_x or PM and with water vapour the only emission, a fuel cell displays outstanding energy efficiency. In theory, it can convert as much as 83% of hydrogen's energy into electric power. This is about twice the efficiency possible with current generation petrol and diesel engines.

Not only does a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain's extreme efficiency save energy and drive down costs, it also delivers a uniquely quiet, smooth driving experience with the bare minimum of noise, vibration or harshness, while providing a long driving range and a refuelling process as quick as that of conventionally powered vehicles.

Key Challenge: The Hydrogen Infrastructure

Offering future global energy security, hydrogen can be made from a wide variety of raw materials, from petroleum and natural gas to biomass. It can also be produced through the electrolysis of water. Carrying out electrolysis using electricity generated from natural energy sources such as solar, wind or hydro-power enables the production of hydrogen without the commensurate generation of significant CO₂ emissions.

Nonetheless, a smooth shift to a hydrogen-based society will be a significant undertaking. Reaching a consensus on from what to make hydrogen, how to deliver it and how to implement a fuelling infrastructure depends on the combined efforts of all sectors of society, including governments.

To that end -and in anticipation of the imminent commercialisation of a number of FCVs- Toyota, amongst other manufacturers, signed a Letter of Understanding in September 2009 calling for oil and energy companies and government organisations to cooperate in the creation of hydrogen infrastructure networks of sufficient density in Europe, Japan, Korea and the United States in 2015.

In Europe, a hydrogen infrastructure has already begun to emerge. It is of sufficient density to allow Toyota to road test and build the profile of hydrogen fuel cells as a viable powertrain.

Toyota's 20 Year History of Fuel Cell Development

Toyota began work on FCVs in 1992, developing its own hydrogen fuel cells and high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks in house. The company applies its own Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology to FCV development, replacing petrol engines with fuel cells, and petrol fuel tanks with high pressure hydrogen tanks. The Toyota FC stack is a performance leader in fuel cell technology.

Toyota demonstrated its first Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) in 1996. Every year since then, the company has improved fuel cell technology and extended its capabilities to increase performance, driving range and commercial viability.

In 2002, Toyota developed the world's first Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle for limited lease, and the first FC bus certified by Japanese government. In the past decade, the company has continued its work on residential fuel cell development, put fuel cell buses on the road and, in 2008, launched the FCHV-adv.

The Toyota FCHV-adv offered a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency and, through the use of Toyota-developed, 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks, had a single-fill-up cruising range of approximately 830 km -more than twice that of its predecessor. Furthermore, the Toyota FCHV-adv could operate in —30°C, greatly improving its cold weather performance.

Fuel Cell Technology Development Challenges and Testing

Toyota is already overcoming some of the historical barriers to the creation of marketable fuel cell vehicles. This includes closing in on its goal to offer a driving range comparable to conventional powertrains and performance at temperatures down to -35°C.

Following further fine-tuning and technological development, Toyota will introduce an affordable sedan-type FCV which matches the performance of conventional, combustion engine vehicle in Japan, the U.S. and Europe by 2015.

In addition, Toyota is preparing to be able to supply tens of thousands of vehicles annually in the 2020s, when FCVs are expected to achieve full, mass-market commercialisation. This market growth will be boosted by the further roll out of FCV technology, the increased availability of hydrogen refuelling stations and the reduction in costs which accompanies a maturing technology.

The FCV-R Concept — Futuristic Styling and Advanced Infotainment

Through the fusion of advanced technology, smart thinking and intelligent packaging, the FCV-R combines breakthrough innovation with ergonomic practicality and futuristic styling.

Incorporating the Under Priority and Keen Look design elements of the latest Toyota family design, the front and rear styling employs a "W" motif, symbolizing the fuel cell cooling system. This creates a sleek, aerodynamically efficient cabin silhouette and a unique road presence.

Within the clean, crisply detailed interior, the seats are 'robed' in the manner of traditional Japanese costume. A centre console-mounted, twin-screen evolution of Toyota Touch Life -recently launched on Toyota iQ- provides easy access to the main infotainment controls.

The lower, icon-display touch-screen is designed to control the navigation, audio and air conditioning systems. Located within the driver's line of sight to minimise distraction time, the upper screen displays the most relevant driver information, including the navigation map and guidance in 3D.

The system has been designed for easy connection with a smartphone, both replicating phone applications on the vehicle's display screen and relaying vehicle information to the phone.

Much of the smart thinking behind the FCV-R can be seen in the interior packaging. The vehicle is just 4,745 mm long, 1,510 mm high and 1,790 mm wide. The fuel cell stack is smaller than in previous FCVs, and sits under the seats, along with twin hydrogen tanks.

The combined volume of the hydrogen tanks equips the FCV-R with a driving range of approximately 700 km whilst generating zero CO₂, NO_x or PM and with water vapour the only emission. The twin hydrogen tanks and the FC stack are located beneath the vehicle floor, maximising both cabin and luggage space to create an entirely practical family sedan.

Yaris Hybrid

The Yaris Hybrid will make its world premiere, bringing true innovation to the B-segment. This vehicle will bring Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology to a wider customer group, making it the most accessible full hybrid proposition in the European market. Combining a smooth and silent drive with superior urban agility and maximised interior roominess within a compact exterior size, it will feature the lowest emissions in the segment.

FT-Bh concept

Also making its world debut, the FT-Bh concept is an ultra-lightweight, full hybrid vehicle study, designed to achieve low emissions within an economically viable production framework. The techniques and thought processes demonstrated in the concept avoid the use of exotic and expensive materials or complex procedures, using only those already commonplace in the automotive industry.

GT 86

Making its European debut, Toyota's eagerly awaited GT 86 will be launched across Europe from this summer. Toyota's latest sports car model brings purity, excitement and driving engagement to customers at an affordable price.

TOYOTA NS4 and FCV-R concepts

The TOYOTA NS4 and FCV-R concepts will both make their European debuts. The TOYOTA NS4 is a next generation Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) responding to customer desire for added value in hybrid motoring with advanced design, refined sensory satisfaction and enhanced driving involvement. The FCV-R concept embodies TOYOTA's next step towards the mass-production of hydrogen powered vehicles, paving the way for the launch of a sedan-type Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) by 2015.

TOYOTA diji

Finally, also making its European debut at Geneva, the TOYOTA diji concept offers the ultimate in personalisation. The entire body, both exterior and interior, functions as a display area, with body colour and display content changeable as the driver desires. Messages and information can be displayed with the same ease as downloading an app. Moreover, the TOYOTA diji can form a link with surrounding vehicles and infrastructure to offer a truly connected driving experience.

The Toyota press conference will be held on Tuesday, March 6 at 10:15 CET.

* Previously called Fun-Vii at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

The Yaris Hybrid is equipped with a newly developed, lighter and more compact full hybrid powertrain — a combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor — with a total power output of 100 DIN hp.

Extensive efforts in research and development means the full hybrid offering keeps true to the original principles of the Yaris: Small Outside, Big Inside.

Yaris Hybrid features the latest advances in HSD technology through downsizing of key hybrid components. For instance, the newly developed 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine is 16.5 kg lighter and 10% more compact than the 1.8-litre unit found in the Auris Hybrid. The smaller, lighter hybrid powertrain helps Toyota's engineers to preserve the interior and boot space of the conventional model.

The new powertrain also promises to offer B-segment customers class leading CO₂, NOx and particulate emissions, minimised fuel consumption and low cost of ownership benefits overall.

Other key HSD components such as the electric motor, the Power Control Unit (PCU) and the transaxle also underwent weight and size reduction. The electric motor is now 20% more compact while the PCU is 12% smaller than the unit equipped in the Auris Hybrid. Toyota's engineers also shortened the transaxle by 6%, while shedding 11 kg of weight.

Special attention was given to the placement and size of the Nickel Metal Hydride battery and fuel tank to maintain cabin roominess for rear seat passengers and boot space. The new, no compromise packaging means that the battery and fuel tank are now located under the rear seat bench with zero intrusion into the boot compartment.

It combines the ingenious packaging and urban agility of the Yaris model range with the unique driving experience and efficiency of Toyota's full hybrid powertrain, Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD). The new Yaris Hybrid launch marks a new, major step in the company's full hybrid roll-out strategy to Toyota core models in Europe.

The Yaris is Toyota's best-selling core model, with the largest ˜Unit in Operational™ fleet on European roads. Following the launch of the Auris Hybrid back in 2010, the Yaris Hybrid is Toyota's second core model to feature Full Hybrid technology, and brings this remarkable powertrain to the biggest volume segment in Europe.

The new flagship of the Yaris model range, the Yaris Hybrid features an exclusive, aerodynamically efficient exterior design. Featuring the new design face of the Toyota brand, it combines a new, more assertive Under Priority trapezoid opening frontal design element with the Keen Look design implemented on the front lamps.

The Yaris Hybrid features the first downsizing of Toyota's HSD powertrain. Combining a new, 1.5 litre petrol engine with a lighter, more compact electric motor, transaxle, inverter and battery pack, the new system is 20% lighter than that of an Auris Hybrid.

Thanks to the reduction in size of every key HSD component and both fuel tank and battery installed under the rear seat, the Yaris Hybrid features an identical occupant space and the same 286 litre luggage capacity to that of the conventional models.

The Yaris Hybrid's highly efficient, 74 kW/100 DIN hp powertrain will offer a leading balance of performance and CO₂ emissions in the B-segment, whilst allowing customers to frequently drive in modes that emit zero NOx, PM and CO₂ emissions.

With air conditioning and automatic transmission installed as standard, this high level of efficiency does not mean that customers have to compromise on comfort to achieve class-leading emissions.

Combining striking design, urban agility, functionality and segment-best packaging with the innovation, efficiency and environmental credentials of Toyota's full hybrid technology, it represents the most advanced Yaris yet by Toyota.

Developed to become the most affordable full hybrid on the market, the new Yaris Hybrid goes on sale throughout Europe after its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012.