After the success of the Prius, Toyota began to focus on hybrid hatchbacks which includes the Yaris. The Yaris hybrid has the new 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine that weighs 16.5kg less and is 10 per cent more compact than the 1.8-litre unit used in Prius and Auris. Likewise, other major components such as the electric motor, power control unit and transaxle were also made lighter and smaller: the size of the motor has been reduced by 20 per cent and thePCU12 per cent, compared to those in Auris Hybrid; and the transaxle has shed 11kg and is six per cent shorter.
The packaging challenge also demanded careful thought about the size and location of the nickel-metal hydride battery pack and the fuel tank, in order to minimise the impact on cabin space for rear seat passengers and the size of the boot. Both are positioned under the rear bench seat, which means the car’s loadspace capacity, and rear passenger space is unaffected. The car goes on sale in Europe in June.
