The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is the flagship model in the Yaris range, a small hybrid car delivering all the advantages of hybrid motoring without any compromise in practicality. Ideal for urban driving, it is able to complete many journeys on electric power alone.
Key to the Yaris Hybrid’s economy is Toyota’s latest Hybrid Synergy Drive powerplant and e-CVT automatic gearbox. Available in a choice of four trim levels – Active, Icon, Design and Excel – the five-door Yaris Hybrid supplements the petrol and diesel Yaris models and brings hybrid technology to even more drivers.
Driving
The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is the perfect hybrid car for today’s fast-paced urban world, with nippy performance and agile handling. Its 98bhp full hybrid power system uses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive 1.5-litre VVT-i petrol engine and powerful electric motor to drive the car through a smooth e-CVT continuously variable automatic transmission.
The benefit of this hybrid powertrain is that it enables the Yaris Hybrid to drive solely in electric EV mode (automatically selected up to speeds of 31mph) for up to 1.2 miles, with no fuel consumption or harmful emissions, and the battery charges under deceleration and braking.
Specially tuned suspension maintains a comfortable ride, and with the same tight 4.7-metre turning circle as on the normal Yaris, you can go exactly where you need to with precision and confidence.
Comfort
Every five-door Toyota Yaris Hybrid is designed to accommodate up to five passengers with comfort and convenience in mind. Its aerodynamic design combines with better insulation to keep external noise to a minimum, especially important when operating in near-silent EV mode, creating a more peaceful experience. Like other Yaris models, space inside the Yaris Hybrid is impressive, with an excellent driving position.
High equipment levels are the order of the day in the Yaris Hybrid: dual-zone climate control is standard across the range, and Excel Hybrid models are equipped with cruise control. Both grades come with the acclaimed Toyota Touch 2 touchscreen multimedia system, which includes a Bluetooth connection and rear-view camera. Navigation with Google Street View™ and Panoramio™ is available as a £650 option.
Practicality
By cleverly packaging the extra hardware for the hybrid system, the Yaris Hybrid retains the same amount of luggage space as the normal Yaris, so it’s just as practical for everyday use. The boot provides 286 litres of space with the rear seats in place, or 768 litres when they are folded flat. In the cabin, cupholders are on hand to hold your latte, while both driver and passenger gloveboxes can stow other items safely.
Safety
The Toyota Yaris Hybrid has all the same safety features as the standard Yaris, which achieved the maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating. That means there are seven airbags, whiplash-reducing seats and a number of technological safety assists including anti-lock brakes that optimise the braking on each wheel, braking assist that helps in the event of an emergency stop, and traction and stability control to maintain grip and prevent skidding.
Additionally, the new Toyota Safety Sense package of active safety technologies can be optionally fitted to Icon, Sport and Excel models. This laser-controlled system monitors the road ahead, providing warnings if the vehicle begins to leave its lane, or if it detects that a collision is imminent. It can even apply the brakes in an emergency to minimise the effect of a possible collision.
Running Costs*
Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powerplant makes the Yaris Hybrid the most efficient car in its class, achieving up to 85.6mpg on the combined test cycle. Running costs are further reduced by its class-leading emissions levels of 75g/km (82g/km for models with 16″ wheels), which exempts all Yaris Hybrids from road tax. Electric-only EV mode running means that trips to the petrol station are even less frequent, which every driver will welcome!
Quality
The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is built to the same exacting quality standards as the conventional Yaris, and enjoys the same comprehensive warranty cover: a five-year/100,000 mile mechanical warranty and, regardless of mileage, three years’ warranty against rust and paint defects and 12 years’ anti-corrosion protection. Further, its hybrid system is covered by an eight-year/100,000 mile for added peace of mind.
Prices*
Designed to be the most affordable full hybrid on sale, choosing a Yaris Hybrid is simple – just select which trim level fits the bill and take it from there. Pricing starts from £15,295 on the road for the Yaris Active Hybrid, rising to £16,495 for the Icon Hybrid. The Yaris Design Hybrid costs £16,995 and the range-topping Yaris Excel Hybrid retails at £17,795.
Optional extras like the Safety Sense package (£400), Touch 2 with Go navigation system (£650), and Parking Pack (£425) are available from Icon upwards.
For further information about the Toyota Yaris, visit the designated section of the Toyota UK website. And if you’d like to try the Yaris Hybrid for yourself, leave a comment below and we’ll be in touch shortly.
*Prices correct as of 14/03/16
Hi Ivor,
You’re welcome. There is no risk that your battery will run flat. Once the EV power runs out and needs to be recharged, the vehicle recognises this and automatically switches to your engine. We provide the EV button as a way of keeping noise to a minimum early in the morning and late at night. We recommend only using EV with speeds up to 30mph as this is most likely the time the car would switch to normal engine power. Hope this helps.
Thanks Ella,
Another couple of questions please: Why are the rear and front fog lights designed to be independent of one another? Surely they should always be on at the same time? Also please explain when the engine brake gear selection might be used.
Hi Ivor,
Thanks for getting back to us. The fog lights in this vehicle work like any other of our cars, there’s nothing specially designed for these fog lights. The engine brake gear selection is to be used when and wherever you like, it’s just for preference; some people prefer to use different selections in different weather types etc. It’s there to replicate normal engine braking; it’s just up to you when you wish to use it! Hope this helps. Many thanks!
Hi,
I have noticed that the peak compression ratio of the Yaris Hybrid is 13.4:1. As this is higher than most other petrol cars, is it beneficial (mpg and/or performance) to use super unleaded petrol, that is, 99 octane rather than 95 octane? Any technical information from Toyota on this matter?
Thanks.
Hi Ella,
Re your reply about the fog lights. My other cars all had the fog lights working together. Surely, in fog, both front and back would be required together for maximum illumination and visibility to other drivers. So when would one ever use them separately? It seems an unnecessary complication. Also generally I use the brake to slow down. I asked my mechanic and he said that it was unlikely the brake gear selection would ever be required. Mind you, as old school,I used to use gears to slow down, until it was pointed out that brake shoes and disks are cheaper to replace than gearboxes! I would appreciate your further comment. Thank you.
Hi Ivor,
Thanks for your post. With these specific issues we would advise contacting your dealer for more information and assistance. They will be able to guide you further. You can find your local dealer here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/find-your-dealer.json. Hope this helps. Many thanks.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your query. After speaking with our technical team, we can advise that it is to your preference whether you use super unleaded or unleaded petrol. If you need some more information we would suggest contacting your dealer who can explain and assist further. Hope this helps!
My Vauxhall Zafira has individual switches for front and rear fogs, and so I consider it normal for such a configuration.
If you look at the Yaris manual, it says:
Fog lights can be used when:
1) Vehicles with just a rear fog light switch
The headlights are turned on.
2) Vehicles with front and rear fog light switch
Front fog lights: The headlights or front position lights are turned on.
Rear fog lights: The front fog lights are turned on.
So, having individual front fog lamps switches allow you to drive the car with the headlights off and fog lights on – this is useful when the fog is very, very thick.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your very helpful comment re foglights. You are quitte right, since headlights can reflect back in fog and dazzle the driver – so the optional front fog lights are definitely beneficial.
Hi
I bought Toyota Yaris and its delivery is getting late even 3 weeks later than when I was told. Am I eligible for part compensation or should I cancel the car and buy later as I will soon be eligible for 66 registration instead of 16 registration.
Any suggestion is appreciated.
I recently bought a Yaris Hybrid Excel model with 2000 miles on the clock.. First impressions are very good. I’ve now discovered that it is fitted with a digital radio which is not mentioned in the handbook. Can I get details on- line somewhere on how to change preset etc on this radio. Haven’t found anything on this to date. Can you help please ?
Hi Brian,
Have you tried the Owner’s Manual that is available on the My Toyota portal? Many thanks.