Toyota Yaris HSD - Toyota Yaris reviews - Toyota car reviews - Car reviews

Toyota’s current Yaris is due to be replaced in 2012, and the Yaris HSD Concept previews what to expect from the next-generation supermini.

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What is the Yaris HSD?

It’s a concept car that clearly points the way to the Mk3 version of the Yaris – due to arrive in the UK in late 2012.

The Toyota Yaris HSD Hybrid was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show 2011

As a design study, it’s pleasing to the eye, if not exactly radical. Among design cues pinched from other recent Toyotas like the iQ, Verso S and Auris, there's also something of the Renault Clio in the front-end design of the Yaris HSD. That’s probably no bad thing, as Toyota’s petite hatch could do with a bit more va va voom.

More significant is that this is likely to the first full hybrid supermini to hit the UK.

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Why buy one?

If you like the look of the Yaris HSD, you’ll have to wait a while to actually buy one. But the lure of Toyota’s proven hybrid system in a small, lightweight supermini could be strong.

The design of the Yaris HSD hints at the next Yaris

It will certainly offer CO2 emissions of below 100g/km – which will qualify the Yaris HSD for free annual car tax, free London congestion charge and significant company car tax breaks – but it’s just possible it could even dip under 75g/km.

If Toyota can achieve that, the Yaris HSD would also be eligible for the government’s low-carbon car grant, which entitles buyers up to 25% discount on the list price. And that would make it seriously tempting...

What are the engine options?

Nothing is confirmed yet, but it would be logical if Toyota teamed up the hybrid powertrain with its most up-to-date 1.33-litre petrol engine (although this unit isn’t a particular favourite of ours).

The Yaris HSD is a petrol-electric hybrid and will have low CO2 emissions

There are obvious challenges for making such a small hybrid car – not least fitting in the battery packs without compromising space, and keeping the price down to a reasonable level. But Honda has managed to build a Jazz Hybrid (albeit not using such a sophisticated system), so Toyota will be keen to hit back.

How much will it cost?

We’d expect the Yaris HSD to compete with the Honda Jazz Hybrid on price – so around £16,000 – but non-hybrid versions will probably start for less than £12,000.