2011 Toyota Yaris HSD Concept

Toyota’s most impressive debut at the Geneva Motor Show was obviously the FT-86 II Concept, but the Japanese automaker came to Switzerland with other impressive concepts as well, including the Yaris HSD concept. This HSD concept previews a production version set to be revealed in 2012. In the official press release Toyota said: "Making its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Yaris HSD concept anticipates Toyota’s intention to bring full hybrid technology to the B segment, the biggest volume segment in Europe. This represents the next step in Toyota’s full hybrid roll-out strategy in Europe. Incorporating several hybrid-specific styling cues, the Yaris HSD concept introduces a new, forward-looking design execution." Toyota aims to complete the application of full hybrid technology across its main models in Europe as early as possible in the 2020s. Following the successful introduction of the Auris HSD to the C-segment in 2010, the Yaris HSD concept anticipates Toyota’s intention to bring Hybrid Synergy Drive to the B-segment, the biggest volume segment in Europe. Hit the jump to read more about the Toyota Yaris HSD Concept Exterior and Interior Compared to a standard Yaris, the HSD Concept features a new, more advanced and sophisticated style to the exterior design. It gets new highly contoured headlamps, a Toyota logo fully integrated within the front lip of the bonnet, a long, sweeping roofline, and a single, crisp character line which runs smoothly throughout the length of the vehicle. The exterior package is finished by flat, vertical ‘aero’ corners housing front fog-lamps and matching rear reflectors, a large, integral rear spoiler, comprehensive underbody covers and 18" aero wheels featuring enlarged air gaps for improved cooling air flow. Engine The company benefits from the latest Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system that not only generates zero CO2 emissions, but also zero NOX and particulate (PM) emissions. The engine uses a maintenance-free timing chain and has no drive belts, improving reliability and bringing further cost savings. As far as performance figures go, Toyota is keeping mum. However, they stated that they had a few problems when making the Yaris hybrid, so we are expecting less than impressive numbers. After all, the current standard Yaris uses a 1.5L four cylinder engine that produces 106 hp at 6000 rpm and 103 lb.-ft. at 4200 rpm. A hybrid version of the same car would provide even lower numbers. Then there’s the idea that if Toyota had problems getting the Yaris to go hybrid, what’s to say those problems won’t be reflected in the road? Toyota isn’t exactly synonymous with safety these days. When Can I Buy One? The production Yaris HSD will go on sale in 2012 with prices being announced at a later date. Competition The biggest competitor for the Yaris hybrid is the recently launched Honda Jazz hybrid. This model features a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine combined with a CVT gearbox. An electric motor can be found smack dab in the middle of the two to create a parallel hybrid system with a total output of 101 HP. The bad news, however, is that the Jazz Hybrid will not be offered on the US market. Well, technically, this is good news for Toyota.