The ToyotaYaris Hybrid Concept has been decisively revealedat the Geneva International Motor Show, which shows Toyota’s intention of bringing hybrid tech across their European lineup of vehicles. The Yaris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) follows on from the Toyota Auris HSD which was released in 2010. The Auris HSD was released to target the C-segment of vehicles while the Yaris HSD will target the B-segment which is far larger and makes up the biggest segment in the European new car market.

Future bright for Toyota Yaris Hybrid Concept

Toyota note that the market for hybrid vehicles is rapidly increasing and has doubled in the past 2 years. These customers are looking for a hybrid vehicle that provides low fuel consumption and emissions, along with a cheap price tag without compromising on driving pleasure.

Compared to the current Yaris, the Yaris HSD comes with a shallow opening in the upper grille and highly contoured headlamps to promote smooth airflow over the upper body. The massive grille gives this Yaris a particularly menacing look along with the ever-popular LED daytime running lights. From the side the HSD has a monoform shape, with a long roofline, which lends itself far more to hybrid and less to style.

By far the most interesting aspect of the Toyota Yaris Hybrid concept is the introduction of solar panels, which run along the entire roof. These solar panels capture solar power and provide independent powering to the vehicles air conditioning. This will ultimately reduce fuel consumption and free up power to the engine.

The Yaris HSD production model will be released in Europe around the second half of 2012 so it is likely that it will undergo a lot more changes before it is finally released. That said, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid concept looks like a solid vehicle and by the time it is released the demand for hybrid vehicles will no doubt be a lot higher than it is now.