TOYOTA YARIS HSD HYBRID ON ITS WAY TO MZANSI

Toyota South Africa confirmed it will start selling the smallest hybrid in the company during the year sometime. The Yaris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) uses similar components to the Prius in order to go forward.

That consists of a 1.5-litre petrol engine, and an electric motor. The electric motor, transaxle, inverter and battery pack are however, lighter than those of the Auris Hybrid. Maximum power is 74kW, while Toyota says buyers will frequently be driving zero NOx and C02-emitting cars when the car goes into electric-only mode. Of course it comes fitted with an automatic gearbox.

The Yaris Hybrid will be South Africa’s second hybrid car in this segment, following the Honda Jazz hybrid.