Toyota Yaris HSD concept points to future Yaris hybrid

The hybrid version of the Yaris hatchback is expected to be launched by 2012, and the Yaris HSD concept previews the model before the full production version goes on sale at the end of next year. The Yaris hybrid will be built at Toyota's European factory in Valenciennes, France.

Similar to the Auris HSD concept, the Yaris HSD concept car features a number of styling features that differentiates it from the standard Yaris models. Among them include the large trapezoidal lower grille, the vertical "aero" corners housed in the front bumper that minimise air turbulence and the rear reflectors in the rear bumper.

For the concept car, there are thin rear-view cameras instead of conventional door mirrors which help with aerodynamic efficiency, and the shape of the door handles have been designed to help with airflow around the car. The roof is also covered with solar panels which provide power to the car's air-conditioning system, while the 18-inch rims are specially designed to aid brake cooling.