Speaking at the press launch, Toyota GB managing director Jon Williams said carbon-based taxation meant the majority of choices were made on CO2 output, and that the carmaker would be launching hybrid versions of further models in the near future to meet this demand.

Toyota already boasts a fleet-wide average emissions figure of 112g/km, and with the technology already tried and tested in the Prius and Auris in the UK, some 20% of UK Yaris sales (6,000 units) are expected to have the Hybrid powertrain. By comparison, 4% are fitted with the similarly priced D-4D diesel.

Although 60% are predicted to be retail, the Yaris Hybrid is seen as a potentially popular option for salary sacrifice schemes, contract hire customers and public fleets, particularly the NHS, where the conventional model has yet to find a foothold. The Hybrid will be marketed on its 79g/km CO2 emissions, low taxation and low cost of ownership.