The first of the new additions to Avis’s vehicle fleet will initially be available at major gateway locations – Heathrow and Stansted airports – and in central London. Subsequently they will be added to the fleets at other south east locations, from Gatwick in the south to Luton Airport in the north.

One of the key reasons for choosing the full hybrid supermini, in Icon trim, is its emissions of 75g/km, which mean that it is exempt from the Congestion Charge.

It’s also cost-effective for customers, as it switches seamlessly to all-electric EV mode at low speeds in stop-start traffic, saving on fuel and reducing tailpipe emissions to zero.

Jane Goodwin, Avis UK fleet procurement manager, said: “Yaris scores highly in many respects against our requirements for an inner city hire car; it is easy to drive and reliable. The ultra-low emissions secured by its hybrid system make it a unique proposition in its class in achieving exemption from the London congestion charge.

“We are pleased also to support Toyota’s fund-raising efforts for Comic Relief by adding a red nose to each new vehicle.”