Jaxson:

 

The Toyota Yaris is a self charge hybrid, and you notice that the power output of the hybrid ICE is much lower than solely ICE equivalent.  
Suggests the hybrid ICE is tuned for lower fuel consumption and lower emissions than a standard non EV hybrid model where ICE provides the full sole power source.

Yep - Toyota uses Atkinson cycle engines in (most of?) their hybrids -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atkinson_cycle 

Jaxson:

 

Not saying it's EV levels, but I do think it's a solid step forward and surely better than nothing.

 

Hybrid is $2 - $3,000 more (depending on trim model) than ICE though, and a subsidy that addressed that difference could make all the difference in decision making.

 

Yeah, I agree - that's why I asked a few pages back for confirmation of my understanding that the 'rebate' side of the equation was stepped for different levels of electrification (hybrid/PHEV/BEV) (Edit: just to add I'm referring to the proposed feebate scheme that NZF scuppered); a quick search seems to confirm this  - https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/114068301/government-proposes-massive-feebate-car-scheme-that-would-make-cleaner-cars-up-to-8k-cheaper-and-dirtier-cars-more-expensive

Here's a line that relates to your point above: "The scheme would not just apply to electric vehicles: It would make efficient cars like a Suzuki Swift or Toyota Corolla cheaper, and bring the cost of hybrids to near-parity with non-hybrid cars by bringing their costs down by as much as $6800."

I just know we'll not be in a position where all households will be able to afford a BEV for quite some time, so surely during this period of transition it's better they are enticed towards a more efficient (hybrid) car than end up with a straight ICE vehicle?