What type of motoring is best suited to get the economy from a hybrid car?

What type of motoring is best suited to get the economy from a hybrid car? I do a lot of short journeys 3 to 4 miles and only go for long journeys once or twice a year.I am looking at various Toyota models.

Tyres

My Citroen Grand Picasso is fitted with Michelin Primacy HP 215/55R16 tyres and are now down to 3mm tread after 30,000 miles. What would you reccomend as replacement, noise and ride comfort being high...