REPORT: Toyota's low-cost hybrid to be based on Yaris
Toyota Yaris Liftback – Click above for high-res image gallery
The speculation can finally end. After weeks of hearing rumors regarding an impending low-cost hybrid from Toyota, Automotive News is reporting that the Japanese automaker is working on getting a hybrid drivetrain installed in the Yaris platform. The new car will use the same Hybrid Synergy Drive technology as the Prius but will cost considerably less when it goes on sale, which could take place as early as 2011.
This new development is a direct response to the new Honda Insight, a hybrid five-door that ostensibly competes with the Toyota Prius but costs thousands less due to its slightly smaller size, including a downsized engine and battery pack. When Toyota's Insight-fighter hits the market, we'd expect it to carry an engine that roughly matches the Insight's 1.3 liters, a full half-liter smaller than the powerplant in the 2010 Prius.
Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris 3-door
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
toronado455 2:43PM (3/25/2009)
Yaris-based? Honda need not worry about any Insight competition from that.
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Dondonel 2:52PM (3/25/2009)
Why not? Honda Insight is also based on Fit (Jazz) not Civic.
exkart 2:57PM (3/25/2009)
Dondon:
Size matters, and by 2011 I'm sure Honda's offerings will be even more enticing. (and cheaper)
Dondonel 4:53PM (3/25/2009)
@exkart
My point was that Toyota can build a larger car on Yaris platform, just like Honda did with Insight which is based on Fit. Not that this is a good practice, but it does reduce costs.
johncuyle 6:56PM (3/25/2009)
Having driven both back to back last weekend, along with a Scion and an Astra, I see exactly where he's coming from. The fit was so much nicer to drive than either of the Toyotas that I can't imagine anyone buying either of them. Even the Astra was hugely better than both (and much, much cheaper.)
chconline 12:59AM (3/26/2009)
"Why not? Honda Insight is also based on Fit (Jazz) not Civic."
Because the Yaris, like all Toyotas, are snoozemobiles. The Yaris is an unrefined snoozemobile.
The Honda Fit is actually fun to drive.
Dustin 2:48PM (3/25/2009)
How is this not still speculation?
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Hamhock 2:57PM (3/25/2009)
I don't see how the proposed vehicle would be substantially more fuel efficient than a Yaris with, say a 1.2 liter turbodiesel like the new Polo. Less greenhouse, sure, but similar fuel consumption and probably way more expensive to produce.
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tankd0g 9:13PM (3/25/2009)
Welcome to America.
andrew_nicolaou 3:02PM (3/25/2009)
The Yaris already has the 1.4 D4D turbodiesel engine with 4.5L/100km consumption... and the new 1.33 petrol engine does 5.1L/100 with 100hp... I dont think they will use the Yaris.
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Flaystus 3:22PM (3/25/2009)
Toyota does not put the TD in the US version of the Yaris. Its just a 4cyl.
andrew_nicolaou 3:24PM (3/25/2009)
Oh ok... well basically here in Europe the engines are just as economical as the Hybrids
Gary 3:29PM (3/25/2009)
A smaller hybrid car has better fuel economy than a larger hybrid car? And it costs less too?
This who has the top fuel economy p*ssing contest is going out of control. Cars can only get so small. And putting a hybrid powertrain into a bigger vehicle will save the owner more money than putting a hybrid powertrain into a scooter.
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Marz 3:43PM (3/25/2009)
Piaggio's coming out with a hybrid scooter, they must not have your intuitive sense of what works in motorizied transport.
UltimoDragon 8:42PM (3/25/2009)
A fuel economy pissing match, Gary? Really? Because the automakers certainly wouldn't waste time in a horsepower pissing match, now would they?
They're putting hybrid technology into a more affordable package, making it available to more people, making them therefore use less gas and cause fewer emissions. It's a GOOD thing, dummy.
Luis 3:39PM (3/25/2009)
I, for one, think the MPG-pissing contest is a good thing. We spent way too long on the "my SUV is bigger than yours" pissing contest.
So if a Prius gets 50 mph, would this get close to 60? HSD is inherently more advanced than Honda's, so shouldn't the gains be even better?
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Tommy 3:58PM (3/25/2009)
Its a smart idea. Putting thr tech in a car that looks normal is fine by me A la ford fusion hybrid.
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eyalny 3:58PM (3/25/2009)
fiat are coming out with the 500 hybrid.
and it's going to america to your local chrysler dealer.
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BigWill 5:08PM (3/25/2009)
This shouldn't be a surprise - the original Prius was almost exactly the same size as today's Yaris sedan.
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P.V. 7:06PM (3/25/2009)
This is a very smart move, though I don't particularly like the Yaris very much.
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