Latest on Hybrids: Toyota Yaris for U.S.

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Honda (HMC) has confirmed that it will build a hybrid version of its Fit subcompact next year, so it's only fit (excuse the pun) that Toyota (TM) launches its own gasoline-electric version of its own Yaris. According to latest reports coming out of Japan, Toyota plans to launch a new hybrid model that is cheaper and more fuel efficient than the Toyota Prius, and it could be on sale as early as 2011.

The vehicle would be priced around ¥1.5 million (approximately $15,650) and deliver 94 mpg, Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported. Toyota's subcompact Yaris will allegedly serve as the basis for a new hybrid model, though it will feature new styling and a new hybrid system that's apparently less expensive than those found in the automaker's other hybrid vehicles.

According to the report, the car will be sold in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Toyota refused to comment on the reports, stating that it did not discuss future product plans.

Honda's own Fit hybrid will be based on the regular compact hatchback already on sale in the U.S. and is estimated to cost a little over $15,000. Not much else is known about the car, but its release date is slated for late 2010.

Comments

[Davewmart:]

Note that the 94mpg is based on a Japanese fuel cycle:
'
Unfortunately, this is based on the same Japanese 10-15 urban test cycle that rated the new Prius at 89 mpg. While it's not unusual for dedicated hyper-milers to rack up those kinds of numbers, they are utterly unrealistic in real world driving conditions. Most likely we'll end up with EPA ratings in the low 50s and real world performance in the high 40s for most drivers.'
green.autoblog.com/200.../

Aug 14 11:20 AM

[Mad Hedge F...:]

xbb. GM says that its new Volt hybrid will get an unbelievable 230 miles per gallon for a 300 mile range when it is introduced at the end of 2010. Does this mean it only has a two gallon gas tank? The $40,000 car will use no gas at all for the first 40 miles a day, which covers two thirds of all American drivers. At three cents a mile, this will give the average driver of 15,000 miles a year a $450 annual fuel bill. By the time the car hits the market, seen by many as the troubled car maker’s lifeline to the future, the Prius will have been on the market for ten years and built up a major distribution and service network, not to mention immense customer loyalty. Toyota’s (TM) current $22,000 benchmark competitor gets 50 miles/gallon, giving you a $900 a year gas bill at current prices, and has a huge quality advantage. The problem for GM is that by the time the Volt comes out, Toyota will have brought its plug in version to the market, which will deliver the same performance at half the price. Nice idea, GM, but you’re 30 years too late.

Aug 14 12:18 PM

[HW12345:]

This post is very nice!
This seems to be very informative,and its subject, the Honda(HMC)is very much awaited...

Thanks for keeping this post!

Aug 14 12:43 PM

[User 169775:]

This is nothing new...

Between 1997 and 2003, Toyota had a compact hybrid built on the Echo/Vitz platform (the platform from which the Yaris is developed on).

What was this Yaris-sized compact hybrid?

The first-generation Toyota Prius! :-)

I can see how it will complement the now-much-bigger midsized 3rd-generation hatchback Prius though.

Aug 14 11:46 PM

[jerrydd:]

What Honda and Toyota need to do is take out the ICE's in the Fit, Yaris and replace them with EV drive packs. That would be simple, low cost and give them 60-100 mile range, enough for what most use them for. The $7500 tax credit covers the battery, saving on the ICE parts pays for the motor, controller so should cost no more than a ICE.

Then if someone wants a hybrid, just plug in a 100lb 20kw generator under the hood or in a rear quarter panel. These could be rented for longer trips even.

Aug 15 09:50 AM

[MellowGuy:]

A hybrid minivan would be a market leader.

Aug 16 10:29 AM

[Diegojames:]

a hybrid hummer(diesel-microtur... with electric motors at each wheel) would be a big seller.

Aug 19 01:45 PM