REPORT: Toyota's low-cost hybrid to be based on Yaris

REPORT: Toyota's low-cost hybrid to be based on Yaris

Filed under: Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Toyota

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: In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 Toyota Yaris 3-door



[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]REPORT: Toyota's low-cost hybrid to be based on Yaris originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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