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Mega-frugal Toyota Yaris Hybrid locked in for Australia

 

Toyota Australia today confirmed that the new-generation Yaris hybrid hatch – a vehicle rated to use just 3.3L/100km of petrol – has been locked in for an Australian launch this year.

The fourth-generation Yaris was revealed in October, but strong predicted demand in Europe for the hybrid-electric version meant that it was unclear whether Australian buyers would be offered the fuel-sipping technology.

Those hurdles having been cleared, however, an Australian launch date for the hybrid has been locked in for May this year – with the Yaris hybrid set to take the mantle of Australia’s most frugal combustion vehicle.

The Yaris Hybrid pinches that title from Toyota’s own Prius C hatch, which the brand says will be discontinued upon the release of the new Yaris. The hybrid version of the Yaris will follow the release of the new 1.5-litre petrol-only variant in the coming months.

Toyota Yaris Hybrid 2020 red
Toyota’s better-looking new Yaris, pictured here in hybrid form.

Like its larger siblings in the Toyota range – the Corolla, C-HR and RAV4 – the new Yaris sits on Toyota’s rigid TNGA chassis. Longer and lower, the new Yaris should sport markedly improved driving dynamics when compared with the outgoing third-generation car, which we reviewed here.

Interior quality is also set to improve in the new car, with a more attractive cabin bundling a large central touchscreen with a partially digital instrument cluster – while a 10-inch head-up display will be an option.

Joining the petrol and hybrid Yaris options later in 2020 will be Toyota’s new halo hot hatch – the Yaris GR – though the very serious Gazoo Racing edition of the Yaris is actually a bespoke vehicle under the skin, sharing only a name with the garden variety iterations.

Pricing has not yet been announced on any iteration from the 2020 Yaris trio.

Toyota Yaris Hybrid 2020 badge
The Yaris hybrid will drink just 3.3L/100km of petrol.