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’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.
The Yaris hybrid will drink just 3.3L/100km of petrol.