Toyota Australia has announced the new Yaris hybrid will see the Prius c discontinued.

 

The Prius and Prius v will continue to be available locally, however, the Yaris hybrid is rated to consume as little as 3.3L/100km making the Prius c obsolete.

 

While outputs are yet to be confirmed, the Yaris will use a 1.5-litre hybrid system running the Atkinson-Cycle with a high-density lithium-ion battery.

 

Along with the hybrid powertrain, the Yaris will be offered with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine mated to a CVT with mechanical launch gear for smoother takeoffs.

 

Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the brand promises its most affordable model will offer a sharper drive, new powertrain options and the latest safety tech.

 

According to Toyota, the new underpinnings increase driving enjoyment with accurate and agile performance thanks to 30 per cent more body rigidity and a 15mm lower centre of gravity.

 

The new platform also allows a 40mm reduction in overall height which has seen front seats repositioned to avoid compromising headroom. The new Yaris also gets a 50mm longer wheelbase.

 

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said: “the addition of the hybrid drivetrain to the Yaris range would not only benefit customers with lower fuel bills, it was also further evidence of Toyota's overall intention to continue to reduce the environmental footprint of its vehicles.”

 

A hybrid powertrain is now available in eight different Toyota model lines including the Corolla hatch and sedan, Camry, RAV4, and C-HR. The brand is also expected to launch the hybrid Kluger this year.

 

The new Yaris hybrid is scheduled to arrive in May 2020, full specifications and pricing will be announced closer to the launch date. Stay tuned!