2020 Yaris to have a hybrid option in Australia; Toyota told dealers

Toyota’s cheapest car, Yaris will get a hybrid variant for the first time in Australia with a huge makeover inside and outside. Although globally, Yaris has already a hybrid option, the manufacturer has told the dealers that the next-generation will arrive with both the petrol and hybrid option and will replace the pint-sized Toyota Prius C.

In Australia, the current-generation Yaris is available in three variants. These were introduced in October 2011, September 2014 and March 2017, respectively. Toyota has been delaying the update as the new gen car needs to adopt the brand’s new safety system and new global architecture.

The current five-door Yaris hatch is available with a base price of $15,990 for a manual transmission, while for the automatic gearbox it schleps a price tag of $17,490. The manufacturer has not spoken a word about the pricing of the upcoming Yaris. However, it is likely to get a price hike.

To recall, the current Yaris is available in three different trims including Ascent, SX, and ZR. The first one comes with a 1.3-litre VVT-i petrol engine, which is capable of pushing out a maximum power of 84.5 hp coming at 6,000 rpm while the peak torque is 120 Nm at 4,600 rpm. On the other hand, the remaining two comes with a 1.5-litre VVT-i mill that can produce a maximum power of 107 hp coming at 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 141 Nm at 4,400 rpm.

As for the safety features, all the model houses Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution

(EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), 7 SRS airbags, Reversing camera, Emergency Brake Signal etc. The Toyota Safety Sense is only provided to the top end player ZR as a standard feature, while for the remaining two, it is optional equipment.