Toyota’s tiny hybrid, Prius C, will bow out with the arrival of the new Yaris in May.
That’s because the new Aussie Yaris lineup includes a hybrid version of the hatch.
It’s not that big a deal really because the Prius C was in reality a Yaris in disguise.
Of more interest, however, is the promised fuel consumption of the car.
At just 3.3L/100km it’s certainly something worth shouting about.
The new 1.5-litre three-cylinder Dynamic Force petrol engine is mated to a direct-shift CVT with mechanical launch gear while a new-generation hybrid system uses an Atkinson-Cycle version of the engine and a high-density lithium-ion battery.
Toyota’s Sean Hanley said the addition of a 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.
“The all-new Toyota Yaris is a marked step up from the current car in every respect and will deliver the outstanding fuel efficiency and advanced safety technology that our customers demand,” he said.
“It will also offer a substantially more engaging drive, superb comfort and refinement and the sort of contemporary styling to make it truly stand out in the crowd.”
Launched in 2012 the Prius C was the second variant in Toyota’s hybrid Prius range and helped to cement the ever-increasing demand for hybrid vehicles.
Powered by a 1.5-litre hybrid powertain, the current Prius C is rated at 3.7L/100km.
It enjoys the advantage of size and is up to 285kg lighter than a standard Prius.
Although based on the Yaris platform, it has a longer interior and more leg and hip room front and rear than the Yaris hatch.
These days the Toyota range now includes eight hybrids including Corolla hatch and sedan, Camry, RAV4, and the C-HR.
Mr Hanley said Prius and the Prius V seven-seat wagon will continue as part of the lineup, ensuring the company’s original hybrid nameplate lives on.
As well as boasting superior fuel consumption, new Yaris will offer the most advanced pre-collision safety system in the Toyota range.
Hopefully it will be a little more upmarket than the outgoing Prius C which was little more than a commuter special.
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