Is a Yaris hybrid a Prius-killer?
An instant top selling hybrid?By 2011, if the rumors are correct, Toyota will launch a Yaris-like hybrid that might sell for as low as $15,650 and achieve as much as 70 mpg in the city.
On the other hand, VW is preparing to offer a 2 door Golf TDI in the US for $21,990. The standard, and much less efficient, Golf will cost $17,490.
So, a Yaris-based hybrid could be in a league of its own, especially if Toyota can come up with a hot new design rather than just a rebadged Yaris.
Would such a hybrid achieve most of its success by stealing Prius buyers, or would a Yaris-hybrid appeal to a whole new consumer segment?
Labels: Hybrid Vehicles, toyota prius, toyota yaris hybrid
posted by Dahcredyns at
8:57 AM
9 Comments:
I don't want to spend more than $20,000 on a car, so the Yaris would definitely interest me. I hope that badge it as a Scion.
I think they are for different type of byers. Hybrid Yaris would make an awesome second family car (for those folks who really need a second car)
I completely agree LB. A Yaris hybrid might poach some Prius buyers, but certainly not enough to steal its hybrid crown.
However, I do think that the Yaris hybrid might actually appeal to a greater range of consumers, particularly if Toyota styles it right and gas prices stay on their course.
Minimally, however, it will be Toyota's 2nd best selling hybrid immediately.
well.. it wouldn't be the first time a car maker came out with a new model than cannibalized existing models...
there might be buyers out there that don't want a Prius but do want a Yarus - if it were a hybrid but more likely .. I think ... it's a ploy to steal sub-compact buyers from the other auto makers... using the "hybrid" like it was a new feature...
yeah.. I can see that Yarus Hybrid tagging along behind those giant RV buses...heh heh
you know "green" cred as a comeback to "how many mpg do you get with that bus"?
is it a "ploy", Larry?
i think it's a strategic part of Toyota's long term hybrid plans. they've publicly stated that they will have a hybrid in every single segment.
isn't this just another piece of the long term plan?
ultimately, even if the yaris does poach some prius sales, i think it easily increases Toyota's overall hybrid sales.
The Hybrid Yaris is a great idea however at about $15750 BASE / if you want ANY options(like pwr windows or ac) you wont drive off the lot with normal new car amenities for less than $19.500 I promise you! And Toyota is not stupid - ALL base cars are noisy, with an interior of funky cheap looking plastic - and that will turn off a lot of buyers as well(so you will want to upgrade to the next more expensive model in showroom).
A smart buyer in late 2010 or early 2011, will shop also for a one owner low mileage Prius III - its ride quality and value would far exceed a new plastic box with a probable very harsh and noisy ride.
I don't know. Toyota's base hybrids, thus far, have offered more standard options than other similar base vehicles.
that could change with the Yaris in order to achieve such a pricing point, but i wouldn't make that wager just yet.
I'd never get into that thing-- can you imagine if you were in a wreck?
i've been in some accidents in small cars that were less safe than what's on the road today. sure it's a risk, but an over-dramatized risk, especially for many drivers.
for city commuters that are mostly stuck in stop and go traffic at low speeds, i think you're pretty safe.
Post a Comment
<< Home