Toyota Corolla and Yaris hatchbacks now hybrid-only

Toyota Australia is no longer selling new petrol-engined versions of the Toyota Corolla and Yaris hatchbacks.

Toyota Australia sales, marketing and franchise operations chief Sean Hanley announced the move today at the launch of the second-generation Toyota C-HR, which is available as a hybrid only.

The Toyota Yaris Cross and Camry are also hybrid-only model lines.

“From today, we have told dealers to no longer take orders for petrol Yaris hatch and Corolla hatch,” said Hanley.

As a result, the entry to the Toyota range will rise by $5390, with the previous Yaris Ascent Sport (from $24,800 plus on-road costs) no longer available to order new.

Taking its place as the most affordable Toyota will be the Yaris SX Hybrid (from $30,190), while the Yaris ZR Hybrid sits further upstream (from $33,260).

With petrol versions of the Corolla hatchback also off the menu, the Corolla Ascent Sport hatch (from $29,610) will no longer be available.

Now, Aussies will need to fork out $32,110 plus ORCs for the Ascent Sport Hybrid.

The hybrid-only move does not extend to the Corolla sedan range, which continues to be offered in both petrol and hybrid powertrains.

The high-performance Toyota GR Yaris hatch and GR Corolla hatch are also not impacted by the company’s decision.

Hanley said the entire Toyota range could go hybrid-only in the future, due to “natural consumer demand” and “changed consumer behaviour”.

“People are adjusted and know and believe in hybrid technology. In the fullness of time, we may convert all of our cars over to hybrid only,” he said.

Hanley added that “prices are likely to go up for the foreseeable future”.

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