Toyota axes petrol powered Corolla and Yaris small cars

The most affordable models in Toyota’s showroom have been axed overnight, but there is a good reason why this has happened.

Toyota’s smallest cars have increased in price following a decision to focus on hybrid power overnight.

The automotive giant has stopped taking orders of conventionally powered Yaris and Corolla hatchbacks, pushing prices up by about $5000.

The entry price for Toyota’s compact Yaris has climbed from $24,800 to $30,190 plus on-road costs, or about $34,500 drive-away.

The previous-generation Yaris started at $15,390 plus on-road costs in 2019.

Toyota has stopped taking orders on petrol-only Yaris hatchbacks.

Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president for sales and marketing, said the hybrid-focused changes for small cars were “due to natural consumer demand”.

“It’s driven by changing consumer behaviour … behaviour and choices that Toyota has played a significant role in encouraging,” he said.

“It’s not driven by an efficiency standard.”

The Corolla small car is also going hybrid only.

The Albanese Government is preparing to introduce a controversial emissions standard intended to push Australians to buy more efficient cars. The proposed standards will fine car companies who sell models that fall foul of efficient standards.

Hanley says “prices will increase” as a result of the environmental push.

As is the new C-HR compact SUV.

“What I will say is that there’s no doubt that the environment in the Australian automotive industry is about to see a significant change,” he said.

“While there’s aspects of the NVES today that we can live with there’s other aspects that are going to make it incredibly challenging for both our dealers, our customers and working class Australians in the future.

“The reality is that it could, if we don’t get to a sensible solution and a sensible transition period, lead to increased prices in cars.”

Toyota sold more than 400,000 hybrid cars in Australia before introducing its first electric vehicle, the bZ4X.

Hybrid models will be penalised if the Federal Governments new proposed laws come into effect.

Speaking at the launch of the hybrid-only Toyota C-HR compact SUV, Hanley pointed out the success of Toyota’s hybrids by claiming its hybrid range attracted more customers than any other car company in the country last month.

Toyota’s Camry sedan and Yaris Cross compact crossover have already been confirmed as hybrid-only propositions in Australia.

Larger cars such as the Toyota RAV4 and Kluger will remain available with a choice of petrol and hybrid power for the foreseeable future.

Hanley says that may change “in the fullness of time”.

Hybrids use a petrol engine and a small electric motor and battery to significantly reduce fuel use.

Having witnessed the slow initial growth of hybrid cars before it became a must-have technology, Hanley urged the government to give car makers and consumers time to transition toward green cars.

“It takes time for a car maker to innovate and deliver lower emissions drivetrains that are practical, that are capable, and most of all that are affordable.

“It takes time for people to understand new technologies, overcome the myths, and appreciate them.

“And it takes time to change consumer behaviour, so that people purchase these vehicles in large numbers.”

Originally published as Toyota axes petrol powered Corolla and Yaris small cars