Toyota's latest model is the subcompact Yaris, a replacement for the Echo and the newest entry level car for the division. Retailing for just under $11,000 the Yaris may impact the sales of another, slightly larger Toyota model. Is it the Corolla? No. How about the Matrix? No. The model I am thinking about is the Prius, Toyota's compact hybrid hauler.

The whole idea of buying a hybrid car is to conserve fuel and save money, right? In part, that is a true statement. However, the price of a vehicle must also be factored in and the Yaris will be retailing for $10,000 less than the Prius. In addition, the Yaris is a real gas sipping car. EPA figures are showing that the Yaris will deliver 34 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. This compares to the 60 mpg city and 51 mpg highway for the Prius and we all know that hybrid fuel economy figures are being widely attacked from all quarters for being vastly overstated.

The difference in published fuel economy is only 11 mpg on the highway. Given the Prius' premium price I predict that the Yaris will steal sales away from the Prius as buyers take note of the $10,000 price premium. Sure, governments incentives [soon to go away, perhaps?] reduce that amount by at least $2,000 but the Prius's price premium is a hefty chunk that no amount of driving can make up that difference.

Of course, there is also the matter of replacing an expensive and aged hybrid battery...