Low-cost hybrid from Toyota and release date

After weeks of rumors and speculation, we can now tell you that a low-cost hybrid from Toyota is happening. Autoblog has reported that Toyota is preparing a hybriddrive train for use in its small Yaris platform.

The Yaris Hybrid will use the same Hybrid Synergy Drive technology that is used in the Prius, but will sell for a fraction of the price. The new smaller hybrid could go on sale as early as 2011, which cannot come soon enough, as people look at all ways to save money, and fuel costs is one of them.

The news that Toyota is working on the Yaris is in direct response to the new Honda Insight. The new car from Honda is a five-door hybrid that is in direct competition with the Toyota Prius, but will cost thousands less due to the smaller size.

The Honda Insight has a 1.3-liter engine, which is half a liter smaller than the one used in the 2010 Prius.