Toyota stays ahead of Honda in eco-friendly game
Toyota’s always been one of those standard makes that the average person gravitates towards based on its dependability, performance, low maintenance and classic styles. And of course, its vehicles are some of the most affordable.
Despite Toyota’s undeniable success and popularity, it’s always been in a competition with Honda, since they mainly manufacture similarly priced vehicles. This standard competition is now transpiring into the hybrid market. With the Honda Insight currently being the cheapest hybrid on the market at $19,800- 40mpg city and 43 highway-there’s an anxious audience awaiting the arrival of the Honda Fit Hybrid, with its intended release in 2010, and its competitor, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid whose release date is tentatively set in 2011. It’s believed that the Yaris will be priced significantly below the price of the Honda Insight, already giving it a head-start.
The central issue surrounding the Hybrid competition is the mpg rating. The gas-powered Toyota Yaris beats out the comparable Honda Fit by roughly 2 mpg city and 3 mpg highway. It’s only assumed this ratio will carry over into the Yaris Hybrid model and take Toyota a long way. To compare, another member of the Toyota family — the slightly larger Prius — achieves an impressive 50 mpg. Since many are hesitant to jump on the hybrid bandwagon due to price, the Yaris needs an impressive mpg rate combined with an affordable sticker to prove the hybrid is the way to go. But I don’t expect that to be a problem. In speaking with some people at a new car Waukegan dealer near my home, they affirmed my hunch that the Yaris will appeal to a whole new segment of hybrid car buyers thanks to its Toyota Hybrid technology and a very appealing starting price.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Toyota Prius beats out the Honda Insight Hybrid in performance and sales, only supporting the fact that Toyota is producing and selling some of the more popular vehicles and producing the best mpg ratings. There is good reason to believe the Yaris Hybrid will be very stiff competition for the Fit Hybrid.
Toyota as a carmaker is perfect for budget-conscious car buyers and those that need a car for its basic purpose, reliable transportation. The Yaris has been one of the top picks for college students and young professionals who need just that, reliable transportation-for under $20,000. Now, there exists an opportunity for Toyota to win that crowd over to the hybrid side. Toyota’s renowned reputation for having great resale value also puts Toyota on top of the sales charts. It’s difficult to think anything can beat out a Toyota, and my guess is that the Yaris Hybrid vs. Fit Hybrid contest will come out in favor of Toyota.
I’m anxious to test-drive the Yaris Hybrid after taking a Prius Waukegan test-drive a few weeks ago. I found the new generation of Prius to perform unlike any other hybrid I’ve previously test-driven. The technology is incredible- it’s amazing how you don’t even realize you’re driving a hybrid.
It’s going to be an interesting next 6 months or so waiting for the unveiling of the Fit Hybrid and determining how the Toyota will beat it out in 2011. We Toyota enthusiasts can remain confident Toyota will pull through again, however. I just don’t see any other manufacturer keeping pace with Toyota’s hybrid technology.
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If you’re looking for a Yaris in the Chicagoloand area, visit Waukegan used car and new car dealer, Classic Toyota.
