Yaris-based hybrid is Toyota's cheap shot at Insight

[steven johnson]

Looks like the cheap electric-gas hybrid wars are going to heat up.

There aren't any inexpensive American models in this price range. The Ford Fusion hybrid will be in dealerships this spring with prices starting at $27,270 (versus standard Ford Fusion S for $19,270). While the $3,400 tax credit helps to offset some of the cost associated with the fuel sipping it will still take quite a few years to pay off the hybrid premium even with a gas mileage rated at 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9090129.016/2010-ford-fusion-hybrid-mercury-milan-hybrid-qualify-for-3400-tax-break

Automotive News reported today that Toyota will sell a hybrid "low-priced spinoff" of its subcompact Yaris below the $19,800 base price of the Honda Insight, which made headlines months ago for planning to undercut the $22,000 base price of the Prius (it's now $2,200 lower). The model won't be ready until at least 2011.

Despite a third-generation Prius that boasts a combined 50 mile-per-gallon EPA rating, a more refined interior, and a sportier powertrain that now registers a pulse, Honda has seen record sales for its Insight, which from the side looks almost identical to the Toyota icon. In Japan, Honda has reported more than 21,000 orders, soaring past the company's 5,000 monthly target since the car went on sale in early February, according to The Wall Street Journal. The Insight arrived at US dealers yesterday.

Despite a third-generation Prius that boasts a combined 50 mile-per-gallon EPA rating, a more refined interior, and a sportier powertrain that now registers a pulse, Honda has seen record sales for its Insight, which from the side looks almost identical to the Toyota icon. In Japan, Honda has reported more than 21,000 orders, soaring past the company's 5,000 monthly target since the car went on sale in early February, according to The Wall Street Journal. The Insight arrived at US dealers yesterday.

As gas prices dwindled since last summer's high, many would-be hybrid buyers have swayed toward traditional, cheaper fuel-efficient cars instead, as witnessed by last year's 10.3 percent drop in US hybrid sales. The current Prius - which had greedy dealers charging as much as $5,000 over sticker, Edmunds said - now has some genuine competition, including the $27,200 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

http://www.boston.com/cars/newsandreviews/overdrive/2009/03/yarisbased_hybrid_is_toyotas_c.html

[pleah]

1. At those prices I will never own a new car.

I stick to buying used cars.

[Javaman]

2. same here. nt