Toyota Yaris Hatchback Spied Once Again - What Is Toyota Testing?

The Toyota Yaris hatchback has been spied in India on multiple occasions in the last few years and had initially raised speculations about its possible launch in the Indian market. Although Toyota has not yet commented on the possibility of reviving the Yaris brand in India, a recent sighting of the hatchback being tested in Gurgaon without any camouflage suggests that Toyota might be evaluating something new. This raises curiosity about Toyota's plans—could it be an upcoming new Toyota car in India, or is the vehicle being used for component testing? Here's everything you need to know about this premium Toyota hatchback that has managed to keep the suspense alive for the past few years.

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Is The Toyota Yaris Hatchback Launching In India Soon?

What Is It?

Despite the rising popularity of SUVs, hatchbacks still account for about a quarter of the combined monthly car sales in India, presenting a lucrative opportunity for Toyota if they introduce a new premium hatchback. Although the Yaris sedan was discontinued in India after just three years, the Yaris hatchback remains one of Toyota's best-selling models in Europe. Launched in 2020 and built on the GA-B platform, this hatchback offers a no-nonsense package for buyers looking for a practical and reliable family car. 

Inside, the Toyota Yaris hatchback boasts features such as a 7-inch or 12.3-inch infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, connected car technology, a cloud-based navigation system with voice commands, automatic climate control, and more. The same technology was observed inside the spied test vehicle in India, suggesting that Toyota might be testing its electronics and tech equipment for other upcoming models.

New Toyota Hybrid Engine In Works?

In international markets, the Toyota Yaris hatchback is offered with three engine options, including a 1.5-litre hybrid that delivers a combined power output of up to 144hp and 185Nm of torque. This engine enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 9.2 seconds and boasts a claimed mileage of nearly 30 kmpl. Additionally, the Yaris is available with two petrol engine options: 1.5-litre and 1.0-litre.

While it is well-known that Toyota and Maruti Suzuki are jointly developing a new hybrid powertrain for smaller cars like the Baleno and the Glanza, reports indicate that the hybrid engine currently being tested by Toyota in the Yaris hatchback might be intended for these upcoming hybrid models. The collaboration aims to leverage Toyota's expertise in hybrid technology and Maruti Suzuki's market presence to create fuel-efficient, eco-friendly vehicles.