Archive for the ‘Yaris’ Category

Most ordinary gasoline models look like guzzlers next to the hybrids—and a few compact diesel models—that dominate the upper echelon of this year's EPA fuel economy ratings. For instance, according to the EPA's Fuel Economy Guide information released last week, a 2010 Toyota Prius will cost less than half as much to keep fueled for a year's worth of driving than the seemingly fuel-efficient four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive 2010 Toyota RAV4. According to EPA estimates, the savings would rack up to $850; and that's with gas prices at a relatively low $2.58 a gallon.

At least you're not driving a 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago (8 mpg City) or a 2010...

U Haul has just reduced prices for its U Car Share car-sharing service, and added more fuel-efficient EPA SmartWay vehicles, the company reports. Vehicles being added to U Car Share's fleet include the Toyota Prius, Ford Focus, Toyota Yaris, MINI Cooper, and Ford Escape Hybrid.

Up until now, the Chrysler PT Cruiser has been the most common vehicle in U Car Share's fleet.

The one-time registration fee to join U Car Share has been cut in half, to $25; the service has no annual membership fee, and cars now start at $4.95 per hour plus 59 cents a mile, with a rate of $8 to $12 per hour with 180 free miles included for longer trips. The company...

Toyota's subcompact Yaris will allegedly serve as the basis for a new hybrid model, set to launch sometime in 2011. The car (name TBA) will feature new styling and a new hybrid system that's apparently less expensive than those found in Toyota's other hybrid vehicles, which should have a nice effect on pricing: the car is expected to retail around $16,000. Given sluggish U.S. sales of smaller hybrids like the 2010 Honda Insight, don't expect this one to appear in North America anytime soon, though -- at least until all those tiny EVs arrive on the scene, making the Yaris look spacious by comparison. [HybridCars]