Small Toyota

The small Toyota Yaris is due for a redesign for the 2012 model year. Following the trend set by the Prius, the Yaris is likely to get a larger 1.8-liter engine—to replace the current 1.5-liter 106-horsepower engine—and to add a hybrid option. Fuel economy numbers could top the charts. The Avalon full-size sedan will also be redesigned for 2012, providing a good opportunity to introduce a hybrid version. Automotive News appears more certain about a hybrid minivan in the form of the 2012 Toyota Sienna Hybrid—although Toyota insiders told us that a hybrid minivan for the US presents tough technical challenges. A redesigned gas-powered 2011 Sienna debuts early next year.

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