Rumour: Toyota Yaris won't get a diesel engine option

Toyota showcased the Yaris at the recently concluded Auto Expo and is expected to launch the car sometime later this year. It was initially reported that the Yaris would be offered with a petrol engine and a diesel would be added at a later date, however, a recent media report suggests that the car may never get a diesel engine option.

Toyota currently has a 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine in its portfolio. This unit powers the Corolla and the Etios range. It isn't BS-VI compliant and could be discontinued from the said models, once the stricter emission regulations come into effect in 2020. It has been reported that Toyota currently has no plans to develop a new BS-VI compliant diesel engine. A brand-new engine would require significant investment, which would drive the prices of diesel variants up.

Moreover, the demand for diesel cars has been reducing. Toyota has also seen in a dip in the sales of diesel variants. Hence, introducing a new BS-VI compliant diesel on the Yaris may not be feasible. 

In India, the Yaris will be offered with a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 108 BHP. It is likely to be paired with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed CVT.

Source: Autocar India