While the Toyota Yaris is Dead for 2019, It Might Be Alive Again in 2020

Photo via Car and Driver

Car and Driver is reporting that while Toyota has axed the Yaris liftback for 2019, in 2020 it could  return with Mazda2 underpinnings.

Toyota already replaced the Yaris sedan with the Yaris iA, based on the Mazda2 sedan, which we reviewed when it was initially launched as a Scion. I said that while it had a willing chassis, it had a minuscule back seat and wasn't too exciting. I'm also not generally a big fan of small sedans. But the idea of a of this coming as a hatchback warms my gasoline-powered heart.

As Car and Driver pointed out, it'll likely be powered by the same 1.5-liter engine making 106 hp. I assume it'll also be mated to either the six-speed auto or the six-speed manual (yay!). And while I still haven't fully warmed up to the fish-face fascia, I think I prefer the package without a trunk—full-on hatchback style.

I'm a fan of most Mazda products, and was bummed when they discontinued the Mazda2. So seeing that it may be coming over in some form is great. I could very well see buying one of these in the future.

It should be said that Toyota has not officially stated this is going to happen, but all signs are pointing to "yes," which makes Toyota one of the few companies to continue offering a small car in its lineup. In fact, has always offered a small car in its lineup. This includes the Yaris, Echo, and Tercel.

2019 Mazda2 Hatchback

Will Lower Gas Prices and Low Profits Mean Fewer Subcompacts?

By Andy Lilienthal

We recently reported that the 2016 Mazda2 won't be coming to the U.S. as a '16 model. The reason? Low gas prices mean lower demand for small cars, and subcompact cars often don't yield the profits of their larger cousins.

According to AAA's Fuel Gauge Report, the average price for a gallon of 87 octane fuel in the USA is currently $2.73. One year ago it was $3.65, and in 2012 it was closer to $3.68 (according to eia.gov). Because of this recent trend of lower fuel prices, people are buying larger vehicles that aren't as frugal. Frankly, this shouldn't come as much of a surprise—we've seen it happen before.

And while gas prices are one thing, subcompact cars have never been money makers, at least not big money makers. Many dealers only make a couple hundred dollars of profit off of them. This is one reason why you when you go into the dealer to ask about a subcompact car, the salesperson immediately says, "But for only a little bit more money, you can get into the [INSERT LARGER CAR HERE." Do you know how many times this scenario has played out for me?

TOYOTA DEALER
ME: I'm looking for a Toyota Yaris.
DEALER: We had one on the lot about 92 weeks ago. What about a Corolla?

CHEVROLET DEALER
ME: I'm looking for a Chevrolet Spark.
DEALER:No, no no. You want a Sonic! No wait, a Cruze!

KIA DEALER
ME: I'd like to check out a Rio.
DEALER: I don't think we offer those anymore. But come check out this Forte.

I hear enthusiasts always say, "Well, if they advertised the [INSERT SMALL CAR HERE] more, they'd sell more of them." Or, "I if they just kept more [INSERT SMALL CAR HERE] in stock on the lots, people could actually buy them." And while this is true, there isn't much motivation to sell product that doesn't have a lot of profit margin. However, in times of high fuel prices, they can sell more volume and get people into the brand. So in this scenario (e.g. the past few years), small cars make more sense to dealers. But with gas prices where they are, it's likely many dealers will have fewer subcompacts on the lot, making them harder to find—and harder to purchase.

While I'm not concerned about people continuing to buy larger vehicles—I'm not one to tell people what kind of cars to buy—I do wonder how it will effect the prospects of new small cars being offered here, assuming gas prices stay fairly low. We've seen Mazda's reaction, but will we see other automakers decide to skip the U.S. market when it comes to future small car offerings?

As our Canadian readers know, Canada is more willing to buy small cars, so I doubt there will be much of a change there. Canada will still get the Mazda2 and continues to get vehicles the U.S. don't have, such as the Nissan Micra.

Granted, the U.S.'s small car market is probably the best it's ever been with a host of outstanding small cars out there. However, could we see a slow drop off in subcompact car sales and popularity because of low fuel costs?

The 2016 Mazda2 Will Not Be Sold In The U.S.

By Andy Lilienthal

Mazda is saying the 2016 Mazda2 will not be sold on the U.S. market. Say it ain't so, Mazda! According to Automotive News, cheap gas and strong demand from other markets are two major reasons the soon-to-be-Mexican-built Mazda2 won't be headed north of the border.

A quote from Mazda U.S Senior Vice President, Robert Davis, says he'd prefer to focus on product that makes more profit for the company and Mazda dealers—a common issue with subcompact cars. He did, however, say the car will always be there if they want it. The car will be for sale in Puerto Rico, and therefore has already undergone U.S. safety standard testing.

Frankly, this is a bit heartbreaking. I was looking forward to the next Mazda2 hatchback a lot. I loved the last version. Yes, the Scion iA will be a Mazda2 sedan, but I don't have much interest in owning a subcompact sedan at this point. Undoubtedly, the Mazda2 will have great driving dynamics and will be the "driver's car" of the subcompact segment. However, at least for 2016, we'll never really find out. Well, unless you opt for the Scion iA.

2016 Mazda2 (Demio) Revealed

Photos of the 2016 Mazda Demio, aka the Mazda2 in North America, have surfaced. Frankly, it looks a lot like a small Mazda3, which isn't a bad thing.

The rear still resembles the current 2, but the front has assimilated with the current Mazda corporate look. Like I said, not a bad thing.

The interior looks simple, clean, and functional. Very minimalist. I really dig it. Again, mini Mazda3 anyone?

Mazda will employ its SKYACTIV technology, which basically means they keep the weight down and the engine efficient. North American specs haven't been released, but it's being reported by Car and Driver that the wheelbase will be 3.1 inches longer for a 101.2 inches. Overall length should stretch out to 159.8 inches—up more than a half foot. Again, North American engine details haven't been revealed, but expect a 1.3, 1.5, and 1.5-liter turbo-diesel mill for the global market; I expect the US to get the 1.5. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are also to be expected. Also expect it for sale early next year.

Of course, the other part of this puzzle is that Mazda is supposed to be making Toyota's next-gen Yaris (or whatever they'll call it). So will will the styling, engine, and interior be the same? Stay tuned for more.

Unobtanium: Seven Hot Hatchbacks that Should Exist

I love the fact that there are some sporty, scrappy subcompacts on the North American market these days. The Fiat 500 Abarth, the Ford Fiesta ST, Nissan Juke Nismo and the MINI Cooper S are all examples. However, here are a few that I wish existed. Most should be pretty feasible to offer by swapping an engine, stiffening up the suspension, offering a limited-slip diff, and adding some aero parts. Or we could just put it this way:

Dear automakers, please build these.

Love,

Andy

Mitsubishi Mirage EVO (pictured above)
Ok, I know the likelihood of this is nearly zero, but I had to throw it in. Take the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage and throw in a tiny turbocharged engine, or perhaps the 2.0-liter engine from the Outlander Sport. You could go with the trademark EVO front end, offer it in AWD, and have a truly interesting Mitsubishi, just like in the days of yore (aka the 1980s and early 1990s). OK, so an EVO version of the newest Mirage is truly just a dream, maybe a Ralliart version with a few more ponies and some suspension goodies could actually happen.

Of course someone has already thought about a customized Mirage, and even rendered it. I found the image from a Thai site at AutoCarNano.com.

MAZDAZPEED2
We've seen the MAZDASPEED3, so a MAZADSPEED2 should fit right in. If this vehicle existed, it could be powered by a small turbocharged powerplant, or perhaps by the existing 2.0-liter SKYACTIVE engine found in other Mazda vehicles. It'd have a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip diff. Knowing how Mazda likes to formulate its lineup, I could see this making anywhere between 130 and 170 hp. This car would be a blast, thanks to its already very good chassis and driving dynamics. Mazda: Make it happen for 2015!

FYI, the car above was a SEMA vehicle from a few years ago that was showcased in the Mazda booth.

Chevrolet Spark RS
Take the tiny Chevrolet Spark and throw in the 1.4-turbo engine out of the Sonic. Boom: instant A-sement hot hatch. While the Sonic with the 1.4-liter turbo already makes 138 hp and 148 lbs/ft of torque and is fun to drive, a Spark with the same engine would be a damn riot. Add a stiff rear sway bar, lower it a few millimeters, liven up the steering ratio, and you've got a super-fun A-segment brawler. Chevy—are you listening?

The car above has been customized by German tuner, KBR Motorsports.

Mugen Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a world-class subcompact that can be a really fun vehicle to drive thanks to a great chassis, a outstanding five-speed manual transmission, and quick reflexes. So how about a little more power? I know what you're thinking: K24 swap, right? That would be awesome, but highly unlikely from the factory. However, maybe the 143 hp 1.8-liter out of the Civic would be OKed by Honda top brass to create a Mugen Fit for North America? Or perhaps a Fit Si? That 1.8 liter engine likely weighs less (correct me if I'm wrong Hondaphiles of the world). Of course, you'd lower it, put stickier tires on it, and have some great-looking bodywork. People have been asking for this one since the Fit appeared in the U.S. I'd love to see it.

The vehicle pictured above is actually 2014 Mugen Fit for the JDM market. No word as to what's under the hood, but it does feature the body work, LEDs, projector headlamps, and cool wheels that could really up the fun factor on the Fit.

Toyota Yaris XRS
Toyota does offer a sporty trim level for the Yaris, which is the SE package. While it offers bigger wheels, quicker steering, a more tuned suspension, and some different bumpers, it still has the 106 hp 1NZ-FE engine. The easiest fix to this would to put the 128 hp 1.8-liter engine from the Scion xD under the hood (this was the Yaris T-Sport in the last body style). Alternatively, perhaps the new Corolla's 132 hp 1.8-liter powerplant could be shoehorned in. Let's face it: The xD isn't getting any younger, but the Yaris was redesigned not too long ago. Let's add some more juice to the already lightweight Yaris, Toyota!

Above is the Toyota Vitz RS "G's" model. This does exist in Japan, but is powered by the same 1.5-liter the U.S. gets.

Fiat 500L Abarth

Here's another no-brainer for me. Take Fiat's 500L and tune the 1.4-liter turbo to Abarth specs to make one fast four-door Italian. 

I found this image via Google Images, but the watermark goes to AutosBlog.com.ar. Gotta give credit where it's due. Regardless, this little car needs to happen.

Nissan Versa Note NISMO
The latest subcompact from Nissan, the Versa Note, is very practical and offers a good value. And while most NISMO-equipped Nissans get small bumps in power along with other goodies, I'd love to see a Note powered by the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine from the Juke. Plus, it wouldn't look as polarizing as the strangely shaped crossover. Oh yes. This would be awesome.

The car pictured above is actually from Japanese tuner IMPUL, and gives you an idea of the Versa Note's potential. Now with 180 hp, this thing would really scoot.

CorkSport Mazda2 at the SCCA Runoffs

Derrick Ambrose of Vancouver, WA races the CorkSport Mazda2, and it's got a Subcompact Culture sticker. Why? Because it's awesome, that's why.

Derrick recently competed in the 50th Annual National Championship SCCA Runoffs at my favorite track in the U.S., Road America, outside of Elkhart Lake, WI. Derrick finished sixth overall in the B-Spec class. Nicely done, Derrick, and thanks for the pics.

Want to make your car as cool as Derricks? Get your Subcompact Culture stickers.

Mexican made Mazda to be sold as Toyota in North America

It was announced today that Mazda will produce a Toyota-branded vehicle (yes, Toyota) for sale mainly in North America, and it will be based on the Mazda2. Production is slated to begin during the summer of 2015, and production numbers are supposed to be 50,000 units per year. And yes, these cars will be sold through Toyota dealerships. The vehicle will be built at Mazda's Mexican manufacturing facility, currently under construction in Salamanco, located in the state of Guanajuato.

This facility will also make the Mazda2 and Mazda3 with the capability of churning out 140,000 vehicles per year. This will undoubtedly help the Japanese company with manufacturing costs, since it's currently building its cars in Japan. And we all know how pricey that has become due to the strong yen.

We think the Mazda2 is a great little chassis—fun and flingable. Toyota dealers are everywhere, so the car should be readily accessible. This might be a win-win situation. I can't wait to see what it's going to look like. 

Is the Mazda2 going away in the U.S.?

Is the Mazda2 already on the chopping block? According to Automotive News, that just might be the case.

The article states that Mazda2 sales have been underwhelming, and that the car is due for a redesign in 2014. And while it will definitely be redesigned in 2014, the U.S. might not get the latest version according to AN's source. FYI, the Mazda2, which rides on the same chassis as the Ford Fiesta, has been outsold by the Fiesta in the U.S. nearly three-to-one so far in 2012. In 2011, there were 13,952 Mazda2s sold; Ford sold 68,574 Fiesta the same year.

When we reviewed the Mazda2 in 2010 we very much enjoyed it, even calling it the "Miata of subcompacts." And while its reflexes and fuel economy were great, apparently those qualities haven't been enough to move them off of dealer lots en masse.

SOURCE:
Automotive News