The New Toyota Yaris Hatchback could be rebadged Mazda 2 [UPDATE]

According to a report, the Mazda/Toyota sedan partnership may be extended to include the liftback.

A new Toyota Yaris hatchback could be in the works, but new may not be accurate. According to Car and Driver, the automaker could release a new model in 2020. However, it could be a rebranded Mazda2 hatchback.

This is not a new concept for Toyota. Toyota already has a Mazda partnership with the Yaris sedan. This was originally the Scion iA in North America. After Scion was discontinued in 2015, it was renamed to the Yaris iA and then became the Yaris sedan for this model year. The sedan is actually a Mazda2 made in Mexico, despite the Toyota badges and body panels. Toyota should follow the example of the hatchback model, so it makes sense.

We reached out to Toyota in search of clarifications on the matter and were provided with this statement by a spokesperson.

We will no longer be selling a MY2019 Yaris Liftback in the U.S., but we will still offer the MY2019 Yaris sedan which was built in Mexico in a partnership between Mazda. We are working on something new in MY2020. We look forward to seeing all of you at the New York Auto Show.

The Yaris hatch, which is currently available in a totally different model than the sedan, is a completely new vehicle. It was built in France, and is a Toyota product since the beginning. The bones date back to 2013. Although it’s not an ancient model, the hatchback is ready for major updates. The platform’s age, uninspiring nature and declining sales have all contributed to the decline in sales. If the small liftback is to survive, then it must evolve.

The Mazda2 small hatchback is almost as old as the Yaris, with the latest model dating back to 2014. The partnership has been very well received and could prove to be a strategic move by Toyota. Toyota can now focus on SUVs and crossovers by letting other automakers develop niche segments like small hatches or sports cars.

Toyota just confirmed that the Yaris hatchback was scrapped for the 2019 model year. There is also the promise of a big announcement for the entire Yaris line-up at the New York Auto Show this spring. We should at least have confirmation of the rumor by then.