2022 Toyota Yaris price and features: Manual axing and cost increases push MG3, Mazda 2, Suzuki Swift, Kia Rio and Volkswagen Polo rival further upstream

As part of an update, Toyota Australia has discontinued the Yaris’ manual entry-level variant, which has therefore increased the light hatchback’s starting price to beyond that of the most affordable version of the best-selling HiLux ute.

While the range-opening Ascent Sport grade remains, its 88kW/145Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol three-cylinder can no longer be mated to a six-speed manual (previously $22,130 plus on-road costs).

Instead, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is now standard in the Ascent Sport, with it copping a $110 price rise in the process, to $23,740. Comparatively, the manual Workmate single-cab chassis petrol variant kicks off the HiLux line-up from $23,590.

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Speaking to CarsGuide, a Toyota Australia confirmed the regular Yaris’ three-pedal set-up was axed due to it representing less than four per cent of sales since the launch of its fourth-generation model last August.

They added that the remaining Ascent Sport variant and wider Yaris range’s cost increases come alongside additional standard equipment, including rear grabhandles and emergency steering assist, while adaptive cruise control now works at all speeds.

While the range-opening Ascent Sport grade remains, it can no longer be mated to a six-speed manual.

Speaking of the pricing changes, the regular Yaris’ mid-range SX grade is also now $110 dearer, from $27,130, while its flagship ZR grade has become $100 more expensive, from $30,200.

A ‘self-charging’ petrol-electric hybrid powertrain can be optioned in the CVT-only SX and ZR for $2000 extra. They are otherwise fitted with Ascent Sport’s engine.

For reference, the GR Yaris and GR Yaris Rallye hot hatches are still priced from $49,500 and $54,500 respectively. They, of course, only come with a six-speed manual, which is matched to a 200kW/370Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine.

As reported, the MG3, Mazda2, Suzuki Swift, Kia Rio and Volkswagen Polo rival’s starting price already jumped by $6740 with the current model. The generational cost difference is now $8350, or about 54 per cent.

2022 Toyota Yaris pricing before on-road costs