Toyota has been moving to phase diesels out of its European lineup for years while aggressively pushing its petrol-electric hybrids, which now account for more than 40% of the company’s sales in the region. In 2016, Toyota introduced its C-HR compact SUV without a diesel variant. Hybrids now account for nearly 80% of the C-HR’s European sales.
In January, Toyota’s Italian arm said it would no longer offer diesel versions of the new cars it sells in the country. The latest move against the diesel was Toyota’s decision not to offer the powertrain in its new third-generation Auris compact, which debuted in Geneva Tuesday.
The Auris will be offered with a choice of two hybrids as well as a petrol engine. The top-performing hybrid Auris will have a 2.0-liter engine that makes 180 hp. The less powerful hybrid has a 1.8-liter, 122 hp powertrain.
Toyota is counting on its expanding hybrid lineup to help it comply with tougher European emissions rules. By 2021, the fleet CO2 average for automakers in Europe drops 95 grams per kilometer from 118.1g/km now. Companies that don’t reach the target will be hit with fines.
