Yaris gets a makeover
TOYOTA has given its current-generation Yaris yet another makeover and as far as facelifts go this is quite a comprehensive one, with Toyota claiming to have replaced more than 900 parts.
Although the familiar shape remains, Toyota’s ED2 design studio in France has reimagined both the front and rear ends, with the Yaris gaining a new catamaran-inspired trapezoidal grille upfront, along with a redesigned grille and headlights, while LED daytime running lights feature on some models.
The back end sees a new horizontal taillight design.
Inside, there’s a new twin-dial instrument cluster as well as propeller-inspired air vents, a neater-looking touch-screen and ‘cool blue’ instrument illumination. Customers can also look forward to a fresh assortment of cabin colours, trims and upholsteries.
In an early sign of how manufacturers are going to adapt to upcoming real-world economy and emissions standards in Europe, Toyota has created a brand new, and upsized, petrol engine for its Yaris, the previous 1.3-litre unit making way for a 1.5-litre, which remains normally aspirated. Toyota claims it’s up to 12 percent more fuel efficient than the previous 1.3, and it’s more powerful, with 82kW and 136Nm on tap (up from 73kW/125Nm).
The 51kW 1-litre petrol carries over as a budget option, while the ultra-efficient 1.5-litre hybrid continues at the other end of the range. The latter model is now more refined thanks to numerous additional noise-deadening measures. Toyota’s compact hatch goes big on safety too, with a raft of ‘Safety Sense’ active systems such as autonomous braking, auto high beam and lane departure alert fitted across the range in Europe.
Exact South African specifications have yet to be confirmed, but we we’ll know soon enough, given that Toyota plans to launch the new Yaris locally during the second quarter of this year.
Sadly, the hot 157kW turbocharged Gazoo Yaris that was revealed last month is not destined for our shores.