Toyota South Africa has launched a new Yaris hatchback in an effort to steal sales from its rivals in the hotly-contested compact hatchback segment. Here are specs and pricing for the all-new Yaris.

Since its debut in the South African market back in 2005, the Toyota Yaris has seen some stiff competition and it didn't quite deliver big sale volumes. With the market constantly evolving, Toyota South Africa has decided to launch a new Yaris, which is claimed to be bigger and better.

The new Toyota Yaris has grown by 165 mm in length and 5 mm in width, resulting in luggage capacity increasingby 8%to 310 litres compared to the outgoing model. Cabin space has also increased. There are 7 colours to choose from including Diamond Silver Metallic, Attitude Black, Glacier White, Crimson Metallic, Graphite Grey as well as Inferno Metallic and Dark Blue metallic.

Engine Output

There's just one engine powering the entire range. It's a1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol, offering up 79 kW and 140 Nm. You have a choice of either a 5-speed manual gearbox or aContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to drive the front wheels. Fuel economy is claimed at5.9 and 5.8 L/100km, for the manual and CVT respectively.

The cabin of the all-new Toyota Yaris now offers more space than the outgoing model.

Specification and trim levels

There are 4 trim levels available. Kicking off the range is the Xi, with the X sitting in the middle and then a Cross derivative and a Sport model perched at the summit of the range. Cross and Sport models have special visual exterior kits.

Xi Features

Keyless entry and push-button start, 4-speaker audio system with USB and Bluetooth functionality, multi-information display, electrically-adjustable exterior mirrors, front power windows, electric power steering and manual air-conditioning.

Xs Features

Same as Xi, but withautomatic lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, retractable exterior mirrors, rear power windows, leather steering wheel and gear knob, steering switches as well as LED daytime running lights.

Cross Features

Same as Xs, but featuring roof rails, black side moulding, brushed metal apron treatment (front and rear) and black over fenders.

Sport Features

Red-stitched leather steering wheel and gear knob,2 additional speakers (6 in total), high-definition ‘Optitron’ instruments, leather seats, climatecontrol air conditioning, front fog lamps, projector headlamps,LED rear taillights, rear boot spoiler, shark-fin antenna, side skirts, front and rear spoilers, dark metallic front grille, projector headlampsand a red accent stripe.

A big step up for the Yaris comes in the form of the new touchscreen infotainment system. While it has the standard FM/AM radio, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, the big news is that there's nowfull smartphone integration and support via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Whilst CarPlay uses standardised Apple applications with Siri integration, Android users are able to fully customise which ‘apps’ they would like to ‘mirror’ on the audio screen. Satellite navigation is thrown in too.

The new Yaris features a smart infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

Safety Features

The 2018 Toyota Yaris is also well equipped in the safety department and all models across the range featuredriver and passenger airbags, ISOFIX points, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), seat belt pre-tensioner and force limiters as well as Hill Assist Control (HAC). The Sport models come with additional airbags, specifically curtain and driver's knee airbags.

Toyota Yaris (2018) Price in South Africa

All Yaris models come with a 3-year/45 000 km service plan and 3-year/100 000 km warranty. Customers additionally have the option of upgrading the above to a longer term/and or higher mileage through Toyota Value added services. Service intervals are set at 15 000 kilometres.

1.5 Xi MT – R230 800

1.5 Xs MT – R253 400

1.5 Xs CVT – R268 500

1.5 Cross – R268 500

1.5 Sport– R286 000

Further Reading

3 Reasons Why Toyota Yaris is #CarsAwards Finalist

Toyota Yaris 1.5 Pulse (2017) Quick Review

Toyota Yaris GRMN (2017) International Launch Review

Want to buy a Toyota Yaris?

Browse through stock for sale here