The new Toyota Yaris has gone under the knife and received a host of improvements, inside and out. According to Toyota, an 85-million Euro investment, 1 000 new parts and 576 000 man hours have brought the new Yaris to life. Toyota set out to create a Yaris with more emotional appeal by focusing on the interior and exterior styling as well as improving on driveability, ride comfort and noise levels while still offering value for money.

“The new Toyota Yaris petrol models are arguably the best value proposition in the highly competitive B segment. Quality finishes backed up by a comprehensive suite of standard kit ensure that it stays ahead of the pack. Not forgetting, of course, the unique proposition of its hybrid powertrain – still the only vehicle of its kind in this class,” says Glen Crompton, Vice President of Marketing for Toyota SA Motors.

Upgraded Exterior Looks for new Toyota Yaris

The front-end of the new Toyota Yaris features ‘sharp-edged’ detailing with the trapezoidal grilles merging to create a ‘cross shape’. A chrome trim bar runs along the upper grille and into new headlamp clusters which is said to emphasise the car’s width. The new Toyota Yaris features new door belt moulding and door mirrors with 15-inch alloy wheels standard across the range.

The rear-end features a new bumper design and diffuser for added flair. Both the petrol and hybrid models share the same styling with the exception of the LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps and badging which is found on the flagship Yaris Hybrid. Eight exterior colours are available.

Interior Styling Improved

On the inside of the new Toyota Yaris, much has changed. The upper instrument panel on the dashboard is thinner creating a strong horizontal line and the driver’s binnacle is slimmer in appearance. The door panels feature a larger soft-touch area and has been made to look more ‘fluid’. The centre console is raised by 23 mm allowing for the gear lever to be reduced by 30 mm for improved gear changing. The petrol models now feature a closed storage area in the console.

The upper instrument panel features a new grain effect of higher quality with a thick trim band. The central dashboard panel has thicker and softer padding finished in PVC. Chrome accents have been replaced with satin finish for a more sophisticated look. The seats of the new Toyota Yaris features new fabric patterns and colours while the hybrid model is fitted with a leather-cloth combo.

Engine Improvements

Two petrol engines and a hybrid are available for the new Toyota Yaris. With its1.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine, thehybrid model sees a reduction of CO2 from 88 g/km to 82 g/km and offers a fuel consumption figure of 3.6-litres / 100km.

The 1.3-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine now has reduced noise and vibration and offers a fuel consumption figure of 5.6-litres / 100km when mated to a six-speed manual transmission. This engine can also be had with Toyota’s Multidrive S continuously variable transmission.

The 3-cylinder 1.0-litre engine has been tinkered with to provide improved performance and CO2 emissions from this engine has dropped from 119 g/km to 117 g/km. The 1.0-litre engine is mated to a five speed manual transmission and is most suitable for city driving.

Better Driving Dynamics

A major improvement to the new Toyota Yaris is the reduction of road noise in the cabin and improved ride comfort and handling. A more rigid upper and lower body structure has made the steering more direct while maintaining balanced body control. Body rigidity is said to have increased by about 20% which has contributed to improved driving dynamics.

The rear suspension of the new Toyota Yaris has been improved with a stiffer torsion beam with softer coil springs which has enhanced ride comfort. Softer coil springs at the front and rebound springs in the shock absorbers have also improved handling while reducing body roll during cornering.

Standard Features

Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are standard on the hybrid model while electric windows, Toyota Touch Multimedia system with Bluetooth functionality is fitted as standard across the range. Other standard features include 15-inch alloy wheels, remote central locking, air-conditioning, electric mirrors, power steering, dual front and side airbags and ABS with EBD and Brake Assist.

In addition to these features, the 1.3 Multidrive S model gets a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear lever while the Yaris Hybrid benefits from automatic climate control, leather-cloth upholstery, reverse camera, 7 airbags, traction and stability control, front fog lights and Hybrid badging.

New Toyota Yaris – Price in South Africa

Toyota Yaris 1.0 – R167 900

Toyota Yaris 1.3 – R194 300

Toyota Yaris 1.3 Multidrive S – R206 500

Toyota Yaris Hybrid – R276 900

The warranty is good. Petrol versions come with a three-year / 45 000km service plan as standard. The hybrid gets a standard four-year / 60 000 km service plan as well as an additional eight-year / 195 000km warranty on the battery in addition to the standard Toyota warranty of 3 years / 100 000km.