The Toyota Yaris Pulse has been introduced in the South African market, replete with a host of updates that include revised exterior and interior styling, upgraded features as well as the introduction of a new 1.5-litre engine. Herewith the specifications and prices of the updated range…

Toyota has implemented a number of changes that will enhance the appeal of the vehicle. Designed at Toyota's ED2 European design centre, the refreshed Yaris will wearmore distinctive, reshaped headlights (with daylight running lights), an upgraded grille (with less chrome-look garnish) and a reshaped bumper replete with revised foglight housings. At the rear, elongated combination taillights, a redesigned tailgate and a re-profiled bumper and diffuser help to give the compact hatchback a wider stance.

The ornate LED-adorned taillight clusters certainly give the Yaris a more distinctive rear aspect.

The interior features new fascia material, an updated instrument binnacle with multi-information display (it relays time, temperature, odometer reading, fuel-efficiency and other data), upgraded seat and door trim fabric, a 6-speaker Bluetooth-enabled touchscreen audio system, aircon, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel and electric windows all round.

The Pulse Plus model adds cruise control and knee- and curtain airbags, whereas the 1.5 Hybrid gains, inter alia, dual-zone automatic air conditioning system and a reverse-view camera.

By cutting back on the chrome grille trim, the expansive grille louvres look a lot more prominent.

The local Yaris range will feature the familiar 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre engine with 51 kW and 95 Nm of torque which will make use of a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.0 L/100 km.

The big news is that the previous 1.3-litre engine has been replaced with a 1.5-litre petrol engine offering 82 kW and 136 Nm of torque. This engine will be offered with a 5-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). According to Toyota, this engine ismore efficient and provides improved performancewith a zero to 100 kph time of 11.0 seconds, compared to 11.8 seconds for the previous 1.3-litre engine. Fuel consumption for the CVT derivative is claimed at 4.8 L/100 km, while the manual claims a figure of 5.0 L/100 km.

The 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid version tops the range. It offers a total output of 74 kW and 111 Nm and also utilises a CVT. Toyota claims a fuel consumption figure of 3.6 L/100 km.

Safety wise, every derivative in the Yaris Pulse range features an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA), hill assist control and vehicle stability control (VSC) and dual front and side airbags, while knee- and curtain shield 'bags feature on the Pulse Plus CVT and Pulse 1.5 Hybrid. For added security, each Yaris Pulse is fitted with an immobiliser, remote control central locking and a follow-me-home light control system. All derivatives are equipped with a child restraint seat belt and rear door child protection locks.

Toyota Yaris Pulse –prices in South Africa

1.0 Pulse M/T R199 000

1.5 Pulse M/T R228 700

1.5 Pulse CVT R241 400

1.5 Pulse Plus CVT R249 600

1.5 Hybrid CVT R307 200

The Toyota Yaris Pulse is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan, but the 1.5 Hybrid CVT has a 4-year/60 000 km plan.

Related content:

Toyota Adds 2-tone Paint Option To Yaris Line-up

Spy Shots: Volkswagen Polo for 2018 (Video)

Interested in buying a Toyota Yaris?

Find a new/used example for sale on Cars.co.za