Car news: Toyota Yaris
Key Points:
New 1.5L engine
Hybrid model available
Comes in three specifications
Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) safety package
Consumer demand for ever more comprehensive safety features means the days of the sub-$20,000 Toyota small car may be over. That’s the frank assessment of Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley, speaking at the launch of the all-new Yaris compact car recently.
The new entry level Toyota model has been completely over-hauled with new platform, body and styling, plus a host of hi-tech safety features usually the preserve of far more expensive models.
But pricing for the comprehensively re-engineered model has also increased across the board, with the entry level Yaris now broaching the $20k barrier for the first time. The previous models' entry level price was a thrifty $15,390, albeit with a smaller 1.3-litre engine than the new 1.5-litre units.
The pricing shift moves the Yaris perilously close to the larger Corolla, with the price difference between an entry level Yaris and Corolla now only about $1000. But Mr Hanley said prices starting from $22,130 for the entry level manual Ascent Sport still represent strong value, particularly for a vehicle that 'resets the benchmark in its class.'
'The all-new Yaris has sharper styling, a dynamic new platform, powerful and efficient new powertrains, an engaging new driving experience and the cutting-edge safety that is otherwise available only in luxury cars,' he said.
'Its capability and features – including quality, safety and connectivity – go beyond anything else offered in this segment and respond directly to the needs and preferences of compact-car buyers.'
This is fourth-generation Yaris, 250,000 of which have found a home in Australia since first going on sale here, while a total of 8.7 million have been sold worldwide.
Now as before, the Yaris will be sold here in three specification levels – Ascent Sport, SX and ZR – and with the choice of a three-cylinder petrol engine or a three-cylinder petrol-hybrid.
Pricing for the new range starts at $22,130 for the Ascent Sport manual, this can also be had with a direct shift CVT with 10 ratios for an additional $1500. Next step up the ladder is the petrol powered mid-spec SX, which tips the scales at $27,020, while the same engine in the top-sec ZR costs $30,100.
Both the SX and ZR can also be had with a fuel efficient hybrid-powertrain, adding $2000 over their equivalent petrol variants, meaning the range-topping ZR hybrid carries a $32,100 sticker price.
Power in the petrol models comes from a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that is similar to the 2.0-litre unit used in the RAV4 and Corolla, but with a cylinder lopped off. Despite being down a cylinder, Toyota says the new engine develops more power than the previous model’s four-cylinder offering, while using substantially less fuel and cutting emissions.
Specifically, the new engine delivers outputs of 88kW and 145Nm, a gain of 10% and 2.7% respectively over the previous 1.5-litre four-cylinder. Toyota says the new engine has been put on a slimming program, and boasts a lighter block and crankshaft, reduced frictional losses and high-speed combustion technology.
Fuel economy for the new petrol manual is an impressive 5.4L/100km, while the CVT auto sips unleaded at an even thriftier 4.9L/100km, which represents a remarkable 23% improvement over the equivalent outgoing model.
But it’s the new hybrid system that hogs the fuel-efficiency headlines with its benchmark 3.3L/100km, which Toyota says makes this the most fuel efficient model it has ever sold here.
The Atkinson Cycle engine delivers outputs of 67kW/120Nm and is supplemented by a 59kW/141Nm electric motor-generator, for a combined maximum power output of 85kW.
The hybrid’s compact lithium-ion battery is a move away from the nickel-metal hybrid batteries Toyota typically uses, and may be a pointer to a broader shift in approach. Lithium ion batteries are smaller, lighter and more efficient than similarly sized nickel-metal hybrid units, but they’re also more expensive.
The new model’s eye-catching new exterior design looks suitably youthful and sporty, with prominent cascading grille, longer bonnet, sculpted door panels, dynamic character lines and a shorter rear overhang.
The overhauled interior promises more space and comfort over the outgoing model, as well as a more up-market ambience courtesy of high-quality seat fabrics.
But arguably the biggest news in this comprehensively revamped new model is the introduction of a full Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) safety package as standard on every Yaris. In addition to the new intersection assist feature, the system includes a pre-collision safety system with autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, automatic high beam, and technologies to assist with cornering, staying in the intended lane and detecting speed signs. A reversing camera and a full suite of brake assist and traction-control systems including active cornering assist are also standard.
As well as class-leading safety, Toyota says the Yaris has been comprehensively re-engineered to deliver more dynamic performance and handling. The new model sits on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which the company says provides the foundation for the new models’ advances in driving character and appeal.
The new platform delivers a lower centre of gravity and more rigid body, which Toyota says translates to improved dynamics, a more comfortable ride and agile handling.
Dimensionally, the new Yaris is 5mm shorter and 5mm lower than its predecessor, but has a longer wheelbase for improved stability and maximum interior space.
Toyota says intelligent packaging has created a more open and spacious cabin, with more space between the driver and front passenger. The driving position is also better, thanks to changes in the seat design and steering column geometry, while the rear seat offers a lower hip point and more angled base for greater comfort.
Relocated A-pillars offer a better view of road ahead, while Toyota says its safety-inspired 'hands on the wheel, eyes on the road' concept results in intuitive placement of controls and a smaller-diameter steering wheel with fingertip switches.
A high-mount 7-inch touch screen is standard on the Ascent Sport and SX, while the top-spec ZR gets a larger 10-inch screen. All models get a linked 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster, while the SX and ZR get digital speedo and tacho/hybrid meter dials.
A soft touch instrument panel and larger door pockets should make the interior a nicer and more practical place to be, while the 60:40 spilt rear seat and 270-litre boot with two level deck board ensure a degree of practicality.
Prices and standard features
Republished with permission from Ged Bulmer and RACQ.