Toyota is about to launch the all-new
Yaris in Europe releasing along the way a complete image
gallery and more details of the company’s new Polo rival.
The new Toyota Yaris is the company’s
first model to be based on the TNGA-B platform, making it wider, lower and
shorter than before, but combined with a 50mm longer wheelbase for a roomier
interior. The design of the new Yaris is arguably very dynamic, featuring
strong character lines on the sides, robust front and rear fenders, a large
front grille and modern LED headlights. The rear end also features a set of
sculpted taillights joined by a black trim piece and paired with a chunky
bumper.
Most European customers will be offered
just one powertrain option initially; Toyota’s fourth-gen hybrid unit that
combines a new “more responsive” 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine with
two electric motors and a CVT gearbox.
Although the company is still avoiding the
publication of any final figures, their claim of 15 percent increase in
combined power means that we should expect around 114 HP from the new Yaris
Hybrid, along with a more than 20 percent increase in fuel efficiency. 0-100 km/h is improved by 2 seconds and is set at 10.3 seconds.
The lithium-ion battery pack is also new
and is 27 percent lighter than the nickel-metal hydride unit of the
previous-gen model. Select markets will also get regular petrol variants of the
new Toyota Yaris, namely a base 1.0-liter and a 1.5-liter version. Again,
details on these petrol models will be announced at a later date.
The list with the safety systems will be
quite long and will include not only Toyota’s Safety Sense suite but also the
world’s first center airbag. Other features include a full speed-range
intelligent adaptive cruise control and lane trace assist system, both of which
found in the bigger Corolla, as part of the standard equipment. The 2020 Toyota
Yaris will be manufactured in the company’s French factory in Onnaing. The
order books will open across Europe this spring.
