Toyota isn’t
joking as they’ve unveiled the 2020 Yaris Hatchback. Set to debut at the New York Auto
Show later this month, the Yaris Hatchback is a replacement for the unloved
Yaris Liftback. It’s also the closest Americans can get to the Mazda2 / Demio
hatchback which is sold overseas.
Drawing inspiration from the Yaris sedan, the Yaris
Hatchback has a familiar front fascia with a hexagonal lower grille and
available LED headlights. The model also features an impressive list of
standard equipment including fog lights, a rearview camera and 16-inch aluminum
wheels. Other highlights include body-color components, a chrome exhaust tip
and power side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals.
Toyota hasn’t released detailed specifications, but
automaker confirmed the Hatchback measures 161.6 inches (410.5 cm) long. The
model also has 450.2 liters of luggage space and a wheelbase
that is nearly 6.1 cm longer than its predecessor. Moving into the cabin, drivers
are greeted by a three-spoke tilt / telescoping steering and a 7-inch
infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The
infotainment system also has a GPS function, but users will need to buy an
optional SD card to activate it.
Elsewhere, owners will find chrome accents, a push
button ignition and a six-speaker audio system. The Hatchback also has
illuminated vanity mirrors and a first aid kit. Moving up to the XLE rewards
buyers with leatherette seats, an automatic climate control system and
rain-sensing windshield wipers. Other niceties include a leather-wrapped
steering wheel and the aforementioned LED headlights.
On the safety front, there isn’t much to report but
the model comes standard with a low-speed pre-collision system. It scans the
road to detect potential vehicle collisions and will provide audio and visual
alerts if a collision is imminent. If the driver fails to respond, the car can
automatically apply the brakes.
A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine resides under the
hood and produces 106 hp. It is connected a six-speed
automatic transmission which enables the model to return an estimated 40 mpg
highway. There’s no word on pricing or availability quite yet, but we should
learn more on April 17th.
