Toyota has officially unveiled its all-new Yaris
subcompact hatch in both Japanese and European specifications. The
fourth-generation Yaris is the first application of the Toyota New Global
Architecture (TNGA) in the segment, with the new modular platform being
code-named the GA-B. It enables significant improvements for the small
hatchback in all areas, including styling, practicality, mechanical, technology
and safety, and also helps reduce the car’s weight by up to 50 kg.
The all-new Yaris features a much more emotional
design than its predecessor, with more dramatic proportions thanks to it being
shorter, wider and lower. Bucking the trend of most new cars, the 2020 Yaris
loses 5 mm in length and 40 mm in height. However, it adds
millimeters where it counts, namely the wheelbase (+50 mm) and width.
This results in a roomier interior (the seats are
mounted lower so headroom is not affected) and is a prerequisite for improved
driving dynamics and maneuverability. Exterior styling highlights include the
large grille, bulged wheel arches, longer bonnet, sporty bumpers, and all-LED
lights.
The interior design follows the same “less-is-more”
principle and features high-quality materials including felt trim finish for
the door panels and a soft-touch instrument panel.
Toyota says it focused on improving sensory quality in terms of touch,
operation and sound of everything that passengers interact with in the car.
The dashboard is slimmer and set lower, with a wider
and higher center console and a smaller steering wheel for better visibility.
Information sources includes a central Toyota Touch screen, a TFT
multi-information display in the instrument binnacle flanked by twin digital
meters, and a 10-inch color head-up display. Other available features include a
wireless charger, a heated steering wheel and ambient lighting around the
driver’s cockpit.
Depending on the market, Toyota’s new supermini is
available with a new 1.5-liter Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain as well as
1.5-liter and 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engines. The headline act is
the fourth-generation self-charging hybrid system, which is directly derived
from the larger 2.0- and 2.5-liter ones introduced in the Corolla, Camry and
RAV4.
The system combines a 1.5-liter Dynamic Force
three-cylinder Atkinson cycle gasoline engine with an 80 PS electric
motor and a bigger and lighter lithium-ion battery. Toyota claims the new
powertrain reduces the Yaris Hybrid’s fuel economy and CO2 emissions by more
than 20 percent while offering a 15 percent higher system output. Since the
outgoing Yaris Hybrid is rated at 100 PS, this means that the new one
should make 115 PS.
At least in Japan, the new hybrid system is also
offered with an E-Four (electric four-wheel drive) system, a first for a
subcompact car. When it comes to driving, Toyota says the 2020 Yaris is more
agile and stable thanks to the lighter weight, 15 mm lower center of
gravity, which also helps create a more engaging driving position, wider tracks
and higher body rigidity.
According to its maker, the 2020 Yaris has been
designed to be the world’s safest car in its segment, so it’s little surprise
that it comes equipped as standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package
which includes full speed-range intelligent adaptive cruise control and lane
trace assist system, plus a center airbag to protect front occupants in case of
side impact.
Toyota will continue to build the Yaris in France
for European countries and Japan for the domestic and other Asian markets.
