Toyota has finally released full details
of the new Yaris for the European market. The B-segment hatchback has yet to go
on sale on the Continent more than nine months after it was revealed (and more
than five months after it was offered in Japan), but the carmaker appears to be
ready to divulge all kinds of information. At last, it’s also given us details
of the engines on offer. Just like in Japan, the Yaris is being sold in Europe
in two variants featuring the 1.5 litre Dynamic Force three-cylinder engine,
which continues to eschew turbocharging in favour of natural aspiration, direct
injection and VVT-iW.
Pure petrol variants push out 125 PS at
6,600 rpm and 153 Nm of torque from 4,800 to 5,000 rpm and are mated to either
a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT with a physical first gear. Fuel
consumption is rated on the NEDC cycle at 5.1 litres per 100 km combined with
the manual and 4.9 litres per 100 km with the CVT. Meanwhile, the Hybrid
model’s Atkinson-cycle mill makes a bit less power – 92 PS and 120 Nm, to be
exact – but it’s augmented by twin motors that generate 80 PS and 141
Nm, delivering a total system output of 116 PS. That’s 16% higher than before,
allowing a 15% improvement in the zero-to-100 km/h stakes, now completed in 9.7
seconds.
The engine’s long stroke, high 14:1
compression ratio and high-speed combustion (with better temperature and
pressure control) contribute to a thermal efficiency of 40%. As such, the car’s
fuel consumption is 20% lower at 3.2 litres per 100 km. The Yaris Hybrid can
also travel further on electric power mode alone and can do so at speeds of up
to 130 km/h, thanks to a smaller, lighter, yet higher-density lithium-ion battery.
Certain markets will also receive a 72 PS/93 Nm 1.0 litre naturally-aspirated
three-pot to lower the starting price, mated to a five-speed manual. This one
uses a bit less fuel than the larger, more powerful petrol mill, at 4.1 litres
per 100 km combined. Of course, there’s also the ultra-hot, all-wheel-drive GR
Yaris, but that is an entirely different car.
As previously reported, the Yaris will
ride on the B variant of the Toyota New Global Architecture (GA-B), giving the
car a lower centre of gravity and a 37% increase in torsional rigidity. It’s
five millimetres shorter than before, sitting under the four-metre mark, but
the wheelbase has been extended some 50 mm to provide extra cabin space. The
new platform has also allowed a 40 mm drop in height, while the width has been
increased by 50 mm and the track by 57 mm to give the car a broader stance.
Toyota says the Yaris expresses “energy
and dynamism” in its design and it certainly looks that way. The large front
grille, sweptback headlights, longer bonnet, upswept beltline and full-width
tail lights give the car a distinctly sportier look than before, accentuated by
the available two-tone paint scheme. The wheel options measure between 15 and
17 inches in diameter.
Inside, the cabin has been thoroughly
modernised with a de rigueur eight-inch floating touchscreen, a wider centre
console and a sporty small-diameter steering wheel. Perceived quality has been
increased through the greater use of soft-touch plastic on the dashboard and
felt inserts for the door panels, while the lower dashboard and the more
rearwards positioning of the A-pillars improve forward visibility.
The driving position has also been
improved, with the seat now positioned 60 mm further rearward and 21 mm lower;
the more vertical steering wheel can also be brought 77 mm closer to the
driver. The front seats have also been positioned further outboard to increase
space between driver and passenger. Additionally, the driving environment has
been enhanced with a “binocular” instrument cluster and an optional head-up
display. All models feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as
standard, with a Qi wireless charger, an eight-speaker JBL sound system and
blue ambient lighting available as options.
Safety-wise, the Yaris is the first Toyota
to come with centre airbags. The full complement of Toyota Safety Sense
features, which include autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian, cyclist
and oncoming vehicle detection), emergency steering assistance, adaptive cruise
control, traffic sign recognition, lane keeping assist, lane centring assist
and automatic high beam is also fitted as standard.
Under the skin, the Yaris’ suspension
setup has been optimised for better driving dynamics. The MacPherson struts at
the front are set at a revised angle, which reduces friction and allows for
better alignment between the dampers and springs, lowering vibration. The rear
torsion beam has also been stiffened by 80% with a corresponding increase in
roll stiffness, allowing for softer, more comfortable springs to be fitted.
With
the more rigid bodyshell and a lower centre of gravity, Toyota claims the Yaris
offers superior handling and responsiveness, increased stability, better ride
comfort and improved weight distribution, while the redesigned dashboard and
floor panels and increased body sealing help drive out noise and vibration. The
Yaris also a boasts best-in-class turning circle of just 4.9 metres.