TOYOTA
All-new Yaris revealed
Known as Vitz in Japan, the Yaris goes into its third generation with a theoretical chance of becoming an Ecocar in Thailand.
Styling & Packaging
Toyota has revealed the third-generation Yaris, known as Vitz in Japan, featuring a bigger package to cope with its rivals more effectively.
The overall length has grown by 100mm to 3,885mm and wheelbase is now longer by 50mm at 2,510mm. The width remains the same at 1,695mm, although height has dropped 20mm to 1,500mm in order to give it a sportier stance.
In spite of the bigger package, the turning radius stays at a competitive 4.5m to make it an agile car to drive in the city.
Toyota says it wants to attract more male customers to the all-new Yaris, explaining its more muscular appearance and wedgier design cues on the front and back of the car.
Fascia returns to convention.
Engine & Transmission
Toyota has announced three petrol engines for the Yaris in Japan, all available with the brand's new CVT automatic transmission with seven-speed mode. They are:
- 69hp 1.0-litre inline-three.
- 95hp 1.3-litre inline-four.
- 109hp 1.5-litre inline-four.
According to the Japanese 10.15-mode test, the engines are capable of yielding economy between 23-26.5kpl. The most frugal unit is the 1.3-litre with automatic stop/go system; without that feature, the 1.3 does 24kpl.
Toyota claims more rear legroom.
Market & Pricing
The Yaris goes on sale in Japan this month, while other markets will get it next year.
There are rumours that Toyota Motor Thailand may discontinue selling the second-gen Yaris, although Toyota sources insist that production of the new model is most likely to be carried out in the country again.
An interesting point is the 1.0-litre engine which is capable of attracting Ecocar rules since it displaces less than 1,300cc and can achieve over 20kpl.
If Toyota isn't attracted to making the Yaris as an Ecocar, it would stick to the conventional strategy of offering the 1.5-litre engine and making it a regular B-segment hatchback to rival the Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2 and Suzuki Swift.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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