Toyota has refreshed its supermini lineup with the launch of two interesting variants of the Yaris, which is more commonly known as the Vitz in Japan. Also, a hotter, performance-oriented Yaris is in the pipeline and will debut as soon as March 2017!
First, the Yaris receives some substantial visual update. The front and rear bumpers now get a much sportier design, whereas both headlights and tail lamps receive LED treatment. The new car’s length is 3,945 mm and sits 1,500 mm tall – about 20 mm longer and 10 mm shorter than its predecessor. Wheelbase remains the same at 2,510 mm.
Previously, the Yaris was only available with the 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre engines. Now, a new 1.5-litre 1NZ-FXE joins the JDM range. This Atkinson cycle engine is Toyota’s tried and tested mill that is currently powering the Prius C and earlier generations of the Prius. It’s aided by an electric motor that brings the combined output to 98 hp. Power is delivered to the front wheels via the same old eCVT.
The Toyota Yaris Hybrid will be equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, and can be had with 17 exterior colours. Pricing begins from 1,819,800 yen (approximately RM71,843) for the cheapest trim to 2,237,760 yen (approximately RM88,343) for the sportier trim.
On a separate note, the performance version of the Yaris will apparently have about 210 hp, aiming to go toe to toe with established rivals such as the Ford Fiesta ST and Peugeot 208 GTI. Back at home, the Toyota Yaris is no longer offered here after the second-generation hatch made its brief appearance.
What do you think, guys? Should UMW Toyota Motor reintroduce the Yaris, or would you prefer the 210 hp Yaris with a stick shift?
IMAGE GALLERY
TOYOTA YARIS 1.5L HYBRID
TOYOTA YARIS PERFORMANCE VERSION
