Ahead of the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota has unveiled the fourth-generation Toyota Yaris. Built completely from the ground up, the new Toyota Yaris will be the first compact car to adopt the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA).
Toyota claims that the GA-B version of the TNGA used in the Toyota Yaris helps increase torsional rigidity by more than 30%, lowering its centre of gravity by 15 mm, while shedding 50 kg from its predecessor!
Along with the new platform, Toyota has also introduced a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder Dynamic Force engine, which is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a Direct Shift CVT gearbox. The CVT version of the 1.5-litre drivetrain is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
Joining the 1.5-litre model is the existing 1.0-litre three-cylinder mill, which Toyota says has also been updated for better fuel consumption. The 1.0-litre engine will be available only with a Super-CVT-i transmission.
A hybrid model will also be available for the new Toyota Yaris, pairing the 1.5-litre engine with the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II). The Hybrid powertrain is available for both front-wheel drive and E-Four all-wheel drive models.
The new TNGA-B platform’s suspension system utilises MacPherson struts suspension at the front and a torsion beam at the rear for front-wheel drive models; all-wheel drive and E-Four models now adopt a double wishbone setup in replacement of the previous torsion beam system.
On the inside, Toyota has completely redesigned the cabin to emphasise spaciousness. The thin cross section of the dashboard, along with the small diameter of the steering wheel makes the cabin feel roomier and sportier.
All variants of the new Toyota Yaris comes with a connected Display Audio infotainment system, with support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The built-in Helpnet system can automatically contact emergency services in the event of an accident based on the vehicle’s location and on-board telemetry.
Toyota paid extra attention to occupant convenience in the new Toyota Yaris, with a turn-tilt mechanism for the front seats to aid ingress and egress. The driver’s seat also features an easy return mechanism that automatically adjusts the seat during entry and exit based on the memorised seating position.
Safety wise, the new Toyota Yaris comes standard with the latest Toyota Safety Sense which includes an improved Pre-collision Safety System that can detect pedestrians and oncoming vehicles when turning into a junction, a first on any Toyota vehicle.
The new Toyota Yaris is also equipped with Low Speed Acceleration control, which utilises a millimeter-wave radar and a mono camera to help mitigate pedal misoperation by suppressing engine output and applying the brakes.
Other safety features include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Full-speed Range Support, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beam, Road Sign Assist, and Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes when the air bags are deployed to prevent secondary collisions.
Toyota has also included the Advanced Park feature in the new Toyota Yaris, which carries out parking operations by controlling the steering wheel as well as the accelerator and brakes, guided by external cameras and ultrasonic sensors. The system can also park in spots without white lines, which Toyota says is a world first!
The new Toyota Yaris will be offered in 12 different colours, including a new Ice Pink Metallic and Coral Crystal Shine. For the more young-at-heart buyers, Toyota is offering six two-tone colour schemes paired with either a black or white roof.
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