First launched in 1999, the Toyota Yaris is best selling model in Europe and is positioned at the heart of the highly competitive B-segment: a segment that is expected to grow by up to 3% over the next three years (till 2011), driven by increasing demand for small cars.
Since its launch in 2005, the second generation Toyota Yaris has helped Toyota to generate incremental sales and improve Toyota market share further in the B-segment (forecasted to be 5.4% in 2008, increased from 5.1% in 2005).
A decade of continuous Toyota Yaris sales growth
The Toyota Yaris has proved to be an overwhelming success for Toyota, both on a commercial level and by raising the profile of the brand.
The recent 2008 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index studies in three major European markets (UK, France and Germany) have ranked the Toyota Yaris amongst the leaders in its category.
The Toyota Yaris has had a unique life-cycle, with ever-increasing annual sales seeing figures rise from 135,300 in 1999 to an impressive 267,100 in 2007 (and 246.000 units planned for 2008). As well as being the company's best-selling model in Europe, Yaris represents a quarter of Toyota's annual car sales on the Continent. In total, over 2.1 million units have been sold across Europe since its launch.
The Toyota Yaris product concept
To explain the concept behind this project, the development of the current generation Toyota Yaris was focused on three key points. First and foremost, the new product had to remain faithful to the Yaris DNA: an advanced package, high levels of interior space and versatility, use of advanced technology, comfort, safety and performance. This also includes a constant focus on the continuous improvement of every aspect of quality, durability and reliability.
Secondly, the level of sophistication through a more refined execution should be raised. This would translate into improved perceived quality, lower levels of noise and vibration, and more advanced powertrains.
Finally, Toyota wanted to give the 2009 Toyota Yaris customer a more refined feel compared to the current model. The method was to take an in-depth approach to a multitude of different areas such as driving dynamics and overall quality, and to even more specific details such as the door-closing sound.
Of course, the 2009 Toyota Yaris stays true to the above defined targets, but Chief Engineer, Masao Inoue defined some additional objectives for the 2009 model: "To make large improvements in fuel economy and CO2 emissions and strengthen product appeal throughout the product lifecycle."
Key Toyota Yaris features
When launched in 2005, the Toyota Yaris featured the following key product attributes:
Quality feel - numerous items were improved, compared to the first generation model, from perceived interior quality, noise and vibration levels to driving dynamics
Safety - an improved equipment pack and a much sturdier body structure helped create a safer overall package achieving 5 stars in Euro-NCAP in 2005 (for adult protection)
Design - with styling created by Toyota's European design studio, ED2, the second generation Toyota Yaris captured the DNA of the first model, as well as pursuing a new direction in design
Driving dynamics - a totally new platform (50% stiffer than the previous) and an entirely new suspension system achieve the best possible combination of good handling and ride comfort
Powertrains - the new Yaris adopts a range of advanced Toyota Optimal Drive units that combine good performance levels with low fuel consumption and emissions
Package and versatility - several innovations have led to better use of interior space and helped to provide enhanced versatility
With the current Yaris, Toyota is targeting customers who are mainly welleducated people with an active lifestyle, aged between 30 and 35 years. They are fond of technology and innovation, while appreciating Toyota Yaris for its clever design and advanced features in a compact package.
Toyota Optimal Drive
The Toyota Yaris 2009 model will benefit from Toyota's new Toyota Optimal Drive concept, a range of technologies introduced at the 2008 Paris Motor Show to strengthen Toyota's lead in sustainable mobility.
Ever since Toyota's early years, the company's goal has been to contribute to a prosperous, low carbon society through the manufacture and sale of automobiles. In pursuing this goal, Toyota R&D teams are continually striving to develop even more efficient powertrains as well as sustainable technology innovations. In fact, the overall fuel efficiency of Toyota cars has increased by 28% during the last 10 years.
Hybrid technology has been playing a key role in this - more than 120,000 units have already been sold in Europe (until Sept '08). However, Toyota also wants to strengthen its position as a leader in conventional powertrain technology. So, having established leadership in the field of hybrid with Hybrid Synergy Drive®, Toyota has now introduced Toyota Optimal Drive. The concept is simple - enhanced performance, while driving down CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
Built on the company's legendary "Kaizen" tradition of constant optimisation, Toyota engineers have improved combustion efficiency, lowered engine/ transmission weight, and reduced friction to produce new engines that deliver more power yet, at the same time, are more efficient and economical.
In short, cars featuring Toyota Optimal Drive technologies are great fun to drive, while also being kind to the planet.
Advanced new 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine with reduced emissions and fuel consumption
A major advance available on the 2009 Toyota Yaris is a new 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine featuring innovative "Stop & Start" technology.
The new engine is fitted with state-of-the-art Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), produces 74kW/101Hp of power and has the world's highest compression ratio for a petrol engine (11.5:1). The in-line 4-cylinder petrol engine also delivers top level dynamic performance and a torque of 132Nm@4,000rpm, at a fuel consumption of just 5.1l/100km on both the manual and the MMT transmissions.
In total the advanced Toyota Optimal Drive technologies on the 1.33-litre engine with Stop & Start have resulted in a 21g drop in CO2 emissions. Improvements were made to all areas of the engine and transmission and to the aerodynamics, ensuring excellent cabin quietness and environmental performance.
Advanced engineering has been applied throughout the new 1.33-litre petrol engine. Toyota engineers streamlined the engine's intake channel, used computer simulation to optimise airflow, smoothened all surfaces for less turbulence and rounded off all angles and sharp edges inside the engine.
A resin cylinder head cover and intake manifold were adopted, achieving substantial weight reduction. In addition, the high rigidity aluminium crankcase (oil pan) is connected to the transaxle case, enhancing the rigidity of the joint in the powertrain, and achieving friction and noise reductions. An all-new camshaft profile was also created, friction and weight were reduced in the valve gear, and a maintenance free hydraulic lash adjustment was developed.
All the above improvements have solved the paradox of producing an engine that is smaller and lighter, yet at the same time delivers more torque and improved fuel economy.
Stop & Start technology
An ingenious new Stop & Start system is standard on the new 1.33-litre engine to reduce fuel consumption and emissions even further.
While the Yaris is stopped, this system stops the engine when the shift lever is moved to the N position and the clutch pedal is released, enhancing fuel economy. The engine will restart when pressing the clutch and releasing the brake simultaneously.
Immediate restart is possible due to a permanently engaged gear mechanism. The starter motor drive transmission itself is not executed using a belt drive design - so there is no torque limit to the entire system, be it in hot or cold weather operation.
This breakthrough system allows:
Reduced fuel consumption
Silent, smooth and immediate re-start, improved comfort
Award-winning 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine with reduced emissions and fuel consumption
As one of the lightest engines on the market today this engine offers class-leading values of specific power and torque. Toyota engineers have worked continually to improve performance on the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder powerplant and, today, the following improvements have been introduced:
A newly developed cut off system saves fuel during gear changes
Improvements to the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) management
Use of low viscosity oil for less engine resistance
Exhaust Gas Recirculation system and cylinder block water jacket spacer are used for further efficiency
In addition, the low rolling resistance tyres on all Toyota Yaris petrol models and grades (except S grade) contribute to the lower fuel consumption and CO2 figures. All the above measures result in a CO2 reduction close to 10% versus the outgoing model (from 127g/km to 115g/km).
Upgraded 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine
The 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine features latest generation common rail technology with an inter-cooled turbocharger. Power output of 66kW / 90hP is increased and it delivers maximum torque of 205Nm at 1800rpm. This represents an improvement of 15Nm at an even lower rpm compared to the previous 1.4-litre D-4D. Fuel consumption is only 4.1 litre/100km (4.2-litre with MMT) with class leading 110g CO2/km (111g CO2 /km with MMT) emissions for the new DPF derivative (Diesel Particular Filter). This corresponds to an improvement of 9g CO2/km and 0.3l/100km compared to previous 1.4-litre engine CCO.
The improvement of the power and torque figures is the result of two major changes to the engine: Firstly, following integration of the latest common rail technology, this diesel engine features an exceptionally high injection pressure of 160MPa and a lower compression ratio. This results in minimal noise and vibration and allows exceptionally uniform combustion. It also contributes to extremely low NOx and particulate emissions.
Secondly, the piezo-electric injectors supply larger, more precise volumes of diesel at twice the speed of conventional fuel injectors. Because of their high operating speed, they can deliver multiple injections per combustion cycle. This is in addition to a common rail system and VNT (Variable Nozzle Turbine) turbocharger that lead to around 10% improved low-end torque, top level fuel consumption and cleaner emissions.
Other engine improvements include a water spacer jacket, serpentine auto tensioner, "in oil pan" oil pump, low viscosity oil and reduced belt tension.
1.8-litre Dual VVT-i engine for the Toyota Yaris T Sport
The Toyota Yaris T Sport features the 133DIN hp 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine, the most powerful drive train of the range. Power is delivered via a re-engineered 6-speed manual gearbox that lowers both CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
The Yaris T Sport offers many details like rear spoiler and side skirts, exclusive bumpers, a chrome exhaust finisher, 17" alloy wheels and privacy glass. Unique to the Toyota Yaris T Sport are LED rear lights. Inside, there is a stylish analogue speedometer with amber illumination and sports seats, as well as manual air conditioning as standard.
Advanced new 6-speed manual transmission for 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i, 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i T Sport and 1.4-litre D-4D
As part of the Toyota Optimal Drive technology a new 6-speed transmission was developed for the 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i, 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i T Sport and 1.4-litre D-4D engines. This new transmission delivers world-class levels of transmission efficiency and improved fuel economy thanks to a wide 6th gear ratio. It also offers leading-edge driving performance.
The new 6-speed manual transmission also improves shift feeling using a new shift structure to offer a high level of quietness by optimising gears and smooth clutch feeling.
New 6-speed MultiMode (MMT) transmission for 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i, and 1.4-litre D-4D
The Toyota Yaris 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i and 1.4-litre D-4D can be ordered with the latest 6-speed version of Toyota's MultiMode system. This efficient new gearbox is an electrically-operated (robotised) manual transmission, adopting two electric motors and an electronically-operated clutch to produce either automatic or sequential gearchange. MMT operates in 3 modes: 'M', which allows sequential gearshift; 'E' for automatic gear change; and 'Es' for quicker automatic gear change.
The MMT transmission on the 2009 Toyota Yaris now has sportier tuning than ever before, providing quick gear changes. The clutch-activation time has been reduced for this purpose, which simultaneously reduces shift-shock because of a reduced driveline-interruption time. In addition, for sportier drivers, there is a paddle shift as standard on the MMT version of 1.33-litre and 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engines.
Exterior improvements
The front section now features closer integration of the bonnet and bumper, while dynamic protection mouldings have been incorporated to increase the feeling of security. Also, the radiator grille has a new rippled mesh that radiates from the central Toyota badge. These improvements, together with enlarged front spoiler and spats, and re-engineering to the underfloor dynamics, all contribute to the car's smooth aerodynamics.
The front headlamps have also been slightly re-sculpted to give a more high-tech and daring look.
The rear bumper and integration of the LED rear combination lamps has also been refreshed. The inverted L-shape graphic on the rear combination lamp actually continues from the bumper, up through the light to emphasise the wide stance of the car, while the lower part of the bumper adopts a spoiler design to underline the sportiness of the Toyota Yaris.
A series of fresh and attractive colours has been introduced, amongst them the new ash grey as a feature colour, increasing the number of exterior colours to 12.
Interior improvements
Inside, a new fabric design - with the option known as "Ash Brown" - gives the Toyota Yaris a refreshing and contemporary look.
The centre console is now in stylish black, whilst the manual heater control dial has been given a more tactile diamond knurled surface.
Warm silver trim or titanium silver coating has been added around the central console, gearshift and steering wheel trim. Chrome-plate ornamentation is available for the side ventilation register rings, inside door handles, and parking brake lever knobs. Attractive silver stitching detail has been added to the steering wheel, gearshift and the cover around the gearshift on the leather option.
For more convenience, the deck board has been removed - which increases boot space when both rear seats have been folded down.
Two new equipment grades
To broaden the appeal of the Toyota Yaris in this growing B-segment, Toyota has introduced two new stylish grades, which complete the pan-European grade structure of 7 grades:
The "S" grade
Here, for the sportier Toyota Yaris driver, the focus is on performance. The package includes newly designed 15" alloy sports wheels, front fog lamps, privacy glass and darkened headlamp housings. Sport seat trim is used throughout, and an analogue speedometer gives amber illumination, while the "Sport" steering wheel and gearshift are given an attractive dimpled finish.
The "Lux" grade
For more luxury, customers can choose the "Lux" grade. This model comes with elegant ash brown fabric and exclusive greige (grey and beige) trim. Owners can also opt to enjoy full map navigation, whilst smart entry, rear power windows, electro chromatic mirrors and privacy glass are all standard.
Since its launch in 2005, the second generation Toyota Yaris has helped Toyota to generate incremental sales and improve Toyota market share further in the B-segment (forecasted to be 5.4% in 2008, increased from 5.1% in 2005).
A decade of continuous Toyota Yaris sales growth
The Toyota Yaris has proved to be an overwhelming success for Toyota, both on a commercial level and by raising the profile of the brand.
The recent 2008 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index studies in three major European markets (UK, France and Germany) have ranked the Toyota Yaris amongst the leaders in its category.
The Toyota Yaris has had a unique life-cycle, with ever-increasing annual sales seeing figures rise from 135,300 in 1999 to an impressive 267,100 in 2007 (and 246.000 units planned for 2008). As well as being the company's best-selling model in Europe, Yaris represents a quarter of Toyota's annual car sales on the Continent. In total, over 2.1 million units have been sold across Europe since its launch.
The Toyota Yaris product concept
To explain the concept behind this project, the development of the current generation Toyota Yaris was focused on three key points. First and foremost, the new product had to remain faithful to the Yaris DNA: an advanced package, high levels of interior space and versatility, use of advanced technology, comfort, safety and performance. This also includes a constant focus on the continuous improvement of every aspect of quality, durability and reliability.
Secondly, the level of sophistication through a more refined execution should be raised. This would translate into improved perceived quality, lower levels of noise and vibration, and more advanced powertrains.
Finally, Toyota wanted to give the 2009 Toyota Yaris customer a more refined feel compared to the current model. The method was to take an in-depth approach to a multitude of different areas such as driving dynamics and overall quality, and to even more specific details such as the door-closing sound.
Of course, the 2009 Toyota Yaris stays true to the above defined targets, but Chief Engineer, Masao Inoue defined some additional objectives for the 2009 model: "To make large improvements in fuel economy and CO2 emissions and strengthen product appeal throughout the product lifecycle."
Key Toyota Yaris features
When launched in 2005, the Toyota Yaris featured the following key product attributes:
Quality feel - numerous items were improved, compared to the first generation model, from perceived interior quality, noise and vibration levels to driving dynamics
Safety - an improved equipment pack and a much sturdier body structure helped create a safer overall package achieving 5 stars in Euro-NCAP in 2005 (for adult protection)
Design - with styling created by Toyota's European design studio, ED2, the second generation Toyota Yaris captured the DNA of the first model, as well as pursuing a new direction in design
Driving dynamics - a totally new platform (50% stiffer than the previous) and an entirely new suspension system achieve the best possible combination of good handling and ride comfort
Powertrains - the new Yaris adopts a range of advanced Toyota Optimal Drive units that combine good performance levels with low fuel consumption and emissions
Package and versatility - several innovations have led to better use of interior space and helped to provide enhanced versatility
With the current Yaris, Toyota is targeting customers who are mainly welleducated people with an active lifestyle, aged between 30 and 35 years. They are fond of technology and innovation, while appreciating Toyota Yaris for its clever design and advanced features in a compact package.
Toyota Optimal Drive
The Toyota Yaris 2009 model will benefit from Toyota's new Toyota Optimal Drive concept, a range of technologies introduced at the 2008 Paris Motor Show to strengthen Toyota's lead in sustainable mobility.
Ever since Toyota's early years, the company's goal has been to contribute to a prosperous, low carbon society through the manufacture and sale of automobiles. In pursuing this goal, Toyota R&D teams are continually striving to develop even more efficient powertrains as well as sustainable technology innovations. In fact, the overall fuel efficiency of Toyota cars has increased by 28% during the last 10 years.
Hybrid technology has been playing a key role in this - more than 120,000 units have already been sold in Europe (until Sept '08). However, Toyota also wants to strengthen its position as a leader in conventional powertrain technology. So, having established leadership in the field of hybrid with Hybrid Synergy Drive®, Toyota has now introduced Toyota Optimal Drive. The concept is simple - enhanced performance, while driving down CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
Built on the company's legendary "Kaizen" tradition of constant optimisation, Toyota engineers have improved combustion efficiency, lowered engine/ transmission weight, and reduced friction to produce new engines that deliver more power yet, at the same time, are more efficient and economical.
In short, cars featuring Toyota Optimal Drive technologies are great fun to drive, while also being kind to the planet.
Advanced new 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine with reduced emissions and fuel consumption
A major advance available on the 2009 Toyota Yaris is a new 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine featuring innovative "Stop & Start" technology.
The new engine is fitted with state-of-the-art Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), produces 74kW/101Hp of power and has the world's highest compression ratio for a petrol engine (11.5:1). The in-line 4-cylinder petrol engine also delivers top level dynamic performance and a torque of 132Nm@4,000rpm, at a fuel consumption of just 5.1l/100km on both the manual and the MMT transmissions.
In total the advanced Toyota Optimal Drive technologies on the 1.33-litre engine with Stop & Start have resulted in a 21g drop in CO2 emissions. Improvements were made to all areas of the engine and transmission and to the aerodynamics, ensuring excellent cabin quietness and environmental performance.
Advanced engineering has been applied throughout the new 1.33-litre petrol engine. Toyota engineers streamlined the engine's intake channel, used computer simulation to optimise airflow, smoothened all surfaces for less turbulence and rounded off all angles and sharp edges inside the engine.
A resin cylinder head cover and intake manifold were adopted, achieving substantial weight reduction. In addition, the high rigidity aluminium crankcase (oil pan) is connected to the transaxle case, enhancing the rigidity of the joint in the powertrain, and achieving friction and noise reductions. An all-new camshaft profile was also created, friction and weight were reduced in the valve gear, and a maintenance free hydraulic lash adjustment was developed.
All the above improvements have solved the paradox of producing an engine that is smaller and lighter, yet at the same time delivers more torque and improved fuel economy.
Stop & Start technology
An ingenious new Stop & Start system is standard on the new 1.33-litre engine to reduce fuel consumption and emissions even further.
While the Yaris is stopped, this system stops the engine when the shift lever is moved to the N position and the clutch pedal is released, enhancing fuel economy. The engine will restart when pressing the clutch and releasing the brake simultaneously.
Immediate restart is possible due to a permanently engaged gear mechanism. The starter motor drive transmission itself is not executed using a belt drive design - so there is no torque limit to the entire system, be it in hot or cold weather operation.
This breakthrough system allows:
Reduced fuel consumption
Silent, smooth and immediate re-start, improved comfort
Award-winning 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine with reduced emissions and fuel consumption
As one of the lightest engines on the market today this engine offers class-leading values of specific power and torque. Toyota engineers have worked continually to improve performance on the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder powerplant and, today, the following improvements have been introduced:
A newly developed cut off system saves fuel during gear changes
Improvements to the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) management
Use of low viscosity oil for less engine resistance
Exhaust Gas Recirculation system and cylinder block water jacket spacer are used for further efficiency
In addition, the low rolling resistance tyres on all Toyota Yaris petrol models and grades (except S grade) contribute to the lower fuel consumption and CO2 figures. All the above measures result in a CO2 reduction close to 10% versus the outgoing model (from 127g/km to 115g/km).
Upgraded 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine
The 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine features latest generation common rail technology with an inter-cooled turbocharger. Power output of 66kW / 90hP is increased and it delivers maximum torque of 205Nm at 1800rpm. This represents an improvement of 15Nm at an even lower rpm compared to the previous 1.4-litre D-4D. Fuel consumption is only 4.1 litre/100km (4.2-litre with MMT) with class leading 110g CO2/km (111g CO2 /km with MMT) emissions for the new DPF derivative (Diesel Particular Filter). This corresponds to an improvement of 9g CO2/km and 0.3l/100km compared to previous 1.4-litre engine CCO.
The improvement of the power and torque figures is the result of two major changes to the engine: Firstly, following integration of the latest common rail technology, this diesel engine features an exceptionally high injection pressure of 160MPa and a lower compression ratio. This results in minimal noise and vibration and allows exceptionally uniform combustion. It also contributes to extremely low NOx and particulate emissions.
Secondly, the piezo-electric injectors supply larger, more precise volumes of diesel at twice the speed of conventional fuel injectors. Because of their high operating speed, they can deliver multiple injections per combustion cycle. This is in addition to a common rail system and VNT (Variable Nozzle Turbine) turbocharger that lead to around 10% improved low-end torque, top level fuel consumption and cleaner emissions.
Other engine improvements include a water spacer jacket, serpentine auto tensioner, "in oil pan" oil pump, low viscosity oil and reduced belt tension.
1.8-litre Dual VVT-i engine for the Toyota Yaris T Sport
The Toyota Yaris T Sport features the 133DIN hp 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine, the most powerful drive train of the range. Power is delivered via a re-engineered 6-speed manual gearbox that lowers both CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
The Yaris T Sport offers many details like rear spoiler and side skirts, exclusive bumpers, a chrome exhaust finisher, 17" alloy wheels and privacy glass. Unique to the Toyota Yaris T Sport are LED rear lights. Inside, there is a stylish analogue speedometer with amber illumination and sports seats, as well as manual air conditioning as standard.
Advanced new 6-speed manual transmission for 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i, 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i T Sport and 1.4-litre D-4D
As part of the Toyota Optimal Drive technology a new 6-speed transmission was developed for the 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i, 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i T Sport and 1.4-litre D-4D engines. This new transmission delivers world-class levels of transmission efficiency and improved fuel economy thanks to a wide 6th gear ratio. It also offers leading-edge driving performance.
The new 6-speed manual transmission also improves shift feeling using a new shift structure to offer a high level of quietness by optimising gears and smooth clutch feeling.
New 6-speed MultiMode (MMT) transmission for 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i, and 1.4-litre D-4D
The Toyota Yaris 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i and 1.4-litre D-4D can be ordered with the latest 6-speed version of Toyota's MultiMode system. This efficient new gearbox is an electrically-operated (robotised) manual transmission, adopting two electric motors and an electronically-operated clutch to produce either automatic or sequential gearchange. MMT operates in 3 modes: 'M', which allows sequential gearshift; 'E' for automatic gear change; and 'Es' for quicker automatic gear change.
The MMT transmission on the 2009 Toyota Yaris now has sportier tuning than ever before, providing quick gear changes. The clutch-activation time has been reduced for this purpose, which simultaneously reduces shift-shock because of a reduced driveline-interruption time. In addition, for sportier drivers, there is a paddle shift as standard on the MMT version of 1.33-litre and 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engines.
Exterior improvements
The front section now features closer integration of the bonnet and bumper, while dynamic protection mouldings have been incorporated to increase the feeling of security. Also, the radiator grille has a new rippled mesh that radiates from the central Toyota badge. These improvements, together with enlarged front spoiler and spats, and re-engineering to the underfloor dynamics, all contribute to the car's smooth aerodynamics.
The front headlamps have also been slightly re-sculpted to give a more high-tech and daring look.
The rear bumper and integration of the LED rear combination lamps has also been refreshed. The inverted L-shape graphic on the rear combination lamp actually continues from the bumper, up through the light to emphasise the wide stance of the car, while the lower part of the bumper adopts a spoiler design to underline the sportiness of the Toyota Yaris.
A series of fresh and attractive colours has been introduced, amongst them the new ash grey as a feature colour, increasing the number of exterior colours to 12.
Interior improvements
Inside, a new fabric design - with the option known as "Ash Brown" - gives the Toyota Yaris a refreshing and contemporary look.
The centre console is now in stylish black, whilst the manual heater control dial has been given a more tactile diamond knurled surface.
Warm silver trim or titanium silver coating has been added around the central console, gearshift and steering wheel trim. Chrome-plate ornamentation is available for the side ventilation register rings, inside door handles, and parking brake lever knobs. Attractive silver stitching detail has been added to the steering wheel, gearshift and the cover around the gearshift on the leather option.
For more convenience, the deck board has been removed - which increases boot space when both rear seats have been folded down.
Two new equipment grades
To broaden the appeal of the Toyota Yaris in this growing B-segment, Toyota has introduced two new stylish grades, which complete the pan-European grade structure of 7 grades:
The "S" grade
Here, for the sportier Toyota Yaris driver, the focus is on performance. The package includes newly designed 15" alloy sports wheels, front fog lamps, privacy glass and darkened headlamp housings. Sport seat trim is used throughout, and an analogue speedometer gives amber illumination, while the "Sport" steering wheel and gearshift are given an attractive dimpled finish.
The "Lux" grade
For more luxury, customers can choose the "Lux" grade. This model comes with elegant ash brown fabric and exclusive greige (grey and beige) trim. Owners can also opt to enjoy full map navigation, whilst smart entry, rear power windows, electro chromatic mirrors and privacy glass are all standard.