New Toyota Yaris: More local details

Toyota Australia claims the new Toyota Yaris will become “the new light-car benchmark” when the all-new hatchback arrives in August in three model grades powered by a new three-cylinder petrol engine.

The Japanese car-maker has already confirmed the new Toyota Yaris will become its most efficient model in Australia, courtesy of a fourth-generation petrol-electric hybrid system that will consume just 3.3L/100km – less than the Prius (3.4L/100km) and Prius c (3.9L/100km), which will be axed by the time the new Yaris arrives.

Now it has announced the new Toyota Yaris will be available in three model variants – Ascent Sport, SX and ZR grades – the latter two of which will be available with hybrid as well as petrol powertrains.

Full Australian specs and pricing are yet to be revealed for the new Toyota Yaris, which was originally due on sale here in May and will be followed by Cross soft-roader and GR hot hatch versions later this year.

However, prices are expected to rise, so given the Yaris Ascent opens the outgoing range at $15,390 plus on-road costs and the mid-range SX is priced at $18,080 (both manual), the cheapest new Yaris hybrid (CVT) may top $20,000.

Also confirmed this week were details of the new 1.5-litre triple-cylinder petrol engine that replaces the old model’s 1.3- and 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines across the range. (Australians won’t be offered Europe’s new 1.0-litre triple or Japan’s or all-wheel drive version.)

Maximum power jumps 10 per cent to 88kW while fuel consumption with the optional CVT automatic transmission drops to 4.9L/100km – at least 15 per cent less than even the discontinued 1.3-litre engine.

For the record, the first Toyota Yaris hybrid will produce slightly less power at 85kW and also consume less fuel at 3.3L/100km, thanks to the assistance of an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery.

The new Toyota Yaris will bring other firsts to the light-car segment, including a new centre airbag designed to protect the heads of front-seat occupants in a side-impact collision.

Toyota Australia’s smallest model will also come with a new pre-collision safety system that uses a camera, radar and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system to avoid or mitigate the effects of a crash.

Apart from detecting vehicles and pedestrians both day and night, and cyclists during the day, the system is also claimed to detect and automatically brake to avoid other vehicles and pedestrians when turning at intersections, for the first time in an Australian Toyota model.

The same on-board camera can also recognise Australian speed signs and alert drivers to amend their speed, and also facilitates a lane-keeping function to keep the car within lane markings.

As is currently the case, all model variants will come with a reversing camera, but the top-spec ZR will add front and rear parking sensors that can trigger the brakes to avoid contact.

All grades will also be fitted as standard with a 7.0-inch display screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice recognition.

The entry-level Toyota Yaris Ascent Sport will be offered with both manual and CVT transmissions, and fitted as standard with 15-inch steel wheels, LED daytime running lamps, a 60/40 split/folding rear seatback and a USB port.

Mid-range SX variants add satellite navigation, keyless entry/start, 15-inch alloys, LED headlights and tail-lights, piano-black and satin interior finishes, a leather-accented steering wheel and digital meters.

The Toyota Yaris ZR flagship gets 16-inch alloys, a rear spoiler, head-up display, blind-spot monitor, intelligent front/rear parking sensors, sports seats and pedals, piano black trim, red inserts and, for petrol versions, paddle shifters.

Twelve exterior paint colours will be available, along with the option of a contrasting black or white roof for ZR vehicles in selected colours.

“In addition to segment-leading safety, the new Yaris will leapfrog the competition with its distinctive design, dynamic performance and impressive efficiency,” said Toyota Australia sales and marketing chief Sean Hanley.