Next-gen Toyota Yaris debuts with detailed specs, prices pending

Toyota has introduced the new iteration of its Yaris hatchback. Let us see what it brings to the table.

Contrary to the popular trends, the car has become marginally shorter (3,940 mm / 12.93 ft.) and less tall (1,470 mm / 4.82 ft.). At the same time, it has become 50mm / 2 inches wider (total 1,750 mm / 5.74 ft.) and received another 55mm / 2.2 inches of wheelbase (total 2,550 mm / 8.37 ft.). The overhangs have become shorter, the gravity center sank another 15mm (0.6”), and the company claims the inside space has also been increased.

An unofficial source claims the new Yaris weighs 20 kg (44 pounds) less than its predecessor, but this remains to be confirmed.

The new generation utilizes the brand-new GA-B chassis, essentially a shortened version of the TNGA architecture. The compact car will initially ship with a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline mill, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery (previously NiMH). At this moment, the electric motor is the only one with declared specs: 80 hp (60 kW) and 141 Nm (103 lb-ft) of torque. The company claims the new hybrid produces 20% less emissions and is 15% more powerful.

The driving range remains undisclosed, but Nissan assures it will be enough for 80% urban use scenarios (whatever implications this might have). It says it expects between 60% and 80% customers to go for the hybrid version of the Yaris. Approximately a year after the launch, the car will become available with conventional 1.0- and 1.5-liter gasoline engines – but only on select markets.

The options list is fairly extensive and includes a multimedia system with a touch-enabled display, a dashboard display, a 10-inch HUD, a wireless gadget charger, a keyless entry system, proprietary ambient lighting, a JBL audio system, and a center airbag sitting in the middle between the driver and the front passenger. The safety features have also been revised to include lane control and adaptive cruise control.

The European version of the car will be produced in France. Toyota points out that it has invested €300 million into upgrading its factory to support the new vehicle architecture.