Toyota Yaris: First Look

Motoring Channel Staff - 16/9/2005

Toyota Europe unveiled the all-new European-specification Yaris 3-door and 5-door liftbacks at the 2005 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

The Yaris 3-door liftback and another body configuration to be announced later, and will replace the ECHO as Toyota's entry in the subcompact passenger-car segment when it goes on sale around Australia in October and also the United States as a 2007 model next spring.

The first-generation Yaris launched in 1999 and was named the (2000) European “Car of the Year”. Despite having been on the market for six years, Yaris sales in Europe have increased every year.

"The Yaris has been a hit in Europe and we are looking forward to its debut in the U.S.," said Jim Lentz, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc.

"As Toyota’s most affordable passenger car, the Yaris will feature modern exterior styling and a surprising and upscale interior. It will be one of the most economic and youthful passenger cars Toyota has built."

Styled at Toyota’s European design studio, ED², the next-generation Yaris features class-up styling and offers a new level of refinement, sophistication, and fun-to-drive performance to the subcompact segment. It has a strong, modern mono-form shape with a low center of gravity exuding a youthful and proud stance.

The next generation Yaris rides on an all-new platform that is longer and wider than its predecessor. The Yaris interior provides unexpected roominess and a comfortable cabin. Powering for Yaris will come from a range of engines, with Australia expected to get the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that will have impressive fuel economy. Mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, the engine will produce 78kW (106hp).

Combined with the MacPherson strut front and rear torsion beam suspension, the Yaris will offer fun-to-drive handling and excellent manoeuvrability.