Bigger Toyota Yaris launched in South Africa

TOYOTA SA has just launched a new Yaris, and will be holding thumbs that this alteration of its take on the B-segment hatch will score higher on the sales charts than the previous version.

The new Yaris is essentially a facelifted version of the Asianmarket Yaris that was introduced back in 2013, and looking very much like a baby Auris.

It’s built in Thailand and is somewhat larger than the global model - with length increasing by 165mm.

It’s also lower and wider than the model it replaces, while boot space increases from 286-litres to 310.

Although it might in some ways appear to be a more budget orientated model, Toyota SA has in fact, positioned it directly against the new-generation Polo, with prices ranging from R230 800 to R 286000.

All versions are powered by a 1.5-litre normally aspirated VVT-i petrol engine that delivers 79kW and 140Nm.

It is mated to either a five-speed manual or CVT continuously variable transmission.

Five options

Trim grades on offer are Xi, Xs, Cross and Sport.

Xi, which is the base model, comes standard with air conditioning, a four-speaker sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, electric mirrors and windows (front) as well as dual front airbags, stability control and ABS brakes.

The Xi rolls on 15-inch covered steel wheels.

Above the Xi sits the mid-range Xs, which boasts a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, WiFi, ‘customisable’ home screen as well as Apple Car Play compatibility.

Xs loses the steel rims to offer 16-inch alloy wheels, and also adds LED daytime running lights, a multifunction leather-covered steering wheel and rear power windows to the basket.

The Xs is the only model available with the CVT gearbox.

In Cross form the new Yaris gets all the aforementioned goodies, but adds an SUVinspired styling kit featuring roof rails, black side-body and wheelarch mouldings and brush metal apron treatment front and rear.

Sport

Lastly, the range-topping

Yaris Sport, adds leather seats, automatic climate control, ‘Optitron’ high-definition instruments, two additional speakers and red stitching on the steering wheel and gear knob.

Its name is a stylistic reference only, however, with red accent stripes, side skirts, dark metallic front grille, projector headlights, front fog lights, LED tail lights and a rear spoiler telling it apart from other models.

The Sport flagship also gains side, curtain and (driver) knee airbags.

Pricing for the Yaris range is as follows:

• 1.5 Xi MT - R230 800

• 1.5 Xs MT - R253 400

• 1.5 Xs CVT - R268 500

• 1.5 Cross - R268 500

• 1.5 Sport - R286 000

All new Yaris models are sold with a three-year/45 000km service plan and three-year/

100 000km warranty.