The result is a thorough visual refresh, inside and out with the adoption of upmarket cabin textures and materials, as well as several modifications to make the new Yaris a whole lot more desirable.
"Assertive, contemporary styling with a distinctly European flavour and a feisty new attitude," is how Glenn Crompton, vice-president of marketing for Toyota SA Motors, described the new-look hatch.
"Yaris has always been a sound rational choice. But what we wanted to achieve, is a car that also connects with our customers' hearts."
After exhaustive research, Toyota Europe identified three key areas where the current generation Yaris scored highly. These are outstan-ding roominess, powertrain efficien-cy and standard features. In the area of emotional appeal, it was felt there was room to improve. The focus was placed on upgrading the aesthetics - exterior styling and interior material as well as honing in on driving pleasure by enhancing driveability, ride comfort and noise levels.
The sharp look of the new vehicle's design does make it stand out in its competitive segment, as well as the hybrid powertrain.
STYLING
"The new Yaris petrol models are arguably the best value proposition in the highly competitive B segment," said Crompton. This is borne out by quality finishes and an impressive list of standard features.
A recurring Toyota design theme is the chrome trim bar, which runs through the length of the upper grille into new headlamp clusters, tying the frontal elements together in a horizontal emphasis of the car's width.
The headlamps use projector technology (hybrid) for high and low beams and the clusters incorporate standard daytime running lights (LED for the hybrid).
The Yaris has new door mirrors and the profile is rounded off by standard 15" alloy wheels as standard.
At the rear, a new bumper design also emphasises the car's broad, lower stance, supporting the athletic appearance.
The 2014 Yaris sees both versions - petrol and hybrid - sharing the same styling, with subtle differentiating signs for each powertrain. The hybrid will be defined by LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps and unique badging.
Eight exterior colours are available, including a new Avante-Garde Bronze Metallic (petrol models only) and Pacific Blue Metallic. Lava Red Metallic and Pearl White Metallic exclusive to Hybrid.
INTERIOR MAKEOVER
The dashboard has seen a dramatic makeover with the upper instrument panel now thinner, with a stronger horizontal line. The upper surface of the driver's instrument panel has been restyled to give a slimmer appearance. The door panel has been redesigned with a more fluid look, a larger soft-touch area and greater functionality.
The centre console has been raised by 23mm and the gear lever reduced by 30mm, improving the dri-ving ergonomics. The upper instrument panel has a new grain effect, set off by a thicker trim band.
The Yaris' central dashboard panel has thicker soft padding and its surface is now finished in PVC.
Throughout, the previous bright chrome trim has been replaced by a satin finish for a more modern and subtle finish.
The seat fabric has a new pattern and new colours, while the hybrid has a combination of leather and cloth.
PERFORMANCE
The new Yaris is available with three engine choices: two petrol and a hybrid. The full hybrid system is a first for this segment. Adjustments have brought its CO² emissions down from 88g/km to 82g/km. Published fuel consumption is an efficient 3,6-litres in the combined cycle and virtually zero NOx and particulate emissions. It explains why Toyota proclaims this innovative powertrain as cutting-edge technology.
The hybrid has near-silent running, especially around town where the hybrid system allows the car to be driven mostly in electric mode, or with limited use of the petrol engine. The auto CVT-based transmission adds to the quiet and comfortable driving experience.
Yaris hybrid's powertrain features a four-cylinder Atkinson cycle, 1,497cc engine that is 50mm shorter than the 1,8-litre unit used by Prius and Auris hybrid. It is also 17kg lighter.
The 1,33 Dual VVT-i petrol has secondary modifications specifically aimed at reducing noise and vibration. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the 1,3 Yaris is engineered for performance and fuel economy. The top speed is 175km/h and the 0 to 100km dash takes 1,7sec. Fuel consumption in this model in the combined cycle averages out at 5,6-litres per 100km. This powerplant is also available with Toyota's Multidrive S CVT (continuously variable transmission), which is more compact and lighter than a conventional automatic, but generally speaking delivers the same effect of comfortable driving with optimum engine torque control - which means considerable fuel savings in city traffic. The system also provides a manual mode with seven fixed gear ratios that can be selected using the shift lever.
The three-cylinder 1,0-litre petrol engine has been changed considerably for better performance, reduced emissions, noise and vibration. As a result of improvement in the efficiency of the pe-trol engines, CO² emissions have been
reduced from 119g/km to 117g/km.
Matched to a five-speed manual gearbox, the three-cylinder engine is efficient and responsive in overall driving.
COMFORT
Extensive design adaptations improve cabin sound performance when accele-rating and at constant speed.
In spite of a blustery day at the launch, the wind and road sound was not noticeable and the Yaris felt comfortable on a variety of road surfaces.
The Yaris has high equipment levels throughout the range, with daytime running lights (LED for the hybrid), electric windows all round, and the latest Toyota Touch Multimedia system (with Bluetooth, hands-free functionality) as standard.
Other standard luxuries and creature comforts are 15" alloy wheels, remote central locking with a foldable key, air conditioning, electric mirrors, power steering, dual front and side airbags and ABS with EBD and Brake Assist.
The steering wheel is leather-trimmed as is the shift lever on the 1,3 Multidrive S derivative.
HYBRID
The big news from Toyota in the range is the new designation and kit for the Yaris Hybrid. Customer preferences dictated that there will now be only one hybrid version, priced slightly lower than the outgoing XR model. Equipment levels are ge-nerous with additions to the 1,3 Multidrive S. These are: automatic climate control, combination leather and cloth upholstery, reverse camera, seven airbags including a knee bag, traction and stability control, front fog lights, LED daytime running lights, and exclusive hybrid badging.
MULTIMEDIA
The new Toyota Yaris has an updated version of Toyota's touch screen multimedia system. It comes with a higher resolution 7" screen. The package also includes Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls, sending and receipt of text messages; a rear-view camera (Hybrid only); vehicle information, including trip data and climate control profile. There is also a new lay-out to show the operation of the hybrid system.
Yaris also has a simple connection for iPods and MP3 players via USB or Bluetooth and, where available it displays album, artist and track information. The audio system options can also be controlled using the screen.
DETAILS
Pricing on the range: 1,0 - R167 900; 1,3 - R194 300; 1,3 Multidrive S - R206 500; Hybrid - R276 900.
Petrol models come standard with a three year or 45 000km service plan.
For the hybrid version, it is a standard four year or 60 000km service plan. The hybrid also has a an additional eight year or 195 000km warranty on the battery in addition to the standard Toyota warranty of three years or 100 000km.
At the rear, a new bumper design also emphasises the new Yaris' broad, lower stance, supporting the athletic appearance.
The Yaris' dashboard has seen a dramatic makeover with the upper instrument panel now thinner, with a stronger horizontal line and the central dashboard panel has thicker soft padding and its surface is now finished in PVC.
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