Toyota Reveals the All New Vitz (Yaris) Hybrid

The all-new Toyota Yaris Hybrid (also known as Vitz in some markets) proves that great things do come in small packages. It was recently revealed with a facelift design, upgraded tech and a new engine.

Toyota’s Yaris Hybrid made its debut on the Geneva Motor Show last month. Keeping the standard version aside, there are five more trim levels for the car to choose from namely:

• Icon,
• Icon Tech,
• Design,
• Bi-Tone,
• Excel.

The company revealed at the event that the three-door body model has been discontinued and all new models will feature five-door hatchbacks.

Speaking about the Yaris Hybrid model, it has been given extra attention. Overall, its refinement has been improved and its subframe has been re-engineered which features new engine and front driveshafts.

The £78 million overhaul of the model has seen changes to exterior as well as the interior. Moreover, equipment modifications have also been made to improve the vehicle overall.

You may not agree or realize but the new model of Yaris has received more than 900 new parts, which has given its design, performance and safety more value.

Here’s a comprehensive look at the new Toyota Yaris.

Exterior

Comparing it to Yaris’ previous model, the change is significant. The new model emphasizes and focuses on making it more sportier by introducing a number of horizontal styling elements.

In the front, the headlights are much more prominent and the new bumper gives the vehicle a three-dimensional look. The grille now has a trapezoidal shape with chrome details on it. Moreover, the fog-light housing has also been redesigned.

At the back, the taillights also pack a punch (just like the front headlights). The back bumper design has also been updated and has a black garnish detailing.

New wheels have also being included in the latest model. The exterior of Yaris packs additional two colors to the existing eight; Hydro Blue and Tokyo Red.

Interior

Inside the Yaris, the focus is on to keep the look and ambience of the cabin fresh, modern and more sportier. Toyota has introduced new upholsteries, colors and trim details.

The equipment upgrade ensures good ergonomics and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) performance.

The steering wheel has also been upgraded with a black-trim, plus a new switch-gear has also been introduced. The dashboard features a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display for the mid-trim level.

According to sources at Toyota, the new cabin is much quieter and has a more comfortable drive.

New Yaris offers customers more choices in regards to its interior finish.

The entry level model combines a grey instrument panel insert with new black cloth upholstery with a distinctive houndstooth check design for the centre seatback and cushion.

For the new Mid grade the cloth has a smart black/grey gradation pattern and the instrument panel insert and upper door trims are in a toning dark grey with a soft-touch finish and animal grain pattern. On Mid+ models the same upholstery is used, with a black instrument panel and door trim.

For Bi-tone versions of the new Yaris, there is a dedicated interior treatment for each exterior colour choice: blue with blue/black, burgundy with red/black, warm grey with bronze/black and black with white/black.

The colour detailing covers the instrument panel insert and door trims, plus inserts in the seatbacks and edging to the seatback and cushion bolsters.

Performance & Engine

The new engine mount design helps the hybrid version achieve a more comfortable ride along with less vehicle shake, which is normally caused by uneven surfaces.

Electric power steering has been introduced for less friction feel and smoother response to driver inputs. 

Under the hood, the new Yaris introduces a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to replace the existing 1.33-litre unit. According to Toyota, the new unit is being manufactured by Toyota Motor Industries Poland.

The engine belongs to Toyota’s Economy with Superior Thermal Efficiency (ESTEC) family. It offers better drive and achieves a reduction of up to 12 percent in fuel consumption.

Yaris’ engine develops a maximum of 111 DIN hp/82 kW and peak torque of 136 Nm at 4,400 rpm. When you draw a comparison with the 1.33-litre engine, it is 0.8 seconds quicker; with 0 – 100 km/h acceleration in 11.0 vs. 11.8.

The Toyota ESTEC engines are known for their reduced friction losses and it improves the overall feel of the new Yaris.

Safety

The company has always put safety as one of its main concerns. Toyota has improved drastically in this regard over the course of the years, benefiting from advanced technologies.

Toyota Safety Sense has been a standard feature on all the new variants of Yaris.

The package includes a Pre-Collision System with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Alert and, on models higher than Entry grade, Road Sign Assist.

The rear seat belts are also improved and feature force limiters and pre-tensioners.