New-Generation Yaris to Leapfrog Competitors

Toyota Australia's new-generation Yaris will leapfrog competitors in the light-car market, setting a new benchmark with segment firsts and the introduction of in-demand premium features.

Advanced driver-assist and safety features in the fourth-generation Yaris include technologies aimed at reducing accidents at intersections1, plus a new airbag designed to protect the heads of front-seat occupants - all supported by a stiffer and more agile chassis.

Toyota Australia's Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said local buyers will have a new appreciation for Yaris when they see these big Toyota ideas included as standard equipment in the company's smallest car.

"In addition to segment-leading safety, the new Yaris will leapfrog the competition with its distinctive design, dynamic performance and impressive efficiency," Mr Hanley said.

Set to be launched in August, the all-new Yaris will be offered in Ascent Sport, SX and ZR grades - the latter two available with hybrid as well as petrol variants.

The current 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine will be replaced by an all-new 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit with high-speed combustion and other technologies that deliver more power and torque while using less fuel.

Maximum power jumps 10 per cent to 88kW while fuel economy when driven through a Direct Shift CVT is just 4.9 litres/100km2, an improvement of at least 15 per cent - even compared with the discontinued 1.3-litre engine.

The stand-out powertrain is the fourth-generation hybrid system with a high-density lithium-ion battery, producing a combined 85kW of power and remarkable fuel economy of just 3.3 litres/100km2 - a further improvement of almost one-third. 

Cutting-edge safety technologies in the new Yaris include a pre-collision safety system1 that uses a camera, radar and autonomous braking to avoid or mitigate the effects of a crash. It can detect vehicles and pedestrians, day or night, and cyclists during the day.

All-new Yaris becomes the first Toyota in Australia where this system can also detect and automatically brake to avoid other vehicles and pedestrians when turning at intersections1.

The on-board camera can also recognise Australian speed signs and alert drivers to amend their speed1. Lane-keeping technologies1includes the ability to apply force to the steering wheel to keep a vehicle on track.

All models are equipped with a reversing camera while ZR variants will feature front and rear parking sensors1 that can trigger the brakes to avoid contact.

The new front-row centre airbag is designed to offer additional protection between the driver and front passenger in side crashes, or for passenger-side crashes when the driver is the only occupant.

All grades feature a 7-inch display screen, Apple CarPlay®3 and Android Auto™️4 and enhanced voice recognition from the Toyota multimedia system.

Ascent Sport, available with manual or automatic CVT transmissions, is fitted with 15-inch wheels, LED daytime running lamps, 60/40 split-fold rear seats and a handy USB port for charging and linking to connective technology⁵.

Mid-range SX adds satellite navigation, keyless smart entry, push-button ignition, 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and rear lights, piano-black and satin interior finishes, leather-accented steering wheel and digital meters.

Top-of-the-line ZR comes standard with 16-inch alloys, rear spoiler, head-up display, blind-spot monitor, intelligent front and rear parking sensors, sports seats and pedals, piano black trim, red inserts, and - on the petrol variant - paddle shifters.

All-new Yaris also supports owner individuality with 12 exterior paints plus the ability for ZR owners to choose a black or white roof with selected colours.