Toyota has unveiled a new-generation Yaris. Due in Australia in 2020, the all-new Yaris sits on a newly developed Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and features a 1.5-litre petrol or hybrid-electric powertrains and advanced safety technologies across the range.

Toyota says the new Yaris will deliver segment-leading safety performance as the first car in its segment to incorporate a centre airbag to protect front-seat occupants in the event of a side impact. There’s also a pre-collision safety system that the company says goes beyond the current ability to detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists to prevent collisions or mitigate damage. The latest system can prevent accidents when turning at intersections by detecting oncoming vehicles as well as pedestrians crossing the road.

These safety features will be standard on Yaris for Australia, in addition to autonomous emergency braking, all-speed active cruise control, lane-centring and other advanced technologies.

The new 1.5-litre three-cylinder Dynamic Force petrol engine is mated to a direct-shift CVT with mechanical launch gear while a new-generation hybrid system uses an Atkinson-Cycle version of the engine and a high-density lithium-ion battery.

The 1.5-litre hybrid system is new to Toyota and is directly derived from the larger systems introduced locally in the new Corolla hatch, RAV4 and Camry models.

Front MacPherson strut and rear torsion-beam suspension systems have been designed to improve dynamic qualities further, reducing body roll in cornering and increasing agility.

Toyota says the platform’s architecture and upper body have been optimised with strategic reinforcements in the cowl, rear pillar, tunnel, rear structure and rear wheelhouse, plus a stiffer dashboard panel.

New headlights feature LED technology while the rear view integrates the combination tail lights and the rear window.

Information is presented to the driver from up to three interlinked sources: the central touch display screen, a multi-information display in the instrument cluster and an available 10-inch colour head-up display.

Source: Motor Trader E-Magazine (Nov 2019)

8 Nov 2019