Toyota Yaris Family Grows With New 1.3-Litre Versions

• New high tech 1.3-litre 16v VVT-i engine offering 85bhp
• 0-62mph acceleration in 11.7 seconds
• All-new 4-speed automatic gearbox available with new engine
• Youthful and sporty new ‘SR’ grade
• 1.3-litre engine also available with selected GLS and CDX grades
• Frankfurt Show debut for more powerful Yaris

Joining the successful 67bhp 1.0-litre VVT-i Yaris introduced on 8 April this year, a bigger-engined 1.3-litre version will be made available in the UK from October after a debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 14 September.

The new 1.3 is essentially a larger capacity version of the 1.0-litre VVT-i engine which has recently won the coveted ‘International Engine of the Year Award’ for 1999. This new engine will be offered with the GLS and CDX specification grades plus a new, more youthful SR grade. An all-new four speed automatic gearbox will also be offered with GLS and CDX grades featuring the new engine.

The Toyota Yaris is already a huge success in the European market place with total customer orders in the first 3.5 months since launch exceeding 80,000 units. Sales to date in the UK have so far topped 9000 units.

1.3-litre high-tech engine

The 1.3-litre 2NZ-FE engine, with a bore of 75mm and a stroke of 73.5mm, offers the same high tech engine technology as the 1.0-litre Yaris engine. The 1299cc four cylinder engine features two overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and the unique Toyota VVT-i system, which stands for Variable Valve Timing intelligent. This state-of-the-art engine technology offers a well-balanced combination of low emissions, quiet running, great fuel economy and sparkling performance.

The 1.3-litre Yaris engine provides a maximum power output of 63kW (85bhp) at 6000rpm and a peak torque figure of 124 Nm (91 lb ft) of torque at 4400rpm. More important than this peak figure is the flat torque curve itself, offering outstanding engine characteristics. From 2400rpm up to 5400rpm, more than 110 Nm (82 lb ft) is available. This offers the driver enormous flexibility, which is of great importance in heavy traffic and when overtaking. The flat torque curve is one of the results of careful design of the combustion chambers and the infinitely variable valve timing system.

The VVT-i system, which in the past was only available in luxury cars with large engines, adjusts the timing of the inlet valves according to the operating conditions of the engine. Under all driving conditions the electronic engine control unit (ECU) monitors engine speed and driver actions to increase valve overlap at low and medium engine speeds while reducing overlap at higher engine revolutions. The result is maximum available torque in combination with low fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emissions.

Direct ignition

Another feature of the all-new Yaris 1.3-litre engine is the Toyota Direct Ignition system, which again was originally developed for range-topping models, such as the Camry V6. The traditional distributor has been replaced by four individual high performance transformers operating directly on each spark plug.

Not only can each spark plug be carefully controlled and individually timed, but also direct ignition removes the need for distributor maintenance and the problem of varying spark timing between vehicle services.

The new 1.3-litre engine shares with the 1.0-litre version the offset crankshaft design, which reduces friction losses in the engine for the lowest possible fuel consumption. The 1.3-litre features a light engine as a result of very precise casting of the cylinder block, which is made of aluminium. Also, the compact cylinder head and resin intake manifold design achieves more weight reduction.

Performance

Equipped with the 1.0-litre VVT-i engine, the Toyota Yaris already offers great performance figures, with a maximum speed of 96mph (156km/h) and an acceleration figure of around 14.1 seconds* from rest to 62mph.

The 85bhp 1.3-litre version now offers even better performance. Acceleration from rest to 62mph (100km/h) is achieved in 11.7 seconds*. Top speed is 109mph (175 km/h).

Due to its state of the art engine technology, the 1.3-litre Yaris engine offers a unique combination between high performance and low fuel consumption and emissions. Fuel economy in the 93/116/EC mode shows a combined consumption figure of 47.8mpg (5.9l/100km) and a CO2 emission of 141g/km. The new 1.3-litre Yaris is great to drive while offering excellent fuel economy.

Automatic gearbox

Like the 1.0-litre version, the 1.3-litre Yaris is equipped with the lightweight and compact 5-speed manual transmission. However, the 1.3-litre is also available with a fully automatic gearbox specially developed for Yaris. The 4-speed overdrive automatic gearbox is of a unique compact and lightweight design and offers a very high efficiency due to low internal friction.

* lightest model with one driver

By adapting the latest technology in terms of hydraulic circuit control, the new automatic transmission offers 50 per cent shorter gear change time than the previous automatic gearbox offered on small Toyotas.

The new engine in the Yaris range

The new 1.3-litre engine will be available mainly with the five door Yaris bodystyle and with both the GLS and CDX specification grades already established in the UK Yaris model line-up. A new three door SR grade which features a more youthful interior ambience and sportier handling will also be introduced. The new Yaris SR will be fun to drive but insurance-friendly and will feature a secure double door locking system which will be standard fit equipment with all the new Yaris 1.3-litre models. Prices will be announced for these new additions to the Yaris range closer to the UK on-sale date.

ENDS