Toyota Yaris Family Grows With New 1.3-Litre Models

KEY POINTS:

• More powerful, 85bhp, 1.3-litre VVT-i engine
• Four new 1.3-litre models added to the range
• New sporty but insurance-friendly 1.3 Yaris SR model
• Combined fuel consumption of 47.1mpg (CDX 5dr manual)
• More performance: 0-62mph in 12.1secs, 109mph top speed (CDX 5dr manual)
• New four speed automatic gearbox (GLS 3dr & CDX 5dr models)
• Double door locking on all 1.3 models, ABS standard on 1.3 CD

Just six months after the successful launch of Yaris in the UK, Toyota is extending the model range with the addition of a new engine and automatic gearbox to the Yaris line up.

The latest versions of the trend-setting Yaris are the first signs of the emergence of a Yaris family which is fast becoming a popular choice across all niches of the European and UK small car segment.

Yaris is already a hit. More than 100,000 customer orders have been taken in Europe since the launch in April 1999, and production is being stepped up to cope with demand. The strong human dimension to Yaris has struck a chord, particularly with young customers who see the car as a style statement as much as it is practical transport. In the UK, nearly 14,000 sold orders for Yaris have been taken to date.

The appeal has not just been emotional. In the UK, Yaris is backed by a comprehensive peace-of-mind ownership package including a three-year/60,000 mile warranty and low-cost Health and Safety check maintenance.

Intelligent design and technology is used to offer maximum space, maximum performance and maximum fuel economy within a safe, affordable, compact car. The new additions to the range can only add to the Yaris success story.

FOUR NEW YARIS 1.3 MODELS ADDED TO THE RANGE

The new engine will feature in four new Yaris models which join the established 1.0-litre VVT-i models in the range. The models are: 1.3 GLS 3dr automatic, 1.3 CDX 5dr manual, 1.3 CDX 5dr automatic and the 1.3 SR 3dr manual.

Toyota has ensured that the simple to understand pricing strategy of the Yaris range is continued with the addition of these new 1.3 models. For example, just £500 more is charged for the bigger 1.3 engine over an equivalent specification 1.0-litre model and just £500 for the automatic gearbox as well. On the 1.3 CDX models, anti-lock brakes are standard and double door locking is fitted as standard to all Yaris 1.3 models further enhancing Yaris’s anti-theft credentials.

Thanks to their excellent safety, security and cheap crash replacement parts costs, the new Yaris 1.3 models have been awarded with low insurance groups. The 1.3 GLS 3dr automatic is classified in group 4E and the CDX and SR models in group 5E.

The complete Yaris range is now structured and priced as follows:

• Yaris 1.0 VVT-i S 3dr – £7,445 OTR
• Yaris 1.0 VVT-i GS 3dr – £8,445 OTR
• Yaris 1.0 VVT-i GS 5dr – £8,945 OTR
• Yaris 1.0 VVT-i GS 3dr Free-Tronic – £8,695 OTR
• Yaris 1.0 VVT-i GLS 3dr – £9,445 OTR
• Yaris 1.0 VVT-i GLS 5dr – £9,945 OTR
• Yaris 1.3 VVT-i GLS 3dr automatic – £10,445 OTR
• Yaris 1.0 VVT-i CDX 5dr – £10,945 OTR
• Yaris 1.3 VVT-i SR 3dr – £10,945 OTR
• Yaris 1.3 VVT-i CDX 5dr – £11,945 OTR
• Yaris 1.3 VVT-i CDX 5dr automatic – £12,445 OTR

MORE POWERFUL NEW ENGINE

Yaris sales to date have been achieved with just one engine; a high technology, 1.0-litre VVT-i unit that offers performance comparable to many larger engines. The 1.0 litre VVT-i powerplant was voted ‘International Engine of the Year 1999’ by a panel of 19 judges in the International Engine of the Year Awards. Now Yaris will also be available with a 1.3-litre engine, making use of the same Variable Valve Timing technology-intelligent (VVT-i) to offer even more power and torque.

The new engine is a bigger 1299cc, four cylinder, 16-valve unit with twin overhead camshafts. Thanks to VVT-i, it develops 85bhp (63kW) of power at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 91 lb ft (124 Nm) at 4,400rpm.

Driving through the standard five-speed manual gearbox, the Yaris 1.3 has a top speed of 109mph (175km/h) and will accelerate from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 12.1 seconds (CDX 5dr manual).

But these simplistic measures of performance do not accurately reflect the easy driving style and in-gear acceleration which make Yaris such a pleasure both in town and on the open road. The continuously Variable Valve Timing-intelligent, and careful design of the combustion chamber, combine to create a flat torque curve, with more than 81 lb ft of torque (110Nm) available from 2450 to 5350rpm.

LOW EMISSIONS, LOW MAINTENANCE

Intelligent technology of the type more usually found in executive cars such as the Toyota Camry V6 is a feature of Yaris. The Toyota Direct Ignition system replaces the traditional distributor with four individual ignition coils operating directly on each spark plug and ensures careful control of each ignition.

It means more efficient fuel burning, less emissions and less maintenance ­ with no ignition timing to be adjusted and no distributor to be serviced.

Thanks to all these technical advances, Yaris 1.3 achieves a unique balance of high performance, low emissions and low fuel consumption. On the combined European 93/116/EC cycle, Yaris returns 6.0 litres/100km (47.1 mpg) and has a CO2 emission of 144 g/km.

NEW AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

For the first time Yaris will be offered with a four speed, fully automatic gearbox with the 1.3 GLS 3dr and 1.3 CDX 5dr models.

The new automatic transaxle has been specially developed for Yaris and offers a compact, lightweight design. The electronically controlled gearbox has an overdrive fourth gear for optimum economy and precise shift control for rapid response and smooth gear changes.

Equipped with the fully automatic transmission, Yaris 1.3 has a top speed of 102 mph (165km/h) and will accelerate from rest to 62mph (100km/h) in 13.1 seconds. Fuel consumption on the combined European cycle for the 1.3 GLS 3dr automatic model is a highly frugal 42.8mpg (6.6 litres/100km).

The Yaris 1.0-litre will continue to be offered with its technically advanced, Free-Tronic transmission although from now onwards it will only be available on one model in the Yaris range – the 1.0 GS 3dr. Free-Tronic combines the fuel efficiency of a five speed manual gearbox with easy driving, particularly in heavy town traffic thanks to the omission of a clutch pedal.

The lightweight construction of the new 1.3 engine in the Yaris means that a weight penalty of just 20kg is carried by the new 1.3 models. Consequently, the only difference in the suspension set up between the 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre Yaris GLS and CDX models centres on the front springs which are 9mm longer for increased travel.

NEW SPORTY BUT INSURANCE-FRIENDLY 1.3 YARIS SR

Toyota is also widening the youthful appeal of the Yaris range with the addition of a new sporty SR model. The SR has been designed to offer a more responsive drive without the insurance penalties which can often be incurred when engine modifications are also made.

On sale from 1 November, the 1.3 Yaris SR comes in three door manual form only with a number of subtle body enhancements supplied by Toyota’s rallying team, Toyota Team Europe (TTE).

The SR’s suspension is lowered by 25mm and the springs are 8 per cent stiffer to reduce roll and give more positive handling while 15 inch alloy wheels fill the wheel arches. Low profile 195/55 tyres do the gripping and a colour-keyed TTE rear spoiler and sports exhaust add to the sporty look and sound. A titanium effect front grille completes the external look.

Inside, the youthful look is echoed by a new two-tone interior created with the high quality, patterned seat and door trim cloth in either grey or green. The fabric finish is now extended to the headrests as well. A leather gearshift knob, with titanium-look insert, and a two-tone leather steering wheel are further SR touches.

The SR will be available in five exterior paint colours – Chilli Red, Lucerne Silver, Flame Gold metallic, Island Green metallic and Caspian Blue metallic.

The 1.3 Yaris SR also boasts a unique specification level. It features air conditioning, anti-lock brakes and a CD player plus all the usual Yaris equipment which includes twin front airbags, remote central locking, alarm and electric front windows and door mirrors. Like the other new 1.3-litre Yaris models, the SR also features a double door locking system for extra security.

Best of all, the Yaris SR has been awarded with a low group 5E insurance rating from the Association of British Insurers making it a highly appealing package for the fun-seeking driver on a budget.

EXTERIOR COLOUR CHANGE ON ALL YARIS MODELS

A new, stronger Chilli Red paint finish replaces the Sunburst Red finish previously available on the Yaris range. Additionally, Yaris S and GS models now come with plastic bumpers in a darker shade of grey.

TOYOTA YARIS 1.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

TOYOTA YARIS RANGE EQUIPMENT LIST

ENDS