Toyota has taken a leaf out of Ford’s book by launching the multi-purpose version of a new model line in Europe first – the Verso-S last March – before rolling out the mainstream redesigned generation three Yaris. The blue oval did that with its G1 C-Max ahead of G2 Focus about eight years ago.
The latest Yaris appears all but identical, save for regional equipment variations, to the Vitz announced in Japan last December.
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Key points are a complete restyle with strong family ties to the Verso, a 100mm length boost, 50mm more on the wheelbase to expand both rear legroom (+35mm) and luggage space, a drop in height and a lowered driving position and greatly improved perceived quality and equipment.
Centre instruments have been ditched for conventional dials in front of the driver, and dual-zone climate control and a multi-media system with rear view camera are available.
Engines remain one- and 1.3-litre petrol and a 1.4-litre diesel, for the 1.3, the old automated manual transmission is replaced by a torque converter CVT with seven-stage ‘manual’ mode and about 20kg has been shaved off the weight by reducing suspension component weight and more use of high tensile steel, according to chief engineer Hirofumi Yamamoto. Some European markets will get optional automated-manual with the diesel and a stop-start system for the 1.3 petrol.
Outside Europe, a 1.5-litre petrol engine substitutes for the diesel and CVT appears to have replaced the previous five-speed conventional auto (though we’ve yet to see the US specs). The ratio of automatic take-up is reversed, too, as 95% of Japanese buyers (and most in the US) opt for a self-shifter.
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By GlobalDataEurope will also be the only region to get the new panoramic glass roof with its semi-transparent manual shades that meet in the middle, thus allowing passengers in both rows to determine their own degree of sunburn.
Ask Yamamoto why this is only for Europe and he smiles: “Asia. Too hot. Ideal for the Nordic region” and then goes on to explain how the old tilt/slide type of sunroof is now out of favour with Japanese buyers in all segments.
Asked to summarise the new Yaris he answers: “Design, more dynamic with a sporty image” and acknowledges the strength of competition from European makers, specially the VW Polo and Ford Fiesta, and especially their “more high quality feeling” interiors.
You get the impression that, while he’s pleased with what his team has achieved, the improvement in interior quality, which we noticed on first sight of early trial-build cars, is the most outstanding advance. Better driving and ride comfort plus improved NVH were also on the agenda.
Of the 2,000 engineers on the project, 300 were in Europe, working mostly on validation of local components and engine, transmission and suspension tuning. There are four trim levels for Europe though Toyota GB goes its own way on the package names, sticking with T2, T3, TR and T-Spirit while Europe gets Entry, Active, Style and Lounge.
Asked if Toyota had considered twin-clutch automated transmissions like the DSG and Powershift units VW and Ford favour in Europe, Yamamoto did not respond directly but said CVTs were favourable for cost, compactness, fuel economy and driveability.
And, yes, a hybrid is coming – in Europe we’ll get it mid-2012.
Yamamoto was also coy on the Yaris sedan – popular in Japan, the US and Canada – saying that was a separate programme to be launched later.
So far, 5m Yaris/Vitz have been built, 1.9m of them in the Toyota Motor Manufacturing France plant in Valenciennes, in northern France. Within days, the new ones will be pouring off the line, ahead of full-availability launches starting in October.
