The refreshed supermini now sports a wheelbase that is 50mm longer with the rear cabin receiving an additional 35mm of legroom. The car is 100mm longer, at 3,885mm but is 30mm shorter while retaining the same width as its predecessor. Toyota claims to have made many weight saving measures, which has taken off 30kg (66lbs), with the car weighting at 1,000kg (2,204lbs) (model dependent). Check out the photos and videos after the jump.
The first two generations of the Yaris have usually attracted female buyers, but the new one will aim at a different market. “This car gets a sportier body with stronger street presence,” chief engineer Hirofumi Yamamoto said, “so we expect a larger proportion of male buyers this time.”
Japanese models will be available will three petrol engines; a 1.0 litre 69bhp, 1.33 litre 95bhp and a 1.5 litre 110bhp, the latter to be used in the RS model. A stop/start will feature on the 1.33, which should return 75mpg UK/62.3mpg U.S/3.8l/100km. Four-wheel drive will also be offered.
Press Release:
TMC Launches Redesigned 'Vitz'
Models with Idling-stop Boast Fuel Efficiency of 26.5 km/L
Toyota City, Japan, December 22, 2010-Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the launch in Japan today of the redesigned "Vitz" compact car.
Since the launch of the first-generation in 1999, the Vitz has achieved cumulative sales in more than 70 countries and regions around the world-including many European countries-exceeding 3.5 million units*1. With more than 1.4 million of those units*2 having been sold in Japan, the Vitz is truly a core model of the Toyota brand.
With four grades that emphasize unique individuality, 17 body colours and four interior colours available, the Vitz is a highly appealing next-generation compact that enhances the enjoyment of choosing the perfect car and the pride of ownership.
Assembly Plant: Nagakusa Plant, Toyota Industries Corporation
Vehicle Outline
Exterior symbolizes innovation united with a high-quality interior
The exterior has been completely redesigned under the key design concept words of agility and sophistication. The result is a dynamism conveying the car's brisk and responsive handling as well as a sophistication expressing compact-car elegance and presence.
The interior strives to create a form both sporty and comfortable. For example, padding that extends horizontally from the instrument panel to the door trim conveys roominess and creates a sophisticated feel.
The compact length, just 3,885mm, enables a turning radius of 4.5m.
The interior length has been extended by 35mm to 1,915mm, creating a roomier space.
The front seats use a new frame that enhances seating comfort, and the rear seats have 35mm more legroom to create a comfortable and relaxing space in the rear.
The vertical adjustment range of the driver's seat is now 60mm (15mm more than the previous model) and the seat slide adjustment range is 10mm with 24 steps (8 steps more than the previous model), allowing the driver to achieve an optimal driving position.
Utility and enhanced performance ideal for a range of driving situations:
The cargo space has been made 145mm deeper, providing ample storage capacity. Also, a new adjustable deck board can be set at two heights: When set in the upper position small objects can be placed below, and folding down the rear seats can create an almost-flat luggage space.
The passenger seat has a special plastic barrier that can be used to prevent handbags or other items from falling forward off the seat. Shopping bags and such can be hooked to the top of the barrier, which can also be used to keep an umbrella in place.
The new Vitz is the first vehicle in the world to use UV-reducing glass in the front-door glass that reduces 99%*3 of ultraviolet light, providing the same level of UV protection as wearing gloves*4.
The headlights automatically turn on and off according to exterior brightness.
The new Vitz is equipped with a color, rearview monitor that enhances visibility when parking, as well as an HDD navigation system that incorporates steering-wheel-mounted audio-system-control switches.
Comfortable cruising, due consideration to safety and the environment:
The Smart Stop package, featuring a new idling-stop function, mounts a 1.3-liter engine on a two-wheel drive model to achieve class-leading*5 fuel efficiency of 26.5 km/L. The engine restarts in just 0.35 seconds to ensure smooth and immediate acceleration from a stop.
The front-wheel-drive models (with CVT) surpass the existing Japanese 2010 fuel efficiency standards by 25% and the four-wheel-drive models surpass the standards by 15%. All models in the series achieve emission levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under MLIT's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles, qualifying for incentives under the Japanese government's taxation system for environment friendly vehicles. As a result, the front-wheel-drive models (with CVT) qualify for a 75% reduction in the automobile acquisition tax and automobile weight tax, while the four-wheel-drive models qualify for 50% reductions.
EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and ABS are standard on all models.
All vehicles come equipped with SRS airbags for both the driver and front-passenger seats. SRS side airbags also provide chest protection, while SRS curtain-shield airbags aim to reduce head injuries.
A pedestrian-injury-lessening body has been adopted to minimize impact to the head and legs of pedestrians in the unfortunate event of a collision.
Four grades emphasize individuality and boost the joy of selection:
The new and distinctive Jewela grade features exclusive body and interior colors and interior and exterior ornamentation with a plated finish to convey vibrancy. The Jewela also offers a selectable sophisticated silver-finish for the door mirrors and door handles.
On the U grade, a leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob and heated seats that warm the shoulders and back are standard equipment to enhance comfort and sophistication.
Welcabs: Vehicles with factory-installed features for the disabled:
The Lift-up Front Passenger Seat model is equipped with a front passenger seat that rotates and slides down and to the outside of the vehicle. The B type comes with a motorized device for loading and unloading a wheelchair as standard equipment.
Videos:
