Toyota Yaris: More Safety, Style, Comfort And Performance
Published: 5th April 2003
An all-new 1.3-litre (86bhp) VVT-i engine has joined the Yaris range, alongside upgraded versions of the 1.0 and 1.5-litre VVT-i petrol units. All comply with the Euro IV emissions standards, due to come into force in 2005.
The new 1.3-litre engine has been developed from the 1.0-litre block and is more powerful than the unit it replaces. Both maximum power and maximum torque (122Nm) are achieved at lower engine speeds, providing more flexible driving characteristics and better fuel economy. With manual transmission, the engine can return 50.4mpg in combined cycle driving. Top speed, where permitted, is 109mph (auto 103) and nought to 62mph acceleration takes 12.1 seconds (auto 13.1). Its carbon dioxide emissions level is rated at 133g/km (auto 138), placing it in band A for Vehicle Excise Duty.
Completing the engine line-up is the 1.4-litre D-4D common rail diesel engine. Using second generation high-pressure common rail technology, the turbocharged unit offers an excellent balance of power, torque and low fuel consumption. Offering 64.2mpg in combined cycle driving, the Yaris D-4D is Toyota’s most fuel-efficient production vehicle.
The 1.5-litre VVT-i petrol engine gives the T Sport performance worthy of its badging: nought to 62mph in nine seconds and a top speed (where permitted) of 118mph.
Another innovation for the new Yaris is Multi-mode Manual Transmission (MMT). Available only as an option with the 1.0-litre petrol engine, it offers the choice of two driving modes: Automatic (E) and Manual (M). Selecting M mode, the driver can enjoy a more dynamic driving experience with clutchless manual gear selection. In E mode the gear changes are fully automatic.
MMT’s electronic sensors and ‘drive-by-wire’ throttle permit optimum gear selection at all times. This means the car is more fuel efficient in automatic mode than the 1.0-litre model with conventional manual transmission.
Grading Structure And Equipment
The Yaris comes into line with other core Toyota models by adopting the logical ‘T’ grading system.
The entry-level T2 grade specification includes ABS, EBD, ISO-FIX child seat mountings and driver’s airbag. Power steering, a tilt-adjustable steering column, trip computer, 13-inch steel wheels and a radio and cassette audio system with twin speakers are also part of the package. The T2 features body colour-matched door handles and part-coloured bumpers.
Over and above the T2 specification, the T3 grade offers front passenger and side airbags, central double locking with remote activation, electric front windows, 14-inch steel wheels and a four-speaker sound system with radio and CD player.
The T Spirit places the emphasis firmly on comfort and ease of use, offering both manual air conditioning and sunroof, electrically adjustable door mirrors, electric rear windows, front fog lamps and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Additional audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel. Externally the T Spirit is distinguished by its 14-inch alloy wheels and full body coloured bumpers.
The top-of-the-range T Sport stands out with a body styling kit, 15-inch alloy wheels, sports bumpers, analogue instruments and dedicated red T Sport badging. The vehicle is protected by an integral alarm system.
The grading structure is aligned to a simple price walk system. Five door models are priced at a £500 premium over three door models; moving from the 1.0 to the 1.3-litre engine adds £300; and the 1.4-litre D-4D costs £700 more than the 1.3 petrol. Choosing the new MMT transmission adds £400 to the price of the 1.0-litre manual models, while the automatic gearbox for the 1.3 versions costs an extra £800.
