Yaris Soars Into The Blue

The Toyota Yaris is being given added driver appeal with the launch of the Yaris Blue. On sale from 1 April, Yaris Blue offers special styling and equipment specification at a high value for money price. Three and five-door versions are being launched with a choice of 1.0 and 1.3-litre VVT-i petrol engine power. As befits its name, Yaris Blue will be finished in one of three blue metallic paint finishes: Ice Blue, Carlo Blue or new Twilight Blue, exclusive to this model. The bumpers and door mirrors are colour-keyed and a chrome finisher on the tailpipe adds a distinctive touch. The 1.3 versions ride on eight-spoke alloy wheels, while the 1.0 models are fitted with exclusive-design wheel trims.

In the cabin the blue theme continues in the upholstery, door trims and the contrasting blue stitching on the leather steering wheel trim. Both the scuff plates and carpet mats feature the "Yaris Blue" badging. Carbon fibre-style inserts add a sporty touch to the dashboard and doors and the gear knob has a chrome and leather finish. Auxiliary audio controls mounted on the steering wheel provide added convenience.

The specification of the new Yaris Blue builds on that of the current Yaris T3 with extra features that together are worth more than £900. However, on-the-road prices for Yaris Blue are only marginally higher, starting at £8,945 for the 1.0 three-door model.

The Toyota Yaris has enjoyed huge success since its launch in 1999, its European sales reaching record highs year after year and more than 141,000 units being sold in the UK alone.