New Yaris poised to take back light-car crown

A new, invigorated Yaris has arrived in the local market to do battle with the country's most popular light car, the Mazda2.

Toyota is not accustomed to being outsold in a segment it has historically called its own, yet the current Yaris has been held at bay by Hyundai and, latterly Mazda, since 2008, the last year the diminutive Toyota was the most popular car in its class.

More spacious than its predecessor, the restyled Yaris is slightly longer (by 10mm) and wider inside — but not externally. Improved fuel economy and a higher standard specification are hallmarks of the new design, which remains priced from $14,990. Only the mid-range three-door variant, the Yaris YRS, has risen in price. According to Toyota, the Yaris offers buyers better value, by as much as $2450.

As the flagship of the range, the Yaris YRX remains priced at $21,390, but now offers standard climate control, auto-on/off headlights, satellite navigation and an upgraded audio system with 6.1-inch touchscreen.

One step below in the model range, the Yaris YRS sells for $16,890 (an increase of $500) for the three-door model, or $17,390 for the five-door model (no change). Powered by the 1.5-litre engine and available with a choice of manual or auto transmission, Yaris YRS gains cruise control, the six-speaker audio with touchscreen, 15-inch wheels and premium steering wheel/gear lever.

A new model joining the range is the three-door Yaris ZR, which sits upmarket of the Yaris YRS, but isn't as pricey as the flagship. Toyota has introduced the new variant as a sporty alternative in the three-door band of models. Distinguished from the Yaris YRS by its body kit, the Yaris ZR is priced at $18,990 and comes as standard with automatic transmission.

At entry level, the Yaris YR is priced at $14,990 for the three-door or $15,690 for the five-door. Automatic transmission is available as an option for $1600 extra. Among the base-grade Yaris's standard equipment list is an upgraded audio system featuring voice control and FM radio text.

Engineers from Toyota Technical Centre Australia have provided input for the suspension, steering and accelerator calibration of the new Yaris. The bulk of the international engineering effort has been concentrated on enhancing body rigidity, reducing weight and tweaking the engines for lower fuel use. Toyota claims that the combined-cycle fuel consumption figure is up to 0.4L/100km better than the previous model's.

Only the Yaris YR persists with the 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine — available with either the standard five-speed manual or the optional four-speed automatic. All other variants are powered by the 1.5-litre engine with just the mid-range Yaris YRS offering both manual and auto choices. Higher grades (YRX, ZR) are auto only. Peak power and torque for the 1.3 are rated at 63kW and 121Nm respectively. In combined-cycle testing the smaller engine returns a fuel-consumption figure of 5.7L/100km (manual) or 6.3L/100km (auto). In contrast, the 1.5-litre engine — developing 80kW and 141Nm — uses 91 RON petrol at the rate of 5.8L/100km (manual) and 6.3L/100km (auto).

Key to pics: Yaris ZR (blue), Yaris YRX (red), Yaris YRS (grey), Yaris YR (silver), Yaris YRX interior, Yaris ZR 1.5-litre engine

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