Stability control for Yaris

Stability control is now a standard feature on Toyota's 1.5-litre Yaris models. Traction control is also featured as part of the upgrade, joining a select group of light cars offering the technology Down Under.

But buyers will have to pay for the technology -- prices of Yaris 1.5-litre models increase between $300 and $650 dependent on the model; while 1.3-litre models, which go without stability control are unchanged.

Of the expansive list of models from other marques competing in the light car category, only a handful offer stability control. They are however key models -- among the top-sellers in the segment. These include Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Getz, Mazda2 and Suzuki Swift. Like Toyota, none of the abovementioned make/models apply stability control as standard fit across their respective ranges.

Toyota's executive director of sales and marketing David Buttner said safety features such as stability control will be added to more Toyota models as they become available on the Australian market.

"We will continue to add a variety of safety features to models across our range as the opportunity arises," he said.

The Yaris has recently been given a minor upgrade with the inclusion of Bluetooth capability, audio streaming, MP3/WMA compatible audio, a 3.5mm audio input jack and a USB jack with iPod control as standard on all models.

The Yaris comes in four-door sedan, three and five-door hatch configuration in YR, YRS and YRX form and is available with a choice of 1.3-litre or 1.5-litre engines. Manual or automatic transmissions are also on offer.

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