2020 Toyota Yaris Officially Unveiled, Embraces “Less Is More” Philosophy


Toyota has officially unveiled its all-new Yaris subcompact hatch in both Japanese and European specifications.

The fourth-generation Yaris is the first application of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) in the segment, with the new modular platform being code-named the GA-B. It enables significant improvements for the small hatchback in all areas, including styling, practicality, mechanical, technology and safety, and also helps reduce the car’s weight by up to 50 kg (110 lbs).


The all-new Yaris features a much more emotional design than its predecessor, with more dramatic proportions thanks to it being shorter, wider and lower. Bucking the trend of most new cars, the 2020 Yaris loses 5 mm (0.2 in) in length and 40 mm (1.6 in) in height. However, it adds millimeters where it counts, namely the wheelbase (+50 mm / 2 in) and width (+50 mm / 2 in).

This results in a roomier interior (the seats are mounted lower so headroom is not affected) and is a prerequisite for improved driving dynamics and maneuverability. Exterior styling highlights include the large grille, bulged wheel arches, longer bonnet, sporty bumpers, and all-LED lights.


The interior design follows the same “less-is-more” principle and features high-quality materials including felt trim finish for the door panels and a soft-touch instrument panel (a first for the Yaris). Toyota says it focused on improving sensory quality in terms of touch, operation and sound of everything that passengers interact with in the car.

The dashboard is slimmer and set lower, with a wider and higher center console and a smaller steering wheel for better visibility. Information sources includes a central Toyota Touch screen, a TFT multi-information display in the instrument binnacle flanked by twin digital meters, and a 10-inch color head-up display. Other available features include a wireless charger, a heated steering wheel and ambient lighting around the driver’s cockpit.


Depending on the market, Toyota’s new supermini is available with a new 1.5-liter Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain as well as 1.5-liter and 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engines. The headline act is the fourth-generation self-charging hybrid system, which is directly derived from the larger 2.0- and 2.5-liter ones introduced in the Corolla, Camry and RAV4.

The system combines a 1.5-liter Dynamic Force three-cylinder Atkinson cycle gasoline engine with an 80 PS (79 HP) electric motor and a bigger and lighter lithium-ion battery. Toyota claims the new powertrain reduces the Yaris Hybrid’s fuel economy and CO2 emissions by more than 20 percent while offering a 15 percent higher system output. Since the outgoing Yaris Hybrid is rated at 100 PS (99 HP), this means that the new one should make 115 PS (113 HP).


At least in Japan, the new hybrid system is also offered with an E-Four (electric four-wheel drive) system, a first for a subcompact car. When it comes to driving, Toyota says the 2020 Yaris is more agile and stable thanks to the lighter weight, 15 mm (0.6 in) lower center of gravity, which also helps create a more engaging driving position, wider tracks and higher body rigidity.

According to its maker, the 2020 Yaris has been designed to be the world’s safest car in its segment, so it’s little surprise that it comes equipped as standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package which includes full speed-range intelligent adaptive cruise control and lane trace assist system, plus a center airbag to protect front occupants in case of side impact.


Toyota will continue to build the Yaris in France for European countries and Japan for the domestic and other Asian markets.

carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more