It is true that the exterior changes for the Yaris 2017 are not very pronounced, but there are. Certain aspects of aesthetics change, such as the optical groups or the rear pilots, a more three-dimensional frontal aspect – Toyota says that it is inspired by a Catamaran, the grill (in two finishes according to version) or moldings in the bottom of the doors, among other things.
Inside there are also some changes to improve appearance and ergonomics, such as a newly designed instrument panel with 4.2-inch center TFT display, multimedia system with new interface, side air diffusers in ‘turbine’ design, new headrest Invoice or Isofix anchorages that Toyota ensures are now easier to use. Of course, they still do not bet on Apple Car Play or Android Auto compatibility on this Yaris, claiming they prefer their own systems.
In general, the materials of the interior that are more at hand are pleasant to the touch and the general appearance is good, especially with the touch of color that contribute the contrast moldings of some versions. Both the front seats (only the driver has armrests) and the rear ones offer a correct habitability (behind the space for knees and head is good), and finally, the trunk is 286 liters and has a double bottom in certain versions.
Perhaps the most outstanding are the customization options, a key feature in the utility segment, as design is one of the main buying points for customers of this type of car. The range has ten body colors (two are new), different designs of tires, upholstery, interior moldings and even exterior double finishes, which allow to paint in a different color the ceiling, pillars or mirrors.
What really matters is not in sight, like a new 1.5-liter VVT-iE four-cylinder engine, which although it grows in displacement compared to the previous 1.33 liters, is still atmospheric. The range maintains the basic petrol engine, a 1.0 VVT-i tri-cylindrical of 69 hp and 95 Nm, equipped with a manual gearbox of five speeds.
This 1.5-liter block develops 111 hp and 136 Nm, and perhaps the most interesting is that it uses a fairly high compression ratio of 13.5: 1 and can operate in Otto or Atkinson cycle , the latter in situations where it can Thus saving more fuel. Homology an average consumption of 4.5 liters to the hundred kilometers.
In addition, Toyota claims to have made slight suspension and steering adjustments to improve ride comfort and maneuverability. It also improves on insulation and soundproofing of the passenger compartment, now quieter (especially less noise from the engine). All equipped with 175/65 R15 or 195/50 R16 tires.
At the wheel of all these modifications are not too obvious (it would have to prove the previous and the new one to hand), but in any case the Yaris is comfortable of suspensions – ideal for the omnipresent in city, the isolation is sufficient, its direction Has a nice weight (not therefore of the soft ones, but is suitable for maneuvers) and the size of 3.95 meters makes it perfect for parking or strolling.
Toyota promises for the beginning of 2018 the sportiest variant of the model, inspired by the World Rally Championship. It is called Yaris GRMN and its greatest virtue is its 1.8 liter supercharged engine by compressor, which is combined with a standard six-speed manual gearbox, a front Torsen differential to optimize traction capacity and a power output of 210 hp.
The ace in the sleeve: The hybrid option
It is not very common to find a hybrid variant in the utility segment, so the fact that Toyota continues to offer its Yaris Hybrid is a whole ace in the race against the competition. They want the hybrid quota in our market to reach 60% of sales, no less. It should be remembered that they do not offer a diesel in the range, although the demand for gas oil in these urban cars is very low.
During the presentation in Holland, we have not been able to test the hybrid, which improves mainly in ride comfort and rumor, although the system is the same as before: a 1.5 VVT-i engine in combination with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor (45 KW) and a planetary gear transmission (the typical configuration of Toyota hybrids). The result is a total power of 100 hp and an average consumption of 3.3 liters per hundred kilometers (75 g / km of CO2).
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How about the new 1.5 VVT-iE engine?
Like the previous 1.33, this 1.5-liter four-cylinder block is still very quiet at idle, but not so much when it starts to turn up and especially when exploring the top half of the rev counter, although the sound is interesting. On the other hand, the point of the clutch pedal seems somewhat high and it is necessary to get used to not to revolutionize the engine more than necessary when leaving from stopped.
When we tested the previous Yaris with the engine, 1.33 liters we stated that it lacked some force at low speed, due to a very contained maximum torque figure (125 Nm). With this new engine has partially solved this problem because, although the difference in torque is only 11 Nm (now 136), in practice the engine is more usable, less compelled to constantly resort to shifting and has strength enough from about 2000 laps to move to the Yaris without problem.
In this sense, the new block is more pleasant to drive than the previous one, for performance and general response, although if we compare it with the new 1.5 TSI Evo of the Volkswagen Group, equally displaced but with turbo and more power, this VVT- He is not as refined as the German.
It is not particularly bright in accelerations or recoveries, but it is better than before and performs quite well. Now it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11 seconds, 8 tenths less than the previous 1.33 liters, and reaches 175 km / h (the hybrid conforms with 165 km/h and the access with 155 km/h). Fortunately we are not dealing with a heavy car (it moves between 980 and 1165 kilograms, according to version), so it shows agility in curve and changes direction with ease.
As far as fuel consumption is concerned, we are somewhat far from the homologated figure (4.5 liters in combined cycle), with a figure of computer of aboard of 6.8 liters to the hundred kilometers, but it is necessary to have in We realize that we conduct mainly urban driving, with constant traffic lights, roundabouts and crossings, so it is not too representative data. It promises figures 10% lower than the previous propeller.
Four trim levels
The Yaris 2017 range has four trim levels, called City, Active, Feel! And Advance, from less to more equipment. Broadly, they incorporate the following …
- City: The most basic of the Yaris already includes alloy wheels of 15 inches, manual climate control, front fog lights, door handles in the color of the body, rain sensor, spare wheel, seven airbags, Slope and Toyota Safety Sense (formed by inadvertent lane change warning system, pre-collision system with emergency braking and autopilot assistant.
- Active: The next level adds to the above 15-inch alloy wheels in specific design, Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system, cruise control, speed limiter, dashboard with 4.2-inch center TFT screen, double bottom in the Luggage compartment, rear electric windows, LED lights and Toyota Safety Sense, plus the recognition of traffic signals. A ‘Cool’ package optionally adds reversing camera, button start (in the hybrid) and automatic climate control.
- Feel!: The most stylish of all is 16-inch twin-alloy wheels, front honeycomb grille, tinted rear windows, LED daytime running lights, rear roof spoiler, LED lights and glossy black side trim. Optionally offers a Skyview panoramic roof. In addition, the body can be painted in two colors (pillars and ceiling in a contrasting tone).
- Advance: The most equipped of the range culminates with 16″ wheels in Advance design, Piano Black front grille, mixed fabric and alcantara upholstery, light sensor, keyless entry and start, Skyview panoramic roof and chrome side moldings, for example.
The renewed Toyota Yaris is already on sale, although the first units will reach dealers and customers as of April 21. In addition, Toyota offers a flexible financing system or Pay Per Drive that allows payment month by month but with the advantage of being able to choose 2, 3 or 4 years if we want to stay with the car, change it for another or return it.
