Toyota Introduces All-New Yaris Subcompact

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Toyota Introduces All-New Yaris Subcompact

09/19/2006
September 19, 2006 – Torrance, CA - The all-new 2007 Yaris subcompact is the most affordable passenger car in the Toyota model lineup. Available in four-door Sedan and three-door Liftback configurations, Yaris replaces the ECHO in the Toyota lineup. First launched in Europe in 1999 where it became Toyota's best-selling vehicle, Yaris brings a higher level of refinement, sophistication, and fun-to-drive experience to the entry subcompact segment.

Yaris combines contemporary exterior styling and an unexpectedly upscale interior with truly impressive fuel efficiency (up to 40 MPG highway rating) and overall low cost of ownership. Toyota engineered Yaris to be enjoyable to own and drive and to offer the customers numerous options to individualize their cars.

"Yaris is one of the most economic and youthful passenger cars that Toyota has offered in the subcompact category," said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president. "At the same time, Toyota designed Yaris as a car that customers will want to own for its styling, quality and driveability, and not just for its low cost."

The Yaris Liftback is offered in one grade, while the Sedan will offer two grades, adding a sport-themed Yaris S. As one example of Toyota's focus on Yaris ownership appeal, the Liftback and Sedan each offers its own distinct palette of 13 colors. Only two colors, Polar White and Black Sand Pearl, are shared by both body styles for an unprecedented array of 24 color choices over the two models.

Both Yaris models ride on an all-new platform that is longer and wider than either the ECHO or the first-generation Yaris that had been offered in Europe since 1999. This versatile new platform will form the basis for a wide variety of future vehicles.

Sophisticated Design
Styled at Toyota's European design studio, ED², and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Design Division, the Yaris Liftback features a strong, modern mono-form shape with short overhangs and an assertive stance. Color-keyed door handles and rear view mirrors contribute to the Yaris Liftback's upscale look and consistent profile from front to rear.

In front, the chrome-trimmed grille is framed by sharp character lines integrated into the aerodynamic hood and windshield. Eliminating outer moldings from the windshield and door glass helps to enhance aerodynamics and reduce wind noise. The distinctive rear styling features large taillights, and the wide liftgate provides easy cargo area access.

The Yaris Sedan rides on a longer version of the platform, with a 100.4-inch wheelbase versus 96.9 inches for the Liftback. The Yaris Sedan has an overall length of 169.3 inches compared to 150 inches for the Liftback, and the Sedan is 3.3 inches lower than the Liftback, as well. A low 0.29 coefficient of drag ensures aerodynamic efficiency for both models.

The Yaris Sedan is not only dimensionally different than the Liftback, but features its own styling, with an arched beltline and its wheels pushed outward at each corner. Integrated bumpers and headlamps give the Yaris Sedan a modern and sophisticated appearance.

Like the Liftback, the Sedan features a "T" face grille, which emphasizes the Toyota identity. In the rear, the tail lamps frame a wide trunk opening. The trunk lid extends down to the bumper molding to provide a substantial appearance as well as easy trunk access.

The Yaris S Sedan provides a decidedly sporty appearance and attitude with side rocker panels, front and rear under-bumper spoilers, 15-inch steel wheels and available aluminum alloy wheels.

High-Strength Construction
The Yaris is built around a highly rigid yet lightweight structure incorporating strategic use of high-tensile steel. The inherent strength of the Yaris platform allowed Toyota to tune the suspension for quick responses yet with a compliant ride. The body structure incorporates damping materials in strategic locations throughout to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), helping to make Yaris quiet and comfortable for long trips.

The newly developed L-arm MacPherson strut front suspension includes a 0.9-inch stabilizer bar. A new hydroformed torsion beam axle for the rear suspension provides the necessary anti-roll stabilization, eliminating the need for a separate anti-roll bar. Yaris suspension and steering have been tuned to deliver responsive handling and excellent maneuverability, including a class-leading 32.7-ft. turning radius. Both the Liftback and Sedan ride on standard P175/65 R14 tires with steel wheels and full wheel covers and offer available 15-inch steel or aluminum alloy wheels.

Spacious, Practical and Comfortable Interior
The Yaris Liftback interior provides roominess that belies its exterior dimensions. The upscale and comfortable cabin interior provides rear seating for three with headrests in all seating positions. The rear seatback folds down to expand cargo capacity from 9.3 cubic feet to 25.7 cubic feet. A 60/40 split rear seatback with reclining feature is included in the optional Power Package.

The instrument cluster is center-mounted, high on the dash to enhance forward visibility and the feeling of roominess. Both Yaris models provide easy-to-reach audio and climate controls, an array of storage spaces including a center console with built-in storage, and cupholders in the front and rear.

Standard convenience features on both the Yaris Liftback and Sedan include air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; a gated shift lever (automatic transmission); tinted glass; digital clock; a map light; intermittent windshield wipers with mist control, and dual sunvisors with vanity mirrors.

Like the Yaris Liftback, the Sedan features rear seating for three with headrests in each seating position. Standard on the Yaris S and available on the Sedan are 60/40 folding rear seatbacks with a fold-down center armrest and cupholder. With the 60/40 seatbacks up, the Sedan's spacious trunk offers nearly 14 cu. ft. of capacity, and folding the seatbacks expands that to 25.7 cu. ft.

Fun-To-Drive Performance and Handling
Both Yaris models are powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The Yaris engine produces 106 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 103 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 RPM. Both the Liftback and Sedan feature a standard five-speed manual transmission and offer an available four-speed automatic transmission. The automatic features uphill/downhill shift logic to reduce gear "hunting" to help ensure smooth performance when driving in hills.

Yaris fuel efficiency is among the best in the subcompact segment, with EPA fuel economy ratings of 34 MPG city / 40 MPG highway for manual transmission models and 34/39 for the automatic. Yaris is EPA-certified as an Ultra-Low Emission vehicle (ULEV II).

Safety
Yaris helps protect its occupants with a reinforced cabin that integrates front and rear crumple zones and energy-absorbing materials on the roof and doors. Yaris is equipped with height-adjustable headrests and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions, and the front seatbelts integrate pretensioners and force limiters.

Safety is also addressed with standard driver and passenger advanced dual-stage front airbags (SRS) that inflate at a higher or lower speed, according to collision severity. A front seat passenger sensor is designed to detect how much weight is on the seat to determine whether the airbag should inflate and the correct inflation power.

Front-seat-mounted side airbags with first and second row roll-sensing side curtain airbags are available as options, as is an anti-lock brake system (ABS). The rear seat is equipped with the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) uniform child restrain anchorage system.

Options
Yaris is available with a number of comfort and convenience options, as well as a selection of accessories for individualization. A convenience package that is standard on all Yaris S and available on the Sedan and Liftback adds an AM/FM CD player with MP3 capability and universal mini-jack port; a rear defroster; 15-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers; 60/40 folding rear seatbacks (Sedan only) and a rear wiper (Liftback only).

The optional Power Package equips all Yaris models with power door locks, windows, and mirrors; AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 capability and audio mini-jack; rear defroster and 15-inch steel wheels with covers. For the Sedan, the Power Package also includes ABS; a tachometer (standard on manual transmission models); upgraded trim and cruise control. For the Liftback, it adds a 60/40 split rear seat that slides, reclines, and folds completely flat.

With the Power Package selected, customers can individualize the Yaris with stand alone options, including 15-inch alloy wheels; foglamps; a rear spoiler, remote keyless entry and immobilizer (Sedan only).

Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months with no mileage limitation.

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