The launch of the third generation Toyota Yaris adds a new chapter to the model's ongoing European success story. Over the last decade, the Yaris has consistently enjoyed a segment share of more than 5%. It has been a strong contributor to the increase in Toyota sales throughout Europe, boosting the brand image and becoming a key pillar of the company's European manufacturing operations.
The new Toyota Yaris will compete in the B-segment which - with a 26% share of the total market, equating to some 4 million sales per annum - remains the most important sales arena of the European automotive market. This segment is currently dominated by petrolengined vehicles, which represent more than two thirds of the mix.
Over the last few years, fragmentation has accelerated within the B-segment, due to the introduction of an increasing diversity of new model types such as the SUV and B-MPV. Nonetheless, representing 50% of total sales, the hatchback remains the segment's most important, and best-selling, bodystyle.
With the continued increase in fuel costs and CO2 taxation levels instigating downsizing by customers from other segments, B-segment sales are expected to remain stable in the immediate future.
The second generation Toyota Yaris is praised for its interior roominess, durability, versatility, engine efficiency and ease of driving in the urban environment. The new Yaris will consolidate all the strengths of the previous generation vehicle, while offering a more dynamic and sophisticated design execution, a clear step-up in sensory quality, a segment breakthrough in affordable multimedia connectivity, efficient powertrains, innovative transmission and the greater agility essential to urban driving.
Quality will remain a key Toyota Yaris attribute. Further improving the built-in quality recently praised in the German 2011 TüV report, Toyota Motor Manufacturing France's close involvement with suppliers from the very earliest stages of production will ensure that every component contributes to the overall quality of the vehicle.
Positioned at the heart of the B-segment, the new Toyota Yaris delivers an ingenious combination of benefits. It meets the demands of both progressive, technology-focused customers and more conventional users who place an emphasis on quality, practicality and, of course, value for money.
All the Clever Yaris DNA in a More Dynamic Package
Since the European launch of the first Toyota Yaris in 1999, each successive generation of the car has been developed in accordance with the key concept: "compact outside while roomy inside". The Yaris quickly became nicknamed "Piccolo Genio" (little genius) - a testament to the packaging ingenuity of the first two generations of the car.
The third generation Toyota Yaris inherits all the clever packaging DNA of these previous generations, while the exterior showcases the greater appeal of a bolder, more dynamic and elegant design execution befitting a European compact car.
Overall vehicle length is now 3,885 mm, a limited increase of just 100 mm. With an average car length of 4 meters in the B-segment, the new Yaris remains one of the most compact vehicles in its class. This is reflected in a class-leading turning circle as of just 4.7 metres, which makes the new Toyota Yaris particularly agile during city driving.
The width of the new Yaris remains the same at 1,695 mm, while its height has decreased by 20 mm to 1,510 mm, giving the car a lower centre of gravity and a more sporting stance. Within its well proportioned form, the wheelbase has been extended by 50 mm, and the design's short front and rear overhangs and prominent wheel arches express stability, agility and dynamism.
The bold frontal treatment identifies the Toyota Yaris as the first vehicle to feature the new face of the next generation Toyota family. Key to the new frontal styling is a change in the proportions of the upper and lower grilles, with the emphasis now placed on enlarging the latter.
Elegantly sculpted to highlight the Toyota badge, a full-width concave shaped upper grille is flanked by new, horizontal 'long eye'-look headlights. Their slim design incorporates dual lamps and, on some grades, smoke-plated 'eyebrows' to emphasise the new Yaris' bolder, more horizontal front styling.
Within the lower bumper, a strong, protruding centre section houses a large air intake to focus attention on the bottom half of the vehicle, reinforcing the low centre of gravity and giving the Toyota Yaris a more ground-hugging appearance.
Whilst maintaining the model's classic 'Y' pattern graphic, these new frontal styling elements give the Toyota Yaris a bolder, more masculine appearance.
In profile, the dynamism of the vehicle is reinforced by the more prominent design of the steeply sloped beltline which has been a key styling cue for each generation of Yaris.
The base of the A pillar has been moved forwards to strengthen the Toyota Yaris' stylish, cab-forward silhouette. The resultant increase in windscreen rake helps improve the vehicle's drag coefficient to a class-leading Cd 0.287. Both front and rear three-quarter visibility have been improved though a larger front quarterlight and the elimination of the rear glazing division bar, the latter giving a more dynamic look to the rear glazing.
A flowing, door cill character line and front and rear aero corner treatments further emphasise the new Yaris' low centre of gravity and elegant, long wheelbase profile. Allied to numerous underbody airflow rectification components, these styling elements also improve aerodynamic performance for enhanced fuel efficiency.
To the rear, the detailing of the lamp clusters, top-hinged tailgate inset into the bumper and lower bumper treatment are visually interlinked, once again maintaining the model's classic, "Y" pattern graphic. And the higher relocation of the license plate beneath a chrome bar garnish within the tailgate brings a more premium quality image to the design execution.
The third generation Toyota Yaris features new 15" and 16" alloy wheel designs, and will be available in a choice of 10 exterior colours. Bringing a more colourful palette to the Yaris, five colours are newly adopted by the model range, and two -Gin Buck and Turquoise- are newly developed.
Greater Interior Sensory Quality, Roominess and Comfort
The key interior design goal for the new Toyota Yaris was to create a more driver-focused cockpit with a symmetrical layout. The driver's and front passenger's spaces are clearly divided, emphasising a new focus on the driver ergonomics.
Incorporating strong horizontal lines to create a feeling of width, the dashboard is dominated by a sculpted, soft-padded section which flows away from the driver's space into matching, upper door panel pads, heightening the sense of interior spaciousness.
Dashboard and door pad colour is matched to seat upholstery inserts according to the grade structure, reinforcing the highquality feel of the interior.
Perceptions of sensory quality are further enhanced through highly tactile, premium quality detailing. The driver's instruments, Multimedia touch screen and air vents are trimmed with gun metal finish, concave cross-sectioned rings. And all controls and switchgear feature chrome plated convex cross-sections.
Unlike previous Yaris generations, the instrument binnacle is now positioned central to the steering wheel, with all driverfocused controls and switchgear ergonomically located for high visibility and ease of use. A new, easy-to-read, amber/red backlit combination meter features a large diameter central speedometer.
Further enhancing driver comfort, the three-spoke, stitched leather steering wheel has a new, more comfortable grip crosssection, the steering column rake has been lowered by 3 degrees to deliver a more engaging driver position, and driver's seat vertical adjustability has been increased by 15 mm to a maximum 60 mm. A driver's seat armrest is also available for greater comfort.
The front seats themselves feature an entirely new framework offering improved body-holding performance and excellent ride comfort. The width of the seat cushion has been increased and the side sections raised for improved holding. And the seating surface area has been increased and the front edge of the seat cushion raised to help reduce long-distance fatigue.
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, passenger accommodation aboard the new Toyota Yaris has not been compromised. Wheelbase length has been increased by 50 mm and interior width by 30 mm. This, allied to the incremental saving of space through careful detailing throughout the interior, makes the new Yaris one of the roomiest vehicles in its segment.
Without compromise to either comfort or safety, both front and rear seatbacks, as well as the tailgate, have been thinned to maximise roominess throughout. This increases rear passenger knee clearance by 35 mm to a class-leading 645 mm, and loadspace depth by 145 mm to a class-leading 710 mm.
Overall luggage capacity within the two-tier loadspace has been raised to 286 litres, rising to 12 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats folded flat at 768 litres. And the tailgate opening has been widened by 20 mm for greater convenience.
The spaciousness and high sensory quality of the new interior is further reinforced through the Toyota Yaris' large, all-glass panoramic sunroof. The structure is separated into front and rear sections allowing more flexibility for front and rear occupant to open or close, each fitted with a 20% light transmittance roller shade.
Efficient, lightweight engines and innovative transmission
Continuing the successful mix of powertrains featured in the previous generation model range, the new Toyota Yaris will be available with a choice of three engines; 1.0 and 1.33 litre VVT-i petrol engines and a 1.4 litre D-4D turbodiesel.
All three engines benefit from the application of Toyota Optimal Drive, a range of engineering measures designed to maximise performance and driving enjoyment while minimising fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Toyota Optimal Drive focuses on several key aspects of powertrain development such as lightweight, compact design, enhanced combustion efficiency, low friction components and environmentally friendly technologies. This, combined with weight saving measures and aerodynamic improvements, helps lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without compromising power and torque levels.
Combining light weight and compact design with the power and torque delivery essential to urban driving, all three engines return highly competitive fuel consumption figures, generate low, taxefficient CO2 emissions and are Euro V compliant.
A marvel of miniaturisation, Toyota's 3-cylinder, 1.0 litre VVT-i petrol engine led the trend for powertrain downsizing. To this day it remains a reference for compact, efficient engineering. The lightest unit in its class, it has won successive Engine of the Year awards in the sub-1.0 litre category.
Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the latest version of the 998 cc unit generates 69 DIN hp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 93 Nm at 3,600 rpm. Fuel consumption has been lowered by 4% to 4.8 l/100 km, and CO2 emissions lowered by 7% to only 110 g/km, making it the ideal engine for the shorter journeys of urban-based Yaris drivers.
A 1.33 Dual VVT-i petrol unit is available for customers requiring an engine with more power and torque. The engine is lightweight and compact, with a small bore and long stroke, resulting in a very high power-to-weight ratio. It combines strong dynamic performance, generating a 99 DIN hp at 6,000 rpm and, via a smoothened torque curve, a maximum 125 Nm at 4,000 rpm. When mated to the new Multidrive S transmission, fuel economy is just 5.1 l/100 km and CO2 emissions are at 118 g/km.
The 1.33 litre petrol engine's optional new Multidrive S transmission showcases Toyota's latest Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) technology. It now features a new manual override, sequential, 7-step mode operable by either the gearshift lever or steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Multidrive S operates within a wider band of gear ratios than a conventional transmission, allowing for both better acceleration from a standstill and improved fuel efficiency at cruising speeds. Engaging the Multidrive S Sport mode brings a closer alignment of engine and vehicle speeds, giving a more linear feel to acceleration in the manner of a conventional manual transmission. The Sport mode enhances acceleration performance and awards the driver a more dynamic driving experience.
Toyota Yaris models fitted with the 1.33 litre Dual VVT-I petrol engine may be equipped with an improved version of Toyota's Stop & Start system. Available in specific markets, the system now features a longer engine shut off time and will operate through a wider temperature range.
Finally, for customers who wish to combine strong performance with high mileage driving, a 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine is available, fitted, as standard, with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, it generates 90 DIN hp at 3,800 rpm and maximum torque of 205 Nm at 1,800-2,800 rpm. Fuel consumption has been lowered by 7% to 3.9 l/100 km, and CO2 by 6% to just 103 g/km.
Available as an option on 1.4 D-4D diesel versions of the new Yaris, MultiMode is an automated manual transmission with a fully automatic shift mode and no clutch pedal. It offers the driver a choice of two, fully automatic gear change modes or a manual, sequential gear change with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
New Grade Structure: Greater Value and Improved Standard Equipment
The new Toyota Yaris model range will be available in a choice of four grades - Entry, Active, Style and Lounge. Tailored to offer a stronger differentiation between them, each grade will offer customers a unique style and character, with dedicated interior zones for personalisation.
Offering outstanding value for money, with a high level of interior refinement and an extremely generous standard equipment specification, the Active grade will attract new customers to the Toyota brand and is expected to represent the largest percentage of new Yaris sales.
It features soft touch dashboard and door panel trim, gun metal inserts, steering wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth switchgear, driver's seat height adjustment, and silver stitching to the leather steering wheel and gear lever surround. A full audio multimedia 6.1'' display interface with Bluetooth and USB/Aux connectivity incorporates a rear view camera, and manual air-conditioning is fitted as standard. With seven airbags, ABS and VSC, the Active grade also offers customers the highest levels of safety.
The Style grade targets younger customers, offering the highest levels of standard equipment and the most dynamic, sporting, interior trim. Externally, it features a stiffer suspension set-up, 16" alloy wheels, front fog lamps with chrome surrounds and an integral rear spoiler. The interior includes grade-exclusive colour, trim and driver's instruments, driver and front passenger's seat height adjustment and armrest, and orange stitching for the steering wheel and hand break.
The Lounge grade has been tailored to appeal to both existing Yaris owners and those downsizing from the C-segment. It features a grade-specific light grey finish for the soft touch dashboard pad and door panels, an exclusive seat trim, driver and front passenger's seat height adjustment and armrest, a newly introduced dual-zone automatic climate control system with ventilated glove box, and electric rear windows.
Toyota Touch
Reflecting today's highly connected society, on-board multimedia systems are in increasing demand by customers of every automotive segment, regardless of vehicle price or model grade. These customers require a system which gives centralized, touch screen control of the widest possible range of vehicle functions, as well as connectivity to external devices such as mobile phones and portable music players.
Toyota Touch is a 6.1 inch, full colour, touch screen interface which represents a new approach to affordable, on-board multimedia systems. Fitted, as standard, on the new Yaris from the Active grade, it incorporates AM/FM radio, a CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with a music streaming facility, and automatic phonebook synchronisation at each connection. A USB port allows for the connection of portable music players, with the facility to display iTunes album cover art.
On-screen vehicle information displays include remaining fuel range, instant fuel consumption, average fuel consumption per minute over the last 15 minutes and time elapsed since last engine start. The system is available in the French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Russian languages.
In addition, the system incorporates a rear view camera, fitted as standard. The image is displayed on the Toyota Touch screen when reverse gear is engaged, to assist with parking manoeuvres.
Toyota Touch & Go
Building on the Toyota Touch multimedia base unit, Toyota Touch & Go equips the new Toyota Yaris with a navigation system representing the best value for money on the market.
The system includes all the most popular navigation functions, such as advanced traffic coverage, customisable speed limits, speed camera warnings and motorway signposting.
In addition, it not only offers drivers a choice of the fastest or shortest route to their destination, but also the one with the smallest environmental impact - an 'Ecological' route option. Using a compatible mobile phone, via Bluetooth, the system offers on-board connectivity to a Google Local Search function - the largest and most up-to-date search database in the world. Via Google Maps, destinations may be input remotely from home or office, and Points of Interest may be downloaded for entry as destinations.
The installation of Touch & Go also upgrades the multimedia base unit with the addition of an SMS on-screen send/receive function incorporating a contact person image display, and a USB-based photo viewing function.
Several Touch & Go Apps will be available for download from launch, such as fuel price, weather and parking space information. In addition, A specific Facebook App has been developed to allow Toyota Yaris owners to stay in touch with the 180 million European Facebook users over the course of their journey.
Toyota Touch & Go has been designed specifically to be both flexible and affordable. The system can be up-dated with the newest functions or latest maps, as they become available.
Tailored Specification Packs
Carefully tailored to enhance on-board comfort and convenience, a number of upgrade Option Packs offer Yaris customers exceptional value for money.
A VIP pack features partial leather upholstery, privacy glass, and driver and front passenger footwell lighting.
A Sound pack incorporates a dual, 280 watt amplifier and 8 premium speakers. A Vision pack offers customers front foglamps and a panoramic sunroof with independent, front and rear opening sunshades.
A Senso pack features automatic wipers and headlamps, and an electro-chromatic rear view mirror. A Senso Smart pack adds smart entry to the Senso pack content. And a Design pack features 15" alloy wheels and front foglamps.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) - Maintaining the Highest Levels of Built-in Quality in the B-segment
Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) has been building the Toyota Yaris for a decade. It remains committed to delivering vehicles with the highest levels of built-in quality in the B-segment.
The Toyota Yaris has already established a reputation for outstanding levels of Quality, Durability and Reliability. Such quality can only be assured through its comprehensive integration into every facet of the Toyota manufacturing process.
Development of the new Yaris project at TMMF was based on three key pillars:
* First, the identification of improvement points from each of the current Toyota Yaris production areas, and the very early incorporation of these requirements into the development of the new vehicle structure.
* Second, the guarantee of a smooth transfer of the new Yaris assembly operation to plant members through proper training and a review of fundamental skills.
* Third, the continued improvement of built-in quality in the company's manufacturing processes, based on Toyota production System principles.
TMMF engineers were involved in the development of the new Toyota Yaris for three years before the start of production - a year and a half longer than on the previous generation vehicle.
All manufacturing and quality departments sent several engineers to Japan for between 6 to 18 months, to study and further improve the vehicle design. The feedback generated has proved highly beneficial in minimising potential production quality issues.
Key to maintaining built-in quality in the long term, TMMF also focused on ensuring that every part has been designed for more consistent quality over the course of repeated manufacture, allowing for greater control of both fitting accuracy and build quality.
Cross functional Business Reform working groups focusing on design, quality, suppliers and production were also established. Their aim is to review critical process characteristics to guarantee the built-in quality of five critical functions - braking, acceleration, turning, fuel leaks and potential fire starting points. This also further improves quality consciousness from team members, as well as strengthening warranty management and the critical process audit.
The direct involvement of suppliers in the vehicle production preparation process was also essential to ensure the highest possible quality.
This involvement takes the form of numerous diverse activities: Within an intensive supplier development programme, Toyota engineers are based at strategic supplier factories to share knowledge and assist in the achievement of the expected quality standards.
For new parts, Toyota uses Simultaneous Engineering - the early exchange of part design ideas and manufacturing techniques between the company and the supplier- as well as supplier parts tracking teams - multiple visits to the supplier to ensure quality milestones are achieved- to solve problems well before the start of production.
Immediately prior to the start of new Yaris mass production, every supplier visited TMMF on a regular basis, both before and during assembly trial periods. This allow for extensive discussion, design reviews and trial parts fitting, with the aim of identifying all potential problems.
Overall, a longer project development lead time within the Toyota plant and the early involvement of suppliers in the design process combine to guarantee the earliest possible identification of problems. Such measures are fundamental to the Toyota culture of continuous improvement, and will ensure that the new Toyota Yaris offers customers the highest levels of built-in quality in the B-segment.
