Toyota is talking emotions at launches. The spokesmen waxed eloquent about the design and engineering that focus on an emotional experience about the new Camry. Echoes were to be heard at the launch of the 2018 Yaris sedan as well. Now, I have learnt to take those words seriously, after driving the new Camry to and around the Dubai Autodrome!
The significant changes in Yaris
By the end of the Yaris launch, what rested within my notes was the very impressive fuel economy – 20.0 km per litre was 2.5 km per litre ahead of nearest competitor as per the presentation slide – and the visibly different positioning change of the dashboard and gear console. The console is slightly in-drawn and thus makes for space like never before and adds a tucked-away convenience to the storage at the root of the console.
The new Yaris has grown in length by 15 mm to 4,425 mm, and sideways by 30 mm to 1,730 mm. This has added to the aerodynamics along with a wider and sportier look. As for improved comfort, while the hip point distance from front seat to rear seat hasn’t changed, the seat reclining angle has been pushed back by 2% – from 23º to 25º and this could make for a more relaxed seating position.
The three words that Chief Engineer Takatomo Suzuki (we clicked a picture together) emphasized were the three that Yaris lovers in the region would want to hear over and over again – Quality, Durability and Reliability. He also pointed out how the new Yaris sedan is true for most part to the concept design they started with.
The new Yaris has pleasing exteriors made to look sharp with dynamic angles. The updated front has a horizontal grille that incorporates sharp headlamps with integrated clearance lamps, and LED daytime running lamps. The addition of the newly introduced shark-fin antenna adds to the aerodynamic design of the car. The new design of Yaris calls for some fun colours and there are eight available of which two have been newly developed – Red M.M. and Dark Blue M.M.! The car gets 15-inch alloy wheels in the upper trim.
The interiors add a dash of excitement with simulated stitching along the edges of the front panels and cup holders showing off an LED shower light. The cabin features include Smart Entry & Start System, Cruise Control System, optitron meter and 4.2-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) multi-information display, automatic air conditioning system, as well as a six-speaker sound system with AUX and USB jacks. Two contrasting interiors are available – one in Black and the other in a sophisticated Ivory.
Drivetrain and standard safety
The new Yaris comes with a 1.3L and 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with dual VVT-i technology. The larger engine has a maximum output of 105 hp and 140 N-m of torque and is mated to a smooth-shifting Multidrive 7S transmission.
The Yaris has introduced impressive safety features as standard and this version is no exception. Dual SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), High Mount Stop Lamp, and an enhanced body and platform structure are the major ones.
Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota, said: “Yaris Sedan is one of the key models not only for our retail customers but also for our corporate and SME partners.” Which is why, Toyota is compelled to promise superior comfort and advanced safety features besides overall value, best-in-class fuel efficiency and low cost of ownership. He also underlined the exceptional logistic capability between Al Futtaim Motors and Toyota, which lets customer orders to be shipped in just two months!
The new Yaris Sedan is available at all Al-Futtaim Toyota showrooms in the UAE in two trim levels – SE and SE +. The major differences are: 14” and 15” wheels, push button start, 4.2” TFT multi information screen, 60:40 split folding rear seats and steering mounted controls. The price starts at AED 59,900.
