Toyota has introduced a raft of updates for the hot-selling Yaris small car - co-incidentally just ahead of the launch of the all-new Mazda2.
The three-door model is gone – the new model exclusively five-door and features a bolder exterior look and an improved interior.
Styling changes came from Toyota Europe and see the adoption of the lates Toyota ‘family look’ slim-line front grille and Toyota logo and new lights front and rear.
Inside are new finishes and a brighter look.
Equipment levels have improved with the safety of a reversing camera now standard across the range, telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, new design 15-inch alloy wheels a 6.1-inch audio screen with smartphone-like operation.
Changes to the model grades too with the 1.3-litre Ascent now the entry model.
With the extra kit and 15-incha wheels in place of 14-inch, Toyota reckons the kick-off Yaris version is some $2,000 better-off than its predecessor but the RRP has been kept at $15,690.
Mid-grade Toyota Yaris SX, at $17,790 is some $400 more expensive than the previous generation but the 1.5-litre-powered Yaris gains around $1,000 of extras including the reversing camera, fog lights, privacy glass and new-look wheels.
Also boasting 1,5-litre power, the range-topping Toyota Yaris ZR picks-up new auto-leveling LED headlights, rear spoiler and diffuser, side skirts and Toyota Link (around $2,000 worth of extras) but the price has risen by only $1,300 at $22,690.
But in fact there’s a lot more to the upgraded Toyota Yaris than just features.
There’s a stiffer body shell and re-tuned suspension for more dynamic ride/handling and lots ofwork to reduce NVH.
The new lineup is:
Ascent $15,690
SX $17,790
ZR (auto only) $22,690
