New Engine, New Transmission for 2016 Toyota Yaris

MANILA: Toyota Yaris will soon be getting an update for the season that is expected to come along with a new engine paired to a new transmission system. The changes are not restricted to the Philippines market alone but Yaris is expected to transform at the global platform as well. As for the Philippines market, we are not sure what all changes will accompany 2016 Yaris, expect that like all-new Vios it too will house a revised mill under its hood.

Following the footstep of 2016 Vios, Yaris will take leave from the NZ-series of engines and will be opting for new NR-series of mills. The said new lot of mills are known to deliver better power and fuel economy figures. Under the NR-series, the 2016 Yaris will be getting two engine options - a 1.3-litre and a 1.5-litre inline 4-CYL Dual VVT-i.

On the gearbox front, the earlier available four-speed automatic transmission will now be replaced by a Continuously Variable Transmission with a 7-speed manual mode. As for the 5-speed manual gearbox option, we expect to see it this time around too.

Though other Philippines centric technical specifications about Yaris are yet to be released by the brand, but we have found 2016 Toyota Yaris global website. Now we are not sure how much of these advancements or changes will be inherited by the Philippines dedicated model. But here are a few changes we would definitely like to see -

1. On the exterior front sharp and swept-back pair of multi-reflector halogen headlight with chrome accents, integrated fog lights with chrome accents, black front grille, LED daytime running lights, rear spoiler and color-keyed ORVM and door handles. All this will surely enhance 2016 Yaris appeal and road presence.

2. Inside the cabin, we'd like to have features like air-con system with air filters, Yaris Entune Audio system with 6.1-inch touch screen, connectivity features like AUX, USB, iPod, Bluetooth and voice recognition, and cruise control.

3. Safety seems to get a major chunk of up gradation routine and we wish to find the Philippines centric Yaris with safety gears like - Vehicle Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Smart Stop Technology, Nine airbags, and Whiplash Injury Lessening seats.

Well, all these are the features that accompany the globally launched Yaris and what we feel should accompany the one manufactured for the Philippines. The actual detail about Toyota Philippines launched Yaris will only be revealed once the car is launched that is expected to happen sometime later this year.