Toyota Yaris: Features explained

The Toyota Yaris has been around for a few years. It has gained its spot in the Philippines as the number one selling compact car. Decent engine options, a comfortable and spacious interior, pleasing design as well as a mix of good safety features have enabled it to reach this position. The Toyota badge is just an added impetus to the vehicle. Toyota hasn’t skimped out on the essential features on its premium hatchback model. Let’s see what all are the features that endear the 2018 Toyota Yaris to the masses.

Dimensions and weight

Let’s get the exterior numbers out of the way first, shall we? The new Toyota Yaris measures 4,145 x 1,730 x 1,500 mm in length, width, and height. Its wheelbase is 2,550 mm. This wheelbase is even longer than that of some sedans. The front, as well as rear tread, are 1,460 and 1,450 mm respectively. If you notice, the Toyota Yaris specifications state that the vehicle is just above 4 metres. In many countries around the world, a car which measures less than 4 metres is called a compact vehicle. Hence, the classification for the Yaris.

The Yaris will seat five in decent comfort and the kerb weight of the vehicle is 1,065 kg. This is quite low when compared to other hatchbacks. On the brighter side, the fuel economy is said to be affected in a positive manner. It increases. Simple math. Less weight to lug around, less will be the energy expended. The turning radius of 5-metre ensures that the vehicle is easily maneuverable even in the tightest of u-turns.

Engine and dynamics

Toyota offers two engine options with the new Yaris. The smaller unit sweeps 1,300 cc and produces 99 PS at 6,000 rpm and torque of 123 Nm at 4,400 rpm. This engine is from the 1NR-FE series. It is mated to a 5-speed manual and can be optioned with a CVT unit as well. The fuel tank capacity of this Dual VVT-i, 4-cylinder in-line DOHC, 16 Valve EFI engine is 42 litres. There is also a higher capacity naturally aspirated petrol engine. This motor measures 1.5-litre and is from the 2NR-FE series. Out of its Dual VVT-i, 4-cylinder in-line DOHC, 16 Valve EFI engine, the power produced is 107 PS at 6,000 rpm and torque is 140 Nm at 4,200 rpm. There is only a CVT available with this engine. Both the engine claims close to 16 kmpl fuel efficiency.

Toyota has given 15-inch alloys for both the Yaris variants. In terms of suspension components, both the cars use MacPherson strut type with stabiliser in the front while the rear unit is a torsion beam type with stabiliser. The front wheels use disc brakes while the rear units make do with a drum. The steering wheel is an electrically assisted type.

Features of the Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris specifications detail out a long list of features. These not only include paddle shifters, three-spoke steering wheel with leather on it and an audio switch, halogen projector headlight, daytime running lights, power folding and adjusting ORVMs, rear window defogger, ticket holder, vanity mirror for both the passenger and driver, rear console, door pockets for all the extremities, seat back pocket, push-button start and climate control.

Toyota has also given a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that will also host Weblink for Android and Apple. It obviously has Bluetooth connectivity as well as aux input. The lighting system also has the Follow Me Home function.

In terms of safety equipment, the new Toyota Yaris boasts seven airbags including one for the driver’s knees, Hill Start Assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts, ABS with EBD and more. The GNCAP has awarded it five stars in the crash tests. What more will one need?

On to the price and variants then. The Toyota Yaris hatchback color options include- Freedom White, Gray Metallic, Orange Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Citrus Mica Metallic. In terms of trim levels, the Yaris comes in 1.3 E and 1.5 S trims. The Toyota Yaris price starts from PHP 875,000 while the top spec model is for Php 1,040,000. There is a three year or one lakh kilometre warranty on offer too.