Toyota has released the all-new 2020 Yaris Hatch via digital press-release earlier this week, marking the 4th generation of the model.

Toyota claims that the 2020 Yaris Hatch stands out in the small car segment with its fun to drive attitude combined with class-leading fuel economy, safety and advanced hybrid technology.

Chief Executive Officer Neeraj Lala said the new fourth generation Yaris is “the most premium small car ever built by Toyota”.

The 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatch is an all-new design, built upon Toyota’s B-platform under Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA). Toyota claims that the new platform offers a rigid and lightweight frame, with a low centre of gravity. According to Toyota, the changes deliver improvements to ride, handling and driver experience.

At the launch, Toyota announced that the 4th generation Yaris will also offer its own sub-product line in the form of the Yaris Cross and in the Yaris GR (Gazoo Racing). 

Built on the same B-platform, the Yaris Cross is designed in small SUV format to meet the demands of the SUV market. Toyota’s CEO stated that he believed it was possible that the new Yaris Cross could become the range favourite, with buyers preferring it over the Yaris Hatch.  Further details on this model are expected to be released in another month and a half.

On the other-end of the range is the World Rally Championship inspired Yaris GR (Gazoo Racing). The Yaris GR has been developed alongside Tommi Mäkinen Racing, offering a 1.6-litre 3 cylinder producing 191kW/360Nm, 6-speed manual, permanent 4-wheel drive, forged alloys and two limited-slip differentials amongst many other features. Toyota indicated that 20 private orders for the Yaris GR have been confirmed thus far for New Zealand. Sadly, Toyota’s CEO said that there will be no dealer stock available for the Yaris GR.

Despite the alternative offerings, Toyota still expects Yaris hatch sales to be strong, with the small car segment representing 11% of the market. Toyota believes that the majority of new Yaris sales for 2020 will be to private buyers in Hybrid configuration. Toyota also indicated they had received large orders from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Justice.

Focusing on the humble hatch, the all-new design has stronger lines, wider wheel arches and offers features such as auto-folding mirrors, daytime running lights, and optional two tone exterior colours. 

Compared with its predecessor, the new Yaris’ length has been reduced by 5mm to 3940mm, while height has also been reduced by 10mm to 1500mm.  The wheelbase increased by 40mm, coming in at 2550mm.

The 2020 Yaris is offered with a new 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine, with models available with optional hybrid drivetrains. The new petrol powertrain produces 88kW of power and 145Nm of torque, while the hybrid powertrain’s combined output is 85kW of power and 120Nm of torque.  This represents roughly 10% more power and 3% more torque over the outgoing models

Petrol engine configurations are paired to a direct-shift CVT, while hybrid versions receive an electronically-controlled CVT.

Fuel consumption and emissions output are another area where the new Yaris hatch outshines its predecessor. For petrol variants, combined fuel economy is 4.9l/100kms – which represents a 23% improvement, while combined exhaust emissions is 114g/km – representing a 48% improvement. Hybrid models offer class-leading economy, with combined fuel economy dropping to 3.3l/100kms, while combined emissions falls to 76g/km. 

All Yaris Hatch variants have the latest Toyota Safety Sense package, which offers many features including Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane-Tracing Assist. All Yaris models have 8 airbags, including front seat centre-aisle airbags. Toyota has also enhanced their Pre-Collision System, with the Yaris being the first Toyota model to showcase their newest technology, Intersection Turn Assist.

Higher spec ZR variants also feature Blind Spot Monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and Parking Support Brake, which includes Intelligent Clearance Sonar and Rear Cross Traffic Auto Braking.

Both Yaris models offer selectable drive modes, with Hybrid models offering two additional modes called B and EV modes. B mode provides extra engine braking assistance, while EV mode allows the vehicle to travel distances between 500m to 1km on the hybrid battery alone. 

Inside, the Yaris offers a new multimedia system which incorporates a 7-inch touchscreen display and full smartphone integration including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features offered include push button start, a digital speedometer and heads-up display.

The 2020 Yaris Hatch will be available from August, with 9 different colour options, including two-tone options for an extra $500. 

All models come with a 3 year/100,000km warranty, while Yaris Hatch hybrid comes with Toyota’s high voltage hybrid warranty that covers the battery for up to 160,000kms, or 8 years.  

Prices start from $25,990 for the petrol-powered GX, while the range topping Hybrid ZR starts at $32,990.  

Further details on the Yaris range can be found at Toyota New Zealand’s website. DriveLife looks forward to testing out the new 2020 Yaris Hatch. 

 

Previous articleLDV’s T60 Ute set to go fully electric in 2021
Next article2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV Series II | Car Review
A millennial who prefers driving cars to having avocado on toast.

1 COMMENT

  1. I have a first gen 2006 Yaris – purchased new has never missed a beat. Impressive little beast perfect for my needs. Over 265,000 ks on the odo – I am a long distance commuter 126 ks each way week days Mon-Fri. I just love the eclectic blue of the latest gen. 👍

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.