Modern interior, original design
However, none of this means that the novelty should be less spacious. Thanks to the extension of the wheelbase by 50 millimeters and the overall better use of the enclosed space thanks to the new platform, there is at least as much space inside as in the previous version. It gets a little lower than before, the car inside gives a more cozy impression.
The design has changed significantly compared to previous designs. While the first three generations were rather conservative, the new styling is very expressive and sometimes quite bold. Contrary to expectations, however, unlike other toyot goes a little in its own direction: while they bet on dynamic lines in combination with some sharper lines, here is a giant radiator grille combined with a muscular concept and a very rounded body with several distinctive elements.
The look of the car is certainly a matter of personal taste, but we are not sure that the new Yaris is in this respect tailored to the taste of the European audience. In the photos, the combination of rounded lines with aggressive details looks original, but in reality it seemed to us a little too complicated. Moreover, the rear doors appear to be a bit narrow in the body. On the other hand, we have not seen the novelty in normal daylight, but only in the studio under artificial lighting, which may not be flattering to the car.
But back to the interior. Toyota has greatly improved the quality of the materials used, the entire dashboard uses softened materials, and parts of the door panels are made of unusual ecological textile material, which is also very pleasant to the touch. The seats look comfortable and the seats are so right - everything is fine at the front, some competitors can be a bit more spacious at the back. Yaris is at the level of Ford Fiesta's next generation. The VW Polo, Seat Ibiza or the new Peugeot 208 will offer more space for the crew.
There is of course modern infotainment. Yaris can be equipped with wireless recharging of mobile phones, the device chapel of presented high-end designs is also fully digital. But not in one piece, as is usual today - there are actually three displays. The impression of otherwise hilarious (albeit somewhat wilder) interior design is spoiled by some details: such as humpback-made seat heating switches or the USB connector in the center console, which look like the cheapest cars. On the contrary, we praise that the control of air conditioning and heating has remained independent and is not part of the infotainment.
Only three cylinders
A more natural impression is the automatic transmission selector lever, which has been standard with the hybrid powertrain in Yaris since the previous generation. It was in this design that Toyota presented the next generation of its small model. The drive train is also undergoing major changes.
Newly, there is a three-cylinder petrol engine with a capacity of 1.5 liters. The engine is based on the latest generation of Toyota hybrid gear, technically closely related to the new stronger 2-liter hybrid gear, which is available on the Corolla model and will be available after the facelift option in the C-HR.
Essentially, a two-liter four-cylinder engine lost one cylinder and is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. Toyota boasts that the engine has a thermodynamic efficiency of 40 percent, equaling (or even outperforming) the best diesel. The powertrain electric motor itself should have a power output of about 50 kW, and the arrangement of the planetary mechanism that controls the entire energy transfer should now be more space efficient. In addition, there is a new lithium-ion battery that is 27 percent lighter than an existing nickel-metal hydride battery.
The automaker has not yet published the exact technical data of the new hybrid, but promises to increase performance by 15 percent and reduce consumption by 20 percent. In practice, this should mean that the new Yaris Hybrid will have about 115 hp and the combined fuel consumption could drop to around three liters of petrol per 100 kilometers (the current version shows a combined value of 3.7-4.0 liters).
In addition to the hybrid system will also be available with other three-cylinder engines. The basis should be a liter engine, probably will be the evolution of the existing aggregate, which was in the previous generation and can be found in the small model Aygo. Another alternative will be a 1.5-liter three-cylinder, which will probably be based on the aggregate used in the hybrid solution. However, this engine will probably only be available in some markets.
In terms of availability and prices, it is too early. It is certain that the new Yaris will be coming to the market next year; perhaps we can look forward to it in spring or summer. Prices, as has been the case recently, are likely to rise. Especially in the basic designs - the Yaris hybrid, which starts today at 435,900 crowns, should probably not be dramatically more expensive in the new generation. It's enough money for a small car anyway. In the meantime, customers will be able to purchase the existing version at discounted prices.