These are the best spy pictures yet of Toyota's next-generation Yaris in testing. The next Yaris is designed as a mild refresh, as it makes extensive use of the current car’s bodywork.
But as Toyota is working on a hybrid addition to the range, it will be bringing the technology to the Fiesta and Polo sector for the first time.
See the latest spy pics of the new Toyota Yaris in testing
It’s unlikely that the Yaris will be able to accommodate the 1.8-litre petrol engine from the Prius and Auris powertrains. But Toyota does have 1.33 and 1.0-litre motors at its disposal.
The Yaris and Auris hybrids will give Toyota a two-pronged defence against new opposition in the market from Honda, which is set to launch a petrol-electric version of the next Jazz.
The forthcoming Yaris is likely to mark a split in small-car policy between Europe and the US. Toyota North America is said to have been lobbying for the car to move up in size, but this has been resisted.
Read Autocar’s full road test of the current Toyota Yaris
Instead, the US arm will unveil its own concept at January’s Detroit motor show, pointing towards a slightly larger B-segment model. It’s also unlikely to be a hybrid car.
The new Yaris could appear in Japanese showrooms as the Vitz by early next year, but confusingly, a small concept pointing to the European version of the car is due at next spring’s Geneva motor show. Sales of the Yaris will then begin here late next summer; the hybrid should appear in 2012.
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Re: Next Toyota Yaris: new pics
I don't agree with people that say the current Yaris isn't good looking - I have a 2 year old SR model with 16 inch alloys and sports suspension which I think looks great. But its a shame Toyota have stripped the range down to such an extent that they all look pretty basic and not as good as the model I've got.
I had a Mazda MX5 cabriolet coupe before it which was the worst car ownership experience I've had in over 20 years of driving (the car / dealerships / manufacturer all letting me down badly) but the Yaris has been a breath of fresh air in terms of reliability, practicality, running costs and dealer service. Unfortunately the driving experience isn't up there with the best but after my awful experience with the MX5, that wasn't at the top of my priorities.
Hopefully the new model will drive a lot better, and they'll do something about the engines to make them a bit more powerful and quieter. The interior will need to ditch the cheap hard plastics too, though its encouraging the dials are now in the right place.
Re: Next Toyota Yaris: new pics
Ignoring all the cardboard and tape it doen't look that much different to me. I'll give you the single wiper, but everything else is just the disguise...
Re: Next Toyota Yaris: new pics
The different door construction, body side shape, single wiper etc etc., point to much more than a mild facelift. Looks like a whole new platform to me.