Yaris facelift designed to appeal to the heart
Toyota has revealed more details on the upgraded Yaris due in Australia this year, describing the changes as "far beyond a mid-life facelift".
Most obvious is the striking new grille which, as has previously been reported, means the Yaris is now in keeping with the bolder design found on the Aygo (not available in Australia) and the upgraded Camry revealed at the recent New York motor show.
The Japanese marque's quest to appeal to the heart as well as the head with its design extends inside, with the new cabin layout placing an emphasis on better materials and ergonomics and also a reduction in noise and vibration levels.
European buyers will have the choice of a three-cylinder petrol, diesel and hybrid engines but it's not yet known whether any of the overseas powertrains will replace the current 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol options available in Australia.
The new Yaris will be more rigid, which should improve steering response, while a redesigned rear suspension with a stiffer torsion beam and softer coil springs aims to provide a more comfortable ride.
The upgraded light car will be available in five-door-hatch and four-door sedan models only when it arrives in showrooms in September, with Toyota opting to drop the three-door hatch variant.
