TOYOTA’S upgraded Yaris will embark on a new era when it is released onto the South African market during the second half of this year.
The images recently released reveal a model which delivers greater emotional appeal by sporting Toyota’s signature front-end design, imbuing the newcomer with a more contemporary ‘family look’ evident in cars like the Auris, Corolla and the all-new Aygo (not due in SA before 2015).
The new Yaris embraces Toyota’s contemporary design language with a full-width upper grille that extends into new triangular headlamps.
It also incorporates a deeper front bumper with a large trapezoidal lower intake, key elements of Toyota’s design theme, that are being introduced progressively across the range.
The upgrade also brings revised rear styling including new tail lamps as well as a raft of under-the-skin and interior mods – details will be released closer to the launch.
The range of powertrains is unchanged, with a 1.0- and 1.33-litre petrol engine as well as Toyota’s flagship full hybrid system on offer.
* Meanwhile, Lexus showed off its all-new NX at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, trotting out both the turbocharged 200t model (Lexus’ first production turbo) alongside the hybrid-powered 300h.
The SA powertrain line-up will be disclosed closer to the local launch but Lexus SA can confirm that it will definitely be getting the exciting new turbocharged petrol engine.
There’s also a very good likelihood that, in line with the brand’s strong eco-focus, the petrol-electric hybrid will be on the cards.
The freshly minted Lexus NX will make it’s local debut during the first half of 2015.
