Toyota’s latest incarnation of its Yaris B-segment hatchback has drawn mixed reviews and given the cut-throat competition in the segment, the range has been rationalised and re-priced for the 2013 model year.
The 3-door derivatives have been dropped and the Xi, Xs and XR designations deleted for 51 kW 1,0- and 73 kW 1,3-litre petrol models; the simplification to “1,0”, “1,3” and “1,3 CVT” nomenclatures represent the petrol-engined five-door offerings in the revised line-up.
However, the 1,5 petrol-hybrid models (with total system outputs of 74 kW and a claimed average fuel consumption of 3,8 l/100 km) remain and are still badged “XS HSD” and “XR HSD” respectively.
According to Glenn Crompton, Toyota South Africa Motors’s vice-president of marketing, the “pared-down line-up and new pricing structures now perfectly meets buyers’ ever more demanding requirements for smaller cars that are affordable to run, easy to live with, yet are still stylish, safe, comfortable and fun to drive.”
All conventional petrol models in the line-up conform to the previous Xs grade level, but at lower price points. The Yaris 1,0 comes standard with 15-inch alloy wheels, colour coding, air conditioning, remote central locking, multi-information display, front electric windows and mirrors, audio system with input terminal and steering wheel switches.
The 1,3 models share the same standard features list, although the CVT model gains the additional leather steering wheel and gear lever. On the safety front all Yaris models are equipped with ABS and EBD with Brake Assist as well as a dual front and side airbags.
The 1,5 XS HSD (R230 600) is further equipped with vehicle stability control with hill ascent control, a front spoiler, projector headlamps with LED running lights, front fog lamps, automatic climate control and a touch screen audio system with Bluetooth compatibility.
The flagship 1,5 XR HSD (R253 400) rounds off the range with the addition of a driver kneebag and curtain airbags, keyless entry, rear spoiler, electric rear windows, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, electrochromatic rearview mirror, a cooled glovebox, as well as tinted rear windows.
Revised prices (HSD models remain unchanged):
Yaris 1,0 R141 000 (previously R151 900 on 1,0 Xs)
Yaris 1,3 R169 900 (previously R183 000 on 1,3 Xs)
Yaris 1,3 CVT R181 000 (previously R194 700 on 1,3 Xs CVT)
Please note, however, that in light of the Yaris models’ price reductions, the duration of the standard service plan has been shortened from 4 years/60 000km to 3 years/45 000km.
