These are the first official images of the remodelled 2014 Toyota Yaris range, arriving in SA during the final quarter of this year.
Not only is the company’s baby hatch sporting some new body panels for its mid-life refresh but there are also improvements in the ride, handling and NVH as well as some engine refinements.
A new visage features a cross-shaped arrangement, bolder headlamp units and a new bumper. There’s also a new faux diffuser and taillamps. An improvement in the quality of the cabin greets occupants, along with different equipment levels.
The engine line-up remains unchanged, with two petrol engines and a hybrid – but the three-cylinder 1,0-litre petrol unit has been fettled for better fuel economy and hence reduced CO2 emissions.
Glenn Crompton, vice president of marketing for Toyota South Africa, points out that in re-working the Yaris, Toyota had two aims: “One, to inject it with more emotional appeal courtesy of a style infusion; and two, to amplify the refinement of the package courtesy of some strategic under-the-skin changes. I’d say its mission accomplished…”