Toyota’s new Yaris T1 has, following the death of the Tazz, arrived to carry the manufacturer’s budget flame. Modern and frugal (it comes with a 1,0-litre engine), could the T1 be just what the local consumer needs?
Toyota’s new Yaris T1 has, following the death of the Tazz, arrived to carry the manufacturer’s budget flame. Modern and frugal (it comes with a 1,0-litre engine), could the T1 be just what the local consumer needs?
Before Toyota‘s Yaris even made its appearance, rumours had already started circulating that the new generation light car would replace the long-suffering Tazz in South Africa. And while the Tazz’s recent demise was welcomed all round, the gaping hole left in the manufacturer’s sub-R100 000 price range is evident. That is, before the announcement of the 1,0-litre Yaris derivatives, which we are pleased to reveal, are anything but stripped-out.
The Yaris T1 (we’ve become familiar with the T3) will be revealed to the media at the end of this week – look out for our launch report on Monday – but that doesn’t mean that we can’t supply you with some important details in the meanwhile.
Thoroughly modern (in comparison with the Tazz, at least), the T1 (in three- and five-door body forms) is powered by a three-cylinder, 12-valve engine with a 996 cm3 capacity that produces 51 kW at 6 000 r/min and 93 N.m of torque at 3 600.
You probably won’t buy this Yaris to catch any late night street races, but Toyota claims that it could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 15,7 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 km/h. Of greater importance, perhaps, is the claimed fuel consumption figure – 5,4 litres per 100 km.
Safety equipment on board is current, and includes front occupant airbags, three-point safety belts and head restraints all round, safety belt warning light and buzzer for the front occupants, front seats designed to reduce whiplash injury, rear fog lights and a high-mounted third brake light. ABS, EBD and BAS are standard across the range, too.
Comfort features include electric power steering, rear windscreen wash/wipe with demister, height adjustable seats, and three cupholders.
Services are at 15 000-km intervals, and the T1 comes with a three-year/100 000 km warranty.
Prices for the range are:
Yaris T1 three-door R89 990
with aircon R99 400
Yaris T1 five-door R97 900
with aircon R105 400
