Toyota has revealed the first details of the new GA-B version of the ubiquitous TNGA platform that is expected to underpin the next-generation (European-spec) Yaris.
Of course, the TNGA (that’s Toyota New Global Architecture) platform is already employed in GA-C guise by the likes of the Prius, C-HR, Corolla and Lexus UX. The GA-K version, too, is use (think RAV4 and Lexus ES).
Interestingly, the Japanese firm claims the new GA-B platform will offer “a great deal of modularity”, resulting in a “variety of wheelbase lengths, vehicle heights and track widths”.
This, of course, suggests Toyota has plans to extend its small-car range beyond the Yaris, perhaps to include a baby crossover to slot in below the aforementioned C-HR. Indeed, the company says the architecture will allow its designers and engineers to “create appealing vehicles of different sizes and body types”.
The new GA-B platform, says Toyota, is designed to deliver a “confident and natural drive” thanks to its “high levels of underbody rigidity” and MacPherson strut front suspension with low-friction dampers and a “variety of spring types”. At the rear, the architecture can accommodate either a torsion-beam or multi-link arrangement, depending on the requirements.
The automaker furthermore says the GA-B platform positions the driver’s seat low and back towards the centre of the car, resulting in an “engaging driving position” with a steering wheel that can be set close to the driver at an “optimised” angle.
