The Toyota Yaris ECOVan has unveiled by the Japanese manufacturer’s Spanish arm as a eco-friendly solution to small businesses. Based on the current generation Yaris Hybrid, the small carrier has had its cabin adapted to accommodate a larger cargo load.
The Toyota Yaris ECOVan becomes a tiny panel van via a rear bench delete which is replaced by a raised wooden floor with rubber matting. In order to prevent goods from flying into the passenger compartment, a cardo divider and anchor hooks have been installed.
With these revisions, the Toyota Yaris ECOVan boasts a utility space of 720 dm3 and maximum load mass of 430 kg. As standard, the Yaris sports a cargo volume of 286 dm3 and maximum load of 275 kg, as per the brand’s claims.
Powering the small delivery product is Toyota’s naturally aspirated 1,5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor that drives the front wheels via a CVT. This system produces 87 kW and 141 N.m of torque and returns a claimed fuel consumption figure of 2,8 L/100 km on a WLTP combined cycle.
Keeping workers attentive, comfortable and entertained while on the go in the Toyota Yaris ECOVan is the manufacturer’s safety sense package, climate control, rain sensing wipers and headlamps and a 7,0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two trims for the model are available; Business Plus and Active Tech.
The visuals of this product aren’t all too exciting with Toyota adding a vinyl-covered rear window which can house the purchasing company’s branding if need be.
The Toyota Yaris ECOVan is exclusive to the Spanish market for the time being. The current-generation Yaris was technically introduced to the South African market in the guise of the GR Yaris but the mainline offering is yet to be introduced. The new generation was revealed in October 2019 but Toyota South Africa made the switch to the Asian-spec model one year prior to that. This, together with the Etios, was recently swapped-out for the Suzuki Baleno-based Starlet.
