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Toyota has had quite a skewed product portfolio in India. At the entry-level, we have the Etios twins and higher up the ladder, the Corolla, the Innova and the Fortuner. For the first time, Toyota has unveiled a family sedan challenger, the Yaris, that will be launched later this year.
The Yaris sedan is based on the Yaris hatchback, a Hyundai i20 rival. The Yaris gets a dynamic design with an Etios-inspired look with added DRLs and projector headlamps. With a pointy nose, swept back headlamps and a gaping large black grille, it looks premium up front. The profile is also sleek thanks to its length while the tail design looks like a toned down version of the Altis derriere.
On the inside, the Yaris continues with the typical Toyota simplicity with added doses of premium (read wooden inserts) and obviously the latest tech as well. You have a touchscreen display but with gesture control, a first for this segment. Another first is the automatic climate control with roof-mounted AC vents for the rear passengers and all the fancy features like push-button start, electrically operated wing mirrors et al. In terms of safety, you will get an option for seven airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system and even front parking sensors along with the safety elements inherent to the design.
In terms of powertrains the Yaris will get a petrol engine only, the 1.5-litre dual VTVT four cylinder petrol engine that develops approximately 90bhp of power. The engine will drive the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox and the automatic CVT options. In due course of time, the tried and tested 1.4-litre turbo-diesel that powers everything from the Etios to the Corolla and should be offered with a six-speed manual and in the 90bhp state of tune. In terms of safety, you will have ABS with EBD standard along with the two airbags in the front.
The Yaris pits itself against the Honda City, the Hyundai Verna, the Maruti Ciaz and the German twins – Volkswagen Vento and the Skoda Rapid. We expect Toyota to price it competitively which means it will be offered in the range of Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 13 lakhs across the trims.
