NEW DELHI: Japanese carmaker Toyota on Friday launched its new mid-sized sedan, the Yaris, in India with a starting price tag of Rs 8.75 lakh (ex-showroom). The car follows the design language of the company's larger models from the higher segments like the Corolla Altis. However, the size of the new sedan makes it a direct competitor to the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento and the Skoda Rapid.
First unveiled at the Auto Expo 2018, the Toyota Yaris brings a new styling to the segment which looks refreshing and sharp. The sleek headlamps, LED daytime running lights and the sculpted dual-tone bumper provide the car with an aggressive front while the rear looks elegant with fluidic combination tail lamps. The car actually mimics its elder sibling and looks like a baby Corolla.
The car is available in four variant options -- J, G, V, and VX -- going up to Rs 14.07 lakh (ex-showroom). The base and the variant just above it get 15-inch steel wheels with front disc brakes, while the alloy wheels with all four disc brakes are available with the top and the variant just below it.
Toyota has also started deliveries of the Yaris from today onwards and it expected a 7-8 per cent hike in the sales with this new model in India.
Interior of the Toyota Yaris is quite spacious and looks premium with a well-designed dash featuring a 'waterfall' centre console with a 7-inch touchscreen, available right from the second variant. A standard audio system with Bluetooth and other basic connectivity options is standard in the base variant along with features like height adjustable driver seat, keyless entry, electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs) and power windows. However, the higher variants with the touchscreen system get gesture control, Weblink, MiracastTM, HDMI, and a remote control. Starting from the G variant, the car also gets an auto climate control with roof-mounted rear AC vents, while the electronically adjustable driver seat, air gesture control and navigation with SD card slot comes with the top-spec trim.
Powering the car is a 1.5-litre dual VVT-i petrol engine which churns out 107PS at 6,000rpm and a peak torque of 140Nm @ 4,200rpm. The motor comes mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and the company is also offering a seven-speed CVT automatic transmission in all the variants. There is no diesel powertrain available in the Yaris as of now.
Toyota is offering most safety features with the Yaris -- including seven airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) along with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and Brake Assist -- standard across the trim range. The top variant also gets vehicle stability control and tyre pressure monitoring system.