Toyota refreshes Euro Yaris range for 2010

Driven by a greater demand for small, fuel-efficient cars, the B segment's share of the overall market is on the increase. In 2009, it grew from 21 % to 23 %, further establishing its key position within the European automotive market.

First launched in 1999, with an all-new, second generation model introduced in 2005 and further refinements added in 2009, the Yaris is Toyota's best selling model in Europe, positioned at the heart of this highly competitive segment.

As reflected in its consistently strong performance in the European J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction survey, an ever-increasing number of customers have come to appreciate the Yaris' ingenious packaging, class-leading passenger room coefficient, comfort and versatility, advanced technology and performance. In total, over 2.2 million units have been sold across Europe since its launch, and the Yaris represents a quarter of Toyota's annual car sales on the continent.

In 2009, Toyota Optimal Drive technology was introduced across the entire engine range. This has significantly lowered both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with appreciable cost of ownership benefits to customers. All engines - 1.0 litre VVT-i, 1.33 litre Dual VVT-i and 1.4 litre D-4D - now generate 120 g/km or less, with fuel consumption averaging below 5 l/100 km.

Yaris 2010 introduces a new grade into a revised, streamlined model line-up which sees all engine variants available in every grade. Bringing added visual appeal to the heart of the model range, Yaris 2010 features numerous exterior styling updates, a refreshed interior and an upgraded standard equipment specification.

Manufactured at TMMF Valenciennes in France and on sale from January 2010, the new Yaris 2010 will revitalise the core of Toyota's best-selling European model, with overall range sales expected to exceed 200,000 units in 2010.

New feature model: Yaris 2010

• Yaris 2010 - a new grade at the heart of the model line-up
• Refreshed interior and exterior design
• Upgraded standard equipment specification
• Enhanced product value with up to 5 % customer benefit

Yaris 2010 is a new grade at the heart of the model line-up, replacing the outgoing feature model. The revised model line-up now comprises four specification levels: Base, Luna, new Yaris 2010 and Sol.

Designed to refresh the model's advanced, innovative image, and add further visual appeal to Toyota's popular B segment hatchback, Yaris 2010 benefits from several exterior updates.

It now features a more expressive, tinted headlamp cluster design, newly developed matt silver door handles, a new modern wheel cap design as well as new alloy wheels, a new rear light colour treatment and two new, grade-exclusive exterior colours; Light Purple Silver and Blue metallic.

On board, the Yaris 2010 standard equipment specification has been enhanced to include analogue instrument dials, a perforated leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, and a distinctive upholstery trim.

With automatic air-conditioning and front foglights also incorporated in the standard equipment specification, the Yaris 2010 offers a customer benefit of up to 5 %.

Toyota Optimal Drive

• All Yaris 2010 engines feature Toyota Optimal Drive
  
• All three engines generate under 120 g/km

A choice of three powerplants - 1.0 litre VVT-i and 1.33 litre Dual VVT-i petrol units and a 1.4 litre D-4D - is now available across the entire Yaris model range. Every engine benefits from the performance - and economy-enhancing benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive and, from July, will comply with Euro V emissions standards. As a result, all three engines generate under 120 g/km, with model range fuel consumption averaging below 5 l/100 km. Moreover, Yaris whole-fleet CO2 emissions will be reduced from 130.8 g/km in 2008, to 117.4 g/km in 2010.

Designed to maximise performance and driving enjoyment while minimising fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, Toyota Optimal Drive focuses on several key aspects of powertrain development such as lightweight, compact design, enhanced combustion efficiency, low friction components and environmentally friendly technologies.

Petrol engine combustion efficiency has been improved through the use of a high efficiency intake port, a high compression ratio and long reach spark plugs. The 1.4 litre D-4D benefits from the adoption of a lower compression ratio, optimised combustion chamber dimensions, enhanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler efficiency and a stainless steel exhaust manifold with an optional, closecoupled Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

Environmental technologies are represented by the application of Dual VVT-i and Stop & Start technology to the 1.33 litre Dual VVT-i petrol unit, while the 1.4 litre D-4D engine is equipped with next generation Piezo injectors, variable nozzle turbocharging, a de-coupling generator and new, electrical Exhaust Gas Recirculation.