CAR NEWS: TOYOTA YARIS GED BULMER, RACQ MOTORING EDITOR
C
onsumer demand for comprehensive safety features means the days of the sub-$20,000 Toyota small car may be over. The new entry level Toyota Yaris has been completely overhauled with new platform, body and styling, plus a host of hi-tech safety features usually the preserve of far more expensive models. But pricing for the comprehensively re-engineered model has also increased across the board, with the entry level Yaris now broaching the $20k barrier for the first time. The previous models’ entry level price was a thrifty $15,390, albeit with a smaller 1.3-litre engine than the new 1.5-litre units. The all-new Yaris has sharper styling, a dynamic new platform, powerful and efficient new powertrains, an engaging new driving experience and the cutting-edge safety that is otherwise
available only in luxury cars. Arguably, the biggest news in this comprehensively revamped new model is the introduction of a full Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) safety package as standard on every Yaris. In addition to the new intersection assist feature, the system includes a pre-collision safety system with autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, automatic high beam, and technologies to assist with cornering, staying in the intended lane and detecting speed signs. A reversing camera and a full suite of brake-assist and traction-control systems including active cornering assist are also standard. Now as before, the Yaris will be sold in Australia in three specification levels – Ascent Sport, SX and ZR – and with the choice of a three-cylinder petrol engine or a three-cylinder petrol-hybrid.
TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON THE NEW TOYOTA YARIS VISIT RACT.COM.AU/JOURNEYS/TOYOTA-YARIS
Prices and standard features Ascent Sport manual $22,130 Ascent Sport CVT $23,630 Apple Carplay and Android Auto; LED daytime running lamps; tail and stop lamps; auto retractable door mirrors with LED turn signal lamps; and power windows. SX CVT $27,020 SX Hybrid CVT $29,020 Satellite navigation with pinch-and-zoom capability; speed-limit display and warnings; automatic air-conditioning; keyless smart entry; smart-start ignition button; soft-touch instrument panel; 15-inch alloy wheels; LED headlamps, indicators and rear combination lamps; and privacy glass. ZR CVT $30,100 ZR Hybrid CVT $32,100 16-inch alloys; rear spoiler; head-up display; sports front seats; blind-spot monitor; front and rear parking sensors; parking support brake system; and paddle shifter on the petrol variant.
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