Toyota has showcased the updated Yaris, which is due to arrive in the UK in 2024.
The revised model features a suite of changes, including a new, more powerful hybrid engine and a new infotainment system.
Toyota said the car will go on sale in Q3, when prices and specifications will be revealed.
The upgraded powertrain boosts power from 115PS to 130PS, by utilising a larger electric motor. This cuts the car's 0-62mph acceleration time by half a second and boosts mid-range response too. These gains have been secured with only a modest upshift in CO2 emissions, accroding to Toyota. The existing 115PS powertrain will continue to be offered alongside the new unit.
A new digital user experience is achieved with a faster and more powerful multimedia system, alongside a new customisable digital instument cluster. A seven or 12.3-inch combimeter and nine or 10.5-inch infotainment screen will be fitted, according to model grade.
The new-to-Yaris Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system has cloud-based navigation as standard and a voice recognition function that responds to more natural forms of speech.
Also new is a smart digital key. Linked to the MyT app, this gives up to five users access to the vehicle using their smartphone. It’s designed for complete convenience, so users can lock, unlock or start their vehicle without having to take their phone out of their bag or pocket.
Over-the-air software updates mean the Toyota Safety Sense and multimedia functions can be seamlessly upgraded, with no need for the car to be taken to a service centre.
A new camera and radar, which can scan further and wider than before, allows for a significant increase in the scope of accident risk detection. Acceleration Suppression is another new addition. This intervenes to slow any sudden acceleration when it recognises the risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead.
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) can help to avoid familiar accident hazards when driving at low speed. Deceleration Assist provides smooth deceleration when the driver comes off the accelerator to slow down when approaching a slower vehicle ahead, or entering a bend. The second element is Steering Assist, which recognises a bend in the road ahead and adjusts steering force to help the driver make a smooth and stable turn.
The new Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS, functioning when Lane Trace Assist is activated) is able to support the driver, should they be taken ill or incapacitated. If the system detects the driver has made no inputs – steering, braking, accelerating – for a certain amount of time, it will sound a warning. If there is no reaction from the driver, it will bring the car to a gentle stop, activate the hazard lights and unlock the doors.
Protection is also provided when the car is stationary, With the Safe Exit Assist (SEA)*, a visual and audio warning system which will prevent a door being inadvertently opened into the path of vehicles and cyclists approaching from the rear. And the Rear Seat Reminder System (RSRS) will alert the driver via visual and acoustic notifications if they have left a child or pet on the back seat, helping avoid the risk of “hot car” incidents.
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Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
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