2017 Toyota Yaris launched in South Africa

On the outside, the 2017 Toyota Yaris features new bumpers that create a "catamaran" shape, headlamps with a new lighting signature, new grille with "stepped" horizontal bars and reworked fog light housings integrated on the sides, newly-designed tailgate and new tail light clusters that stretch from the rear wings to the door. Interior changes include new colours, trims (black and light grey/black), new three-spoke steering wheel with piano black trim inserts and a new chrome trim surround on the instrument panel and improvements to the instruments and controls.

The 2017 Toyota Yaris measures 3,945 mm in length, 1,695 mm in width and 1,520 mm in height, has a wheelbase of 2,510 mm and offers a ground clearance of 130 mm/135 mm/145 mm. It is available with the 1KR-FE 1.0-litre VVT-I three-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 51 kW (68.36 hp) and 95 Nm of torque and the new 2NR-FKE 1.5-litre VVT-i four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 82 kW (109.92 hp) and 136 Nm of torque. The 1.0-litre engine model has a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, while the 1.5-litre engine model is offered with 6-speed manual transmission and CVT choices. The latter replaces the 1.3-litre engine model.

The range includes a hybrid model too, which has the 1NZ-FXE 1.5-litre VVT-I four-cylinder petrol engine producing 54 kW (72.39 hp) and 111 Nm of torque and an electric motor generating 45 kW (60.32 hp) and 169 Nm of torque. The hybrid system makes 74 kW (99.20 hp) of total power. A continuously variable transmission is standard.

The 2017 Toyota Yaris is available in five configurations: 1.0 Pulse, 1.5 Pulse MT, 1.5 Pulse CVT, 1.5 Pulse Plus CVT and 1.5 Pulse Hybrid. Daytime running lights, leather gearshift lever and knob, all/one-touch (driver-only) power windows and driver + passenger, knee and side airbags are standard. High-end configurations add features including front spoiler, projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, cruise control and reverse camera. Prices start at R1,99,000 (Rs 537 700).