Brussels, Belgium,
28
May
2012
|
18:00
Europe/Amsterdam

Yaris dpl 2011: All the clever yaris dna in a more dynamic package

— Third generation Yaris maintains segment-best packaging ingenuity

— Minimum size increase for maximum manoeuvrability — class-leading 4.7m turning circle

— Bold frontal treatment — the distinctive new face of the next generation Toyota family

— Comprehensive aerodynamic measures for a class—leading drag coefficient of only Cd 0.287

Since the European launch of the first Yaris in 1999, each successive generation of the car has been developed in accordance with the key concept: "compact outside while roomy inside". The Yaris quickly became nicknamed Piccolo Genio (Little Genius) — a testament to the first two generations of a car which, despite an increasingly crowded segment, has consistently set new standards in packaging ingenuity.

The third generation Yaris inherits all the clever packaging DNA of these previous generations, while the exterior showcases the greater appeal of a bolder, more dynamic and elegant design execution befitting a European compact car.

 

Packaging — minimal increase in bodyshell size

Overall vehicle length is now 3,885 mm, a limited increase of just 100 mm. With an average car length of 4 meters in the B-segment, the new Yaris remains one of the most compact vehicles in its class. This is reflected in a class-leading turning circle of just 4.7* metres, which makes Toyota's new compact hatchback particularly manoeuvrable in the urban environment.

The width of the new Yaris remains the same, while the wheelbase has been extended by 50 mm. Its height has decreased by 20 mm, giving the car a lower centre of gravity and a more sporting stance. Within its well proportioned form, the design's short front and rear overhangs — increased by only 35 mm and 15 mm respectively- and prominent wheel arches express stability, agility and dynamism.

* 14'' steel wheels

 

Styling — the new face of the next generation Toyota family

The bold frontal treatment identifies the Yaris as the first vehicle to feature the distinctive new face of the next generation Toyota family. Key to the new frontal styling is a change in the proportions of the upper and lower grilles, with the emphasis now placed on enlarging the latter for a more assertive, masculine look.

Elegantly sculpted to highlight the Toyota badge, a full-width concave shaped upper grille is flanked by new, 'keen'-look headlights. Their slim design incorporates dual lamps and, on some grades, smoke-plated 'eyebrows' to emphasise the new Yaris' bolder, more horizontal front styling.

Within the lower bumper, a strong, protruding centre section houses a large air intake to focus attention on the bottom half of the vehicle, reinforcing the Yaris' low centre of gravity and giving it a more ground-hugging appearance.

Whilst maintaining the model's classic 'Y' pattern graphic, these new frontal styling elements give the Yaris a bolder, more masculine appearance.

In profile, the dynamism of the vehicle is reinforced by the more prominent design of the steeply sloped beltline which has been a key styling cue for each generation of Yaris. The base of the A pillar has also been moved forwards to strengthen the Yaris' stylish, cab-forward silhouette.

Both front and rear three-quarter visibility has been improved through a larger front quarterlight and the elimination of the rear glazing division bar, the latter giving a more dynamic look to the rear glazing. Three-door models feature a thinner, forward-slanting C pillar, further increasing the rear glazing area while awarding the car an even more dynamic stance. A flowing, door cill character line and front and rear aero corner treatments further emphasise the new Yaris' low centre of gravity and elegant, long wheelbase profile.

To the rear, the detailing of the lamp clusters, top-hinged tailgate inset into the bumper and lower bumper treatment are visually interlinked, once again maintaining the model's classic, "Y" pattern graphic.

The smooth flow of the beltline round the rear shoulders, the extended lower bumper and the Coke bottle silhouette combine to give the vehicle a wider more stable stance. And the higher relocation of the license plate beneath a chrome bar garnish within the tailgate brings a more premium quality image to the design execution.

The third generation Yaris features new 15" and 16" alloy wheel designs, and will be available in a choice of 10 exterior colours. Bringing a more colourful palette to the Yaris, five colours are newly adopted by the model range, and two — Gin Buck Silver and Turquoise- are newly developed.

 

Aerodynamics — class-leading drag coefficient of Cd 0.287

Aerodynamic efficiency is fundamental to fuel efficiency, vehicle stability and quiet running, and every element of the new Yaris' bodywork has been styled to optimise airflow and minimise drag.

Sized to optimise powertrain cooling, both upper and lower front grilles have been carefully shaped to smooth the intake of air into the engine bay. The profiles of the front bumper aero corners, bonnet, steeply raked A pillar, door mirrors, roofline, rear spoiler, rear bumper aero corners, and even the rear combination lamps have all been designed to maximise the Yaris' aerodynamic efficiency.

In addition, numerous underbody airflow rectification components have been adopted to create a flat surface, smoothing the flow of air under the new Yaris. These include a front spoiler a full engine undercover front, centre and rear spats and a rear undercover which incorporates National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics-style vertical fins, creating a laminar flow effect to enhance ride stability.

Together, these comprehensive air flow optimisation measures significantly improve the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency, awarding the Yaris a class-leading drag coefficient of only Cd 0.287.