TORONTO: The 2019 Toyota Yaris sedan offers an exceptional blend of efficiency, fun, comfort and safety all at a reasonable price. Is this combination too much to ask of an entry subcompact vehicle? The new Yaris answers with a resounding “No!”
The Yaris sedan will be offered in two grades for 2019, including the sporty and well-equipped entry grade, and the new premium XLE grade. Premium, on a Yaris? That’s right. The XLE takes Yaris up a notch with, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers and illuminated entry.
For 2019, all Yaris sedans will feature a new sport-inspired front grille with a honeycomb insert design. Exterior styling accents include upscale piano black accents and chrome trim. XLE grade also sports a new rear lip spoiler. Every grade is fitted with a roof-mounted, color-keyed shark fin antenna for standard satellite radio. Power outside mirrors come standard, while the XLE is equipped with power outside heated mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators.
Safety is a priority on every Toyota, and that’s why all Yaris sedans comes standard with an Active Safety System and Low-Speed Pre-Collision System. The Yaris features a high-compression 1.5-litre engine that boasts up to 5.8 L/100 km on the highway (Estimated rating with automatic transmission).
The Yaris sedan will be offered in six colors that include Vapour White, Stealth Black Metallic, Stone Grey Metallic, Pulse Red Metallic, Intense Blue Metallic and the all-new Ceramic. The new Yaris will go on sale in the fall of 2018.
When the direct-injection 1.5-litre engine is paired with the available 6-speed automatic transmission, the Yaris boasts an impressive estimated 7.3 L/100 km in the city, 5.8 L/100 km on the highway and 6.6 L/100 km combined. When paired with the six-speed manual gearbox offering, the Yaris provides an estimated 7.8 L/100 km in the city, 6.0 L/100 km on the highway and 6.8 L/100 km combined.
The sporty sedan is a blast to drive, thanks in large part to the engine and transmission offerings.
The 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine pumps out 106 horsepower and 103 lb.-ft. of torque for plenty of pep to power onto highway onramps and seamlessly navigate workday traffic.
The standard manual transmission features a compact, lightweight design with a short-throw shift for smooth, quick gear changes. The available automatic transmission aids in smooth starts while offering quick, precise shifts at higher speeds.
The electronic power steering is designed for smooth, effortless operation. For more spirited driving, Sport Mode provides improved torque feel at the flip of a switch. Stopping duties are handled by ventilated discs up front and drum brakes in the rear. The braking system is tuned with a progressive feel when cornering, as the pedal offers a cushioned feel that gets progressively more rigid as G-force rises.
Upping the ante on interior comfort and features, every Yaris features a 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system with remote interface, steering wheel controls and Bluetooth connectivity. The touchscreen also displays the standard backup camera. Belting out tunes in the cabin is a six-speaker sound system. An integrated AM/FM antenna, auxiliary audio jack and USB port with iPod connectivity are standard.
New for 2019, Dynamic Radar Cruise control start is standard on all grades.
Every Yaris is fitted with Push button start and power windows with driver-side auto up/down. A standard 60/40-split rear seat easily expands carrying capacity and versatility.
Every Yaris is equipped with an Active Safety System that includes Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and a Brake Over-Ride System (BOS).
The Yaris is also fitted with a Low-Speed Pre-Collision System, which scans the road ahead for potential vehicle collisions. If the system detects a potential frontal collision, an audio/visual alert and braking assistance are designed to automatically activate.
Should the driver not respond, this system may automatically apply the brakes.