- the new yaris is supported by toyota's new global architecture platform, which is its first use in a subcompact car.
- a hybrid 1.5-liter three-cylinder derived from the larger engine found in the corolla, rav4, and camry is available, along with a gas-powered version and a 1.0-liter three-cylinder.
- the new yaris will be on sale in japan starting in mid-february 2020, but unfortunately the u.s. will stick with the mazda-based one.
the toyota yaris is dead in america, but it will live on throughout the rest of the world. we still get the angular, mazda-based version that's badged as a toyota, but this new one that the rest of the world will get is a bit more rounded and almost entirely different. the new overseas yaris is built on toyota's new global architecture (tnga) platform and boasts three powertrain options, while the version we get stateside only has one.
the tnga platform gets its first use in a subcompact car, and toyota says that they will base all of their subcompact cars on this platform from now on. using this platform helps give the yaris a bit more cabin space along with an updated suspension and a body that is 100 pounds lighter.
the 1.5-liter three-cylinder is available with a new hybrid system that stems from the larger ones found in the corolla, rav4 and camry. it's offered with toyota's e-four electric all-wheel-drive system, another first for toyota subcompact cars. toyota hasn't claimed power numbers yet but does say that the hybrid has a 15 percent more combined power and a more than 20 percent increase in fuel efficiency. a gas-powered version of the 1.5-liter and a 1.0-liter three-cylinder are also available.
in the united states, the mazda-based yaris sedan comes standard with a manual transmission, although the hatchback is only available with a six-speed automatic. on the new yaris hatch that we won't get, a six-speed manual is offered with the 1.5-liter gas-powered engine. a direct shift continuously variable transmission with front or all-wheel-drive is available for the 1.5-liter, and a cvt with front-wheel drive is available for the 1.0-liter.
the nickel-metal hydride battery found in the yaris of old has been replaced by a lithium-ion hybrid battery, which toyota says can help increase acceleration. the new battery also 27 percent lighter than the one it replaces.
toyota safety sense is standard on the new yaris, featuring the debut of a parking-assist system, advanced park, that's new for toyota, and an oncoming-car detection system, another first; it also includes the expected active-safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. a 10-inch color head-up display is also standard.
the 2020 toyota yaris will be on display at the tokyo auto show this week and on sale in japan starting in mid-february 2020.