The new Yaris range makes cents

May 13, 2013 jonckie

Refreshed Yaris range
Three-model petrol line-up / Class-leading economical HSD
Best-in-class pricing

The Toyota Yaris line-up has been fine-tuned for 2013 to focus on the most popular models and increase the competitiveness of these variants.

Now available exclusively in five-door format, the revitalised Yaris range still features the planet-pleasing 51 kW 1.0- and 73 kW 1.3-litre petrol engines; the simplification of the nomenclature to “1.0”, “1.3” and “1.3 CVT” reflects the new-look, three-model line-up. The range-topping 1.5 petrol-hybrid option remains as is and will still be badged “XS HSD” and “XR HSD” respectively (total system output of 74 kW, with low, 3.8 l/100 km fuel consumption).

According to Glenn Crompton, Vice-President of Marketing, the importance of the re-aligned Yaris range should not be underestimated: “Superminis account for approximately a quarter of all the new cars sold in SA with more than 20 models from Europe, Japan and Korea all vying for a share of the market.

“The 2013 Yaris is tasked with flying the Toyota flag in this ultra-competitive B segment and with the pared-down line-up and new pricing structures for this model, it now perfectly meets buyers’ ever more demanding requirements for smaller cars that are affordable to run, easy to live with, yet are still stylish, safe, comfortable and fun to drive.

“We’re confident that the Yaris is going to win a lot more fans – after all the Castrol Team Toyota Racing Yaris is the brand new South African Rally Championship challenger taking up the mantle from the outgoing Auris.”

A prime example of injecting value at every spec level, the new trinity of Yaris petrol models conform to the previous Xs grade level, but at a lower price point. This aligns with our new aggressive marketing strategy that saw models such as the Innova, 86, Auris and new RAV4 enter their market segments as the best value for money offerings available.

As Crompton points out, “Being able to put a more affordable sticker price on a leading supermini like the Yaris is every marketer’s dream. For those seeking sheer value for money, the Yaris is now an irresistible package.”

Yaris 1.0 5-door : R141 000

Yaris 1.3 5-door : R169 900

Yaris 1.3 CVT 5-door : R181 000

Designed to appeal to cost-sensitive customers who don’t want to forego style just because they’re buying a reasonably priced car, the Yaris 1.0 comes standard with 15” alloy wheels, full exterior colour coding, air conditioning, remote central locking, Multi-Information Display, front electric windows and mirrors, audio system with input terminal and steering wheel switches. On the safety front all Yaris models are equipped with ABS, EBD, BAS (Brake Assist System) as well as a full complement of airbags including driver, front passenger and side bags.

The 1.3 models are equally generously kitted out, the 1.3 CVT model adding a leather steering wheel and gear lever to the standard menu.

Befitting their flagship status, the two hybrid models have the following equipment upgrades: