While details are limited, the Yaris will feature an aggressive front bumper, Camry-inspired grille and the iQ’s exterior design. A sporty body kit will be available for the Japanese domestic market (JDM), but it remains unclear whether it’ll be offered globally.
In 2012, an 80mpg+ Yaris hybrid will reach European showrooms. The hybrid is set to emit under 80g/km of CO2. It’s doubtful that the Yaris/Vitz will use the 1.8 VVT-i petrol engine from the Prius and Auris, but Toyota does have a 1.33 and 1.0 VVT-i petrol units at hand. The 1.4 D4-D diesel engine is likely to remain, with both manual and automatic transmissions available. This will be tuned to offer better performance, fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.
In Europe, the impending Yaris is set to debut in concept form at next year’s Geneva motor show, however, sources claim the Yaris (Vitz in Japan) will be on sale during Spring in Japan. While the U.S is unlikely to receive the hybrid model, the U.S Yaris will move up in size. Toyota Europe has been intensely opposing Toyota North America’s decision to move the car into the C-segment, so it will reveal its own concept at January’s Detroit motor show.
Both 3dr, 5dr hatchback and 4dr saloon will be offered, the latter primarily for Asia, Australia, Americas and Eastern Europe. Sales of the Yaris will begin late next Summer in Europe.
Teaser site in Japanese: