Toyota Yaris Hatchback: All you need to know

Comes with different names in different regions, the Yaris Hatchback is present in the Asian market along with others since 1999. However, the Japan-based automotive manufacturer used the “Vitz” nameplate while introducing the model in its home market. Later, it got the name “Yaris” worldwide by entering into the fourth-gen. 

Globally, the car is available in a total of three forms – hatchback, sedan and coupe. While the sedan arrived in UAE for the first time in 2018, the hatchback has been a secured aspirant of the brand in the market since its launch. 

Toyota Yaris Hatchback, which has also been the top-selling European model, is about to move into an all-new generation in 2020 and the details are also revealed. The UAE market has received an upgrade in 2018 and as for now, it is expected that the new-gen will also be available from mid-2020. The new-gen Yaris hatchback is manufactured based on Toyota’s TNGA architecture and it will come with advanced safety features as well as entertainment up-gradation. However, the latest in the market, 2019 Toyota Yaris hatchback, is available in UAE with three variants, which are 1.5L SE, 1.3L SE, and 1.5L SE Plus.

Price

The model is available in three different variants as per the last upgradation received. Toyota Yaris hatchback price starts from AED 57,750. However, the strong contenders of the car like Peugeot 208 come with a starting price of AED 70,000 (1.6L GT Line variant), which is way more than the Yaris hatchback.  

Variant	Price
1.5L SE	AED 57,750
1.3L SE	AED 58,700
1.5L SE Plus	AED 68,200

Engine Specifications

Engine Variant	1.3-litre, 4-cylinder in-line, 16-valve, DOHC, Dual, VVT-i	1.5-litre, 4-cylinder in-line, 16-valve, DOHC, Dual, VVT-i
Power	98 hp at 6,000 rpm	106 hp at 6,000 rpm
Torque	123.5 Nm at 4,200 rpm	140 Nm at 4,200 rpm
Transmission	7-speed multi-drive	7-speed multi-drive

Toyota Yaris Hatchback is available in a total of two engine options with the three variants. Both the powertrain options give a decent performance along with other technical parameters. In terms of fuel economy, the 1.3-litre option exhibits 18.7 kmpl while the other, 1.5-litre offers 19.5 kmpl, both of which are quite impressive in the segment.

For the three variants, top speed can be attained at 220 kmph. But in terms of the 0-100 kmph sprint, the time is different for the two engine types. The 1.3-litre engine can complete it in 14 seconds while the other takes just 11 seconds to notch up.

Moreover, the upcoming new iteration will also include a hybrid version, where there will be a combination of an electric motor, a Li-ion battery, and the 1.5-litre engine.

Exterior

Toyota Yaris Hatchback comes with an elegant design along with a sporty outlook that appeals more attention. The car measures around 4,145 mm in length and 1,730 mm in width. Besides, it stands 1,500 mm in height. The total curb weight is around 1,500 kg. 

The tyre size is different according to the variants. While the 1.3L SE variant rides on 14-inch wheels, other variants, the 1.5L SE and SE Plus come mated with 15-inch alloy wheels.

Toyota Yaris Hatchback colour options include Dark Blue Mica Metallic, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Orange Metallic, Greyish Blue Metallic, Super White and Attitude Black Mica.

Coming to the look, as already mentioned, it comes as a blend of an elegant and sporty outlook. The specifically designed frontal bumpers to help in the high air intake, the sharp headlamps combined with clearance lamps, the DRLs and the LED combination lamps at the rear – everything is remarkable. The SE variant also gets a wider front grille along with a darkened insert.

Interior

Besides the sporty-looking exterior, the notable design continues to amaze the buyers in terms of the interior also. The classy look along with the advanced integration of the multimedia system make Toyota Yaris hatchback a strong participant in the hatchback segment.

Other elegant features available in Yaris Hatchback specs sheet are a leather-wrapped steering wheel and push start button, which also give a premium feel. The spacious interior is enough for up to five people and the split-folding rear seats can also offer extra storage if required.

The audio system inside the car supports USB and AUX, both and the 1.5L SE Plus variant also comes with audio control switches, which are placed on the steering wheel. 

Safety

If comparison draws with the other cars in the segment, Yaris hatchback will be higher rated because of its top-class safety features. As per Toyota, the car is one of the safest compact four-wheelers on the road. 

The advanced safety features are:

• Vehicle Stability Control or VSC
• Tire Pressure Monitor System or TPMS
• Rear Fog Lamps 
• Brake Assist System
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Anti-lock Braking System
• Dual airbags

Competitors

Is the Toyota Yaris Hatchback better than its competitors?

In the hatchback segment, there are other cars also available like Peugeot 208 GT-Line, it is also fuel-efficient and comes with an impressive look, but it lacks in the transmission system. Peugeot 208 GT-Line is a pricey hatchback and compared to it, Yaris hatchback has a lower price tag. Another model in this segment is the Kia Rio hatchback. With a host of advanced safety features, spacious interior, and classy-looking exterior, this car can also give a stiff competition to the Yaris hatchback. Kia Rio hatchback price starts from AED 54,500 i.e. slightly lower than Yaris hatchback.

Verdict

Toyota Yaris hatchback is a reputed model in the UAE market for its advanced safety features, stylish exterior, and affordability. Along with these, it is also renowned for its ample interior space and good fuel economy. 

Also read: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - All you need to know