TORRANCE, Calif., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota is adding a five-door
Liftback to its popular, fuel-efficient Yaris subcompact model line for 2009.
The versatile new five-door Yaris joins the three-door Liftback and
four-door Sedan, making Yaris the only model line in its segment to offer a
full complement of three body styles. Toyota projects 130,000 Yaris sales for
calendar year 2009, with the new five-door accounting for about a third of
those. Yaris five-door will begin arriving in dealerships in August.
Also new for 2009, all Yaris models feature as standard equipment an
anti-lock brake system (ABS), front seat-mounted side airbags and front and
rear curtain side airbags. Cruise control is now available on Liftback models,
and audio systems are satellite ready/capable. Yaris delivers outstanding fuel
economy and for 2008 was awarded the lowest cost of ownership in its segment
according to Intellichoice(R).
The Toyota Yaris brings a high level of balanced value, safety and a
fun-to-drive experience to the entry subcompact segment. Its 1.5-liter
four-cylinder engine is equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence
(VVT-i) and produces 106 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 103 lb.-ft. of torque at
4,200 RPM. The optional four-speed automatic transmission features
uphill/downhill shift logic to reduce gear "hunting" for smooth performance
when driving in hills. A five-speed manual is the standard transmission.
The Yaris Sedan rides on a 100.4-inch wheelbase versus 96.9 inches for
both Liftback models. The Yaris Sedan has an overall length of 169.3 inches
compared to 150.6 inches for the Liftback models, and the Sedan is 2.5 inches
lower than the Liftbacks, as well.
The Yaris is built around a highly rigid yet lightweight structure
incorporating strategic use of high-tensile steel. Damping materials
strategically located throughout the body structure reduce noise, vibration
and harshness (NVH) to help give Yaris a comfortable, quiet ride. Suspension
and steering are tuned to deliver responsive handling, a smooth ride and
excellent maneuverability, including a remarkably tight 32.6-ft. turning
radius. Both the Yaris Liftback and Sedan ride on standard P175/65 R14 tires
with steel wheels and full wheel covers (Sedan and Liftback S have standard
P185/60R15) and offer available newly-styled 15-inch steel or aluminum-alloy
wheels.
The instrument cluster is center-mounted and high on the dash to enhance
forward visibility. Generous standard convenience features on Yaris Liftback
and Sedan models include air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; digital clock;
a map light; intermittent windshield wipers with mist control; and dual
sunvisors with vanity mirrors. All models offer 60/40 split rear seating for
three with headrests in each seating position.
Sporty S models have a newly designed front and rear underbody spoiler and
a new interior color scheme distinguishes Yaris Sport models for 2009. The
sport-themed Liftback and Sedan S models feature color-keyed front and rear
under-bumper spoilers, sporty interior trim, rear deck spoiler, fog lamps, a
leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA
capability, satellite ready, integrated iPod audio unit, universal mini-jack
port and "S" badging. Aluminum-alloy wheels are available.
Pricing for the all-new five-door model will be announced later this
month.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030501/TOYLOGO)
SOURCE Toyota
Joe Tetherow, +1-310-468-4727, or Ming-Jou Chen, +1-310-468-4782, or Bill
Kwong, +1-310-468-3764, or Denise Morrissey, +1-310-468-4844, all of Toyota
Product Communications
