Press Release
Sales start at the end of 2005
- Powerful design and advanced package for top selling Toyota
- Sales start at the end of 2005; a sales target of 250,000 units for next year
- Exterior design developed by ED2, Toyota’s European design studio
- Extensive improvements in terms of perceived quality
- Increased exterior dimensions (+110 mm length, +35 mm width, +30 mm height)
- Roomier interior, with an increase of 45 mm in couple distance (on par with C-segment cars)
- Segment’s biggest boot – 737 litres (rear seats folded, loaded up to the top edge of front seats)
- Rear seats have fully independent 60/40 split for sliding and reclining
- Unique Toyota Easy FlatTM allows easy seat folding operation, with a fully flat cargo floor
- Flatter rear floor provides improved comfort for mid-seat passenger
- Adopts a 3rd generation Smart Entry & Start System, featuring a more compact key
- New audio system, with MP3 and WMA CD player, DSP amplifier and digital tuner
- ABS, EBD and Brake Assist are standard across the range
- Featuring the segment’s first knee airbag
- First car to be developed according to more stringent internal car-to-car compatibility standards
- A 3-engine line-up: 1.0 VVT-i (69 DIN hp), 1.3 VVT-i (87 DIN hp) and 1 .4 D-4D 90 diesel (90 DIN hp)
- Multi-mode Manual Transmission available on all engines for the first time
- Available in three equipment grades: Yaris, Yaris Luna and Yaris Sol
The 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show marks the world debut of the all-new Toyota Yaris, the second generation of Toyota’s best selling model in Europe.
The new Toyota Yaris builds on the strengths of the current model. Recognised from launch as a benchmark in the B segment, the original Yaris set new standards for space and versatility through its innovative design and package.
The 1 st generation Yaris, launched in 1999, was one of the first Toyota models to be designed in Europe, with the European market as a priority. It was an instant hit and continues to win new customers for Toyota in Europe.
Despite having been on the market for six years, Yaris sales have grown every year since 1999 – a record 227,616 units were sold in 2004 and more than 1.2 million Yaris have been sold in Europe over the life of the present model. Today, Yaris represents one quarter of all Toyota sales in Europe.
Most recently, the German TÜV Auto Report 2005 named the Yaris as the ‘most reliable car’ in the four to five year old category. The recent 2005 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index surveys in France and Germany have also ranked Yaris Verso and Yaris 3/5 door as first and second in their category, respectively.
The new Yaris relies on a more advanced package with much higher levels of comfort, versatility, quality and safety than its predecessor. While it features many design cues in its all-new styling, this next generation Yaris has evolved in every way.
The new Yaris will go on sale in Europe at the end of 2005 with pre-sales activities starting in October. Toyota is expecting the extra appeal of the new model to bring even more customers to the brand, with a sales target of 250,000 units in 2006 - 10% more than last year’s sales result. With this new car, Toyota expects to attract customers that range from young couples to older consumer groups who seek a high quality lifestyle.
Design and perceived quality
- Latest creation from ED2 design studio
- Builds on Yaris character
- Improved quality and feel
The new Yaris is the latest creation from ED2, Toyota’s European design studio. It has been developed according to the brand’s current design philosophy - ‘Vibrant Clarity’. It combines two different entities: one stands for dynamism and energy, while the other calls for more rational values like simplicity and logic. By doing this, Toyota intends to bring form and function together under the same package.
Purposefully, it builds on many of the characteristics and styling cues of the current model which have proved so popular with customers. They like its “Yarisness” – so the new model retains many of the body proportions while offering a more powerful stance.
