Toyota has globally unveiled its new compact model, the Yaris. An official announcement is scheduled for December of this year, with sales expected to begin in February 2020.

The first-generation Yaris was developed in 1999 with the ambition to set a new global standard for compact cars, embodying Toyota's full technological prowess. While Yaris was its global name, it was sold in Japan as the Vitz.

As Chief Engineer Yasuaki Suetsawa stated, "On the 20th anniversary of its debut, this new generation Yaris leverages the inherent strengths of a compact car while completely overhauling its platform and powertrain. We have crafted a car that transcends conventional class boundaries, far exceeding user expectations. It offers not only driving pleasure but also world-class fuel efficiency and advanced safety features." This philosophy has led to the creation of a high-performance vehicle, irrespective of its size. Consequently, the decision to unify the name to Yaris marks a new beginning.

The new Yaris marks the first adoption of Toyota's TNGA platform (GA-B), which will serve as the foundation for Toyota's compact cars destined for developed markets. The engine, hybrid system, transmission, and suspension have all been developed from the ground up.

Thanks to the GA-B platform, the body is 50kg lighter than the previous model, with a more than 30% increase in torsional rigidity and a 15mm lower center of gravity, achieving a harmonious balance of superior handling stability and a refined ride.

Four powertrain options are available. The newly developed "1.5-liter Dynamic Force inline three-cylinder engine" can be paired with either: ① a Direct Shift-CVT with a launch gear, or ② the new-generation hybrid system. Additionally, a revised 1.0-liter engine is offered with ④ a compact and lightweight CVT.

The hybrid model also features Toyota's first E-Four (electric all-wheel-drive system) for a compact car.

The exterior design concept, "B-Dash!", embodies the idea of accelerating with boldness (BOLD), briskness (BRISK), and beauty (BEAUTY), like a dashing bullet. The cabin, stripped of all non-essentials, and the taut lines extending from the body's center towards the front and rear wheels create an exterior design that appears poised to surge forward. Twelve body colors are available, with six of them offering a two-tone option combined with a black or white roof.

The interior, meanwhile, features a slim instrument panel for a wider visual impression and a smaller steering wheel to enhance the sporty feel. Furthermore, a hoodless dual digital TFT meter, a soft-touch instrument panel, and a spacious console with expanded storage create a cabin that feels a class above.

For safety, the "Toyota Safety Sense" package, which detects oncoming vehicles when turning right or left at intersections, as well as pedestrians crossing after turning, is standard equipment. Additionally, the "Advanced Park" system, an advanced parking assist system, can be used even in parking lots without painted lines by pre-registering the parking position.

Convenience features include "Turn Tilt Seats" that rotate and tilt to allow for easy entry and exit, even in skirts or traditional Japanese attire, and "Easy Return Seats" that can return to the previous driving position with manual operation. The hybrid model is equipped with an accessory power outlet (1,500W) that can power electrical appliances or function as a generator during emergencies such as power outages.

In terms of connectivity, Display Audio (DA) and DMC, which can be linked with smartphones, are standard on all models, ensuring that all users can access connected services.