While India is about to witness the launch of the new Toyota Yaris, the upcoming Honda City-rival that debuted at the Auto Expo 2018, the Japanese auto giant has unveiled the new Yaris Ativ TRD at the ongoing 2018 Bangkok motor show. It’s noteworthy here that the India-spec Yaris is the same as the Vios sedan that’s on sale in Singapore.
The Yaris Ativ TRD gets a set of cosmetic changes to look sportier and hence, more attractive. The same body kit will make it to the Singapore-spec Vios. Hence, there are good chances it will make it to India, too. On the outside, the Yaris TRD gets dual-tone side skirts, red-painted front spoiler and rear diffuser, and a sportier front bumper that carries larger fog lamps. The outside rear-view mirrors also get some red highlights. The boot spoiler has been painted in black. The TRD variant doesn’t offer any performance updates. The major difference between the Yaris Ativ and the India-spec Yaris lies under the hood. While the Yaris Ativ gets a 1.2-liter naturally-aspirated petrol engine, the Indian car has a 1.5-liter unit.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has already commenced the bookings for the new Yaris. The India-spec model offers 108 bhp from its 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. It comes mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and also offers an optional 7-step CVT. There won’t be any diesel engine option. A petrol-electric hybrid might launch later.
In India, the Toyota Yaris will go on to rival the likes of Maruti Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, and Honda City. TKM will use high levels of localization to make sure that prices stay competitive. We expect the prices to start at Rs 8.5 lakh and go all the way to Rs 13 lakh. The Yaris will offer some segment-first features such as gesture control for the touchscreen infotainment system, tire pressure monitoring system, roof-mounted rear air-con, ambient lighting, powered driver’s seat adjustment, and front parking sensors.
Toyota has previously launched the TRD versions of the Etios and the Fortuner. Hence, even the Yaris TRD is highly likely to make it to our market sometime after the launch of the new C2-sedan.
[“Source-cartoq”]