Toyota Yaris Refreshed With Sportier Styling
The Geneva Motor Show is typically where supercars debut, but the new 2018 Toyota Yaris, will also be unveiled there.
The Japanese automaker introduced the refreshed version of its subcompact hatchback for Europe, with Toyota saying more than 900 new parts have been introduced for the hatchback. As a result, Toyota says the Yaris received more than just a simple mid-life “facelift,” and those parts are designed to improve the car’s design, dynamic performance, and safety. The model could preview how the refreshed Yaris could look when it comes to North America.
The front and rear ends now feature a sportier look while the interior has been updated for a more modern feel. Toyota has added new interior colors, trims, and improvements to the instruments and controls and, at least in Europe, all versions except for the entry grade model now feature a color TFT multi-information display.
SEE ALSO: Toyota Yaris Hot Hatch Rumored to Be in the Works
Although the front end doesn’t look drastically changed, Toyota says the bumper was designed to create a “catamaran” shape with broad sections flowing down from new headlights. The result is a more pronounced three-dimensional effect, giving the Yaris the sense of wider stance. The rear of the Yaris sees its biggest changes with a new tailgate design with new rear light clusters that extend onto the door itself.
In Europe, the 1.33-liter engine has been replaced by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit, which won’t affect the U.S. model, since it already comes equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The engine in the European model, however, is a new powerplant and is a member of Toyota’s Economy with Superior Thermal Efficiency (ESTEC) family. It offers 111 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque, comparable to U.S. model’s current 106 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque.
It’s unclear if the refresh will make it to U.S. soil for the 2018 model year and when we reached out to Toyota, the automaker said it is unable to comment at this time on future products.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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i can't see any difference from 2016.
Looks good. I like it. That interior looks neat and tidy. An electric version would be cool.