Yaris sets new Toyota economy benchmark

TOYOTA believes that its new Yaris model due in Ireland proves the point that lower emissions and fuel consumption can be delivered without compromise. No model in the new 2009 Toyota Yaris range emits more than 120g/km of carbon dioxide, thanks to the successful adoption of Toyota Optimal Drive across the entire range. At the same time, Toyota claims that the new Yaris is every bit as well-specified, comfortable, reliable and safe as before. Toyota Optimal Drive covers a range of technologies that promote greater power-train efficiency. Toyota"s engineers claim to have improved combustion efficiency, reduced engine and transmission weight and reduced friction to produce engines that deliver more power and are fun to drive, yet at the same time are more efficient and economical. The 2009 Yaris features a range of new and revised engines that benefit fully from the technical advances delivered by Toyota Optimal Drive. The line-up comprises a new 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol unit with a stop-and-start system and improved versions of the 1.0-litre VVT-i three-cylinder petrol unit and the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel. A new six-speed manual transmission also debuts in Yaris. Matched to the 1.33 VVT-i and 1.4 D-4D engines, it is smaller, lighter and more efficient than the five-speed gearbox it replaces. The new Toyota"s 1.33-litre petrol engine features state-of-the-art Dual VVT-i (variable valve timing - intelligent). It produces 100bhp (101 DIN hp) and has the highest compression ratio of any petrol engine on the market at 11.5:1. The in-line, four-cylinder unit produces 132Nm of torque at 3,800rpm and returns 5.4 litres/100km (55.4mpg) in combined cycle driving, with both six-speed manual and MultiMode transmissions. The use of the Toyota Optimal Drive technologies gives the engine superior emissions and fuel consumption performance compared to the previous 1.3-litre unit. It has reduced the CO2 output by 22 g/km to 119 g/km and improving combined cycle by almost 15 per cent. A new Toyota stop-and-start system is featured as standard on the 1.33 Dual VVT-i engine with six-speed manual transmission. This automatically stops the engine when the gear shift is moved to neutral and the clutch pedal is released; the engine restarts as soon as the clutch is depressed again. Immediate restarting is made possible by a permanently engaged gear mechanism and there is no hesitation in a rapid stop and start sequence - the engine does not have to stop fully before firing into life again. The system reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and operates smoothly and silently. Toyota engineers have worked on the three-cylinder VVT-i petrol engine to give even better fuel consumption and emissions performance. TR versions of the 2009 Yaris ride on low rolling resistance tyres, further contributing to lower fuel consumption and CO2 figures. Together the measures achieve a reduction in CO2 of close to 10 per cent compared to the previous model. Toyota has also upgraded the 1.4 D-4D diesel engine for the Yaris. This improved engine features latest-generation common rail technology and an intercooled turbocharger. Power has been increased slightly to 89bhp (90 DIN hp) and maximum torque is greater by 15Nm at 205Nm, produced between 1,800 and 2,800rpm, giving more pulling power at lower engine speeds. A six-speed gearbox is available for the 1.33 litre petrol and 1.4 litre D4D diesel power unit to enhance economy. The official combined cycle fuel consumption is improved by more than 10 per cent; likewise, emissions have been reduced, falling from 119 to a class-leading 109g/km. Styling changes for the 2009 Yaris are small and evolutionary. The bonnet and bumper are more closely integrated, and protection mouldings have been incorporated. Changing the bumper design has increased the car"s overall length by 35mm. The radiator grille has a new rippled mesh design that radiates out from the central Toyota badge. The larger front spoiler, spats and changes to the underfloor design contribute to the car"s all-round smooth aerodynamics. The front headlamps have been re-sculpted, while at the rear the bumper and integrated LED combination lamps have been refreshed. Changes to the interior include a new black finish for the centre console, with titanium silver finish around the centre console, gearshift and steering-wheel trim.