Paris Motor Show: Toyota Yaris TS
Autoblog's Eric Bryant covered the world premiere of Toyota's new flagship Yaris model, the TS. The big news is the TS's new 1.8-liter engine with Toyota's Dual VVT-i, putting out a respectable 130 hp through a five-speed manual gearbox - good for 0-62 mph in 9.3 seconds. The extra power comes along with a sport-tuned suspension, quicker steering and an exclusive body kit.
Three- and five-door TS models will hit U.K. showrooms in early 2007. Check out more live shots and the full press kit after the jump.
PRESS PHOTOS:
PRESS RELEASE:
NEW YARIS FLAGSHIP LEADS TOYOTA'S PARIS PRESENTATION
World premiere for sporting new TS model
KEY POINTS
* Yaris TS powered by new 130bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine with Dual VVT-i
* 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds, 120mph top speed
* Sports tuned steering and suspension
* Exclusive sports body styling
* Three and five-door versions to be offered, from early 2007
Toyota will unveil a new flagship for the Yaris range at the Paris Motor Show, the Yaris TS.
With an emphasis on sporting performance and style, the TS will add an extra dimension to the appeal of the latest generation Yaris, which was only launched at the beginning of this year.
ALL-NEW 1.8-LITRE ENGINE
Key to the TS's character is an all-new 1.8-litre petrol engine with Dual VVT-i (dual variable valve timing), producing 130bhp (132 DIN hp) at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 173Nm at 4,400rpm. Working with a five-speed manual gearbox, it gives nought to 62mph acceleration in 9.3 seconds and a top speed of 120mph (194km/h).
The Dual VVT-i is an evolution of Toyota's intelligent valve timing technology. By varying the timing on both the inlet and exhaust valves, it gives greater engine flexibility, more power and torque and improved fuel efficiency. The TS has a combined cycle consumption figure of 37.7mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 178g/km.
SPORTS CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
The strong Yaris platform has been further adapted to give the TS handling to match its increased power and performance. Modifications to the suspension and steering increase driving pleasure, without compromising refinement.
To improve body and suspension rigidity, the front suspension members have been reinforced and a linking rod has been introduced between the rear members. Lowering the suspension by 8mm gives the TS a more sporting appearance and retuning the springs and shock absorbers increases stability at speed. Adjustments to the front springs and the use of a thicker anti-roll bar reduce body roll and improve high speed cornering performance.
The electric power steering has also been sharpened to a 13.2:1 ratio, giving lock-to-lock in 2.3 turns, compared with14.2:1 and 3.0 turns for the standard Yaris.
SPORTS STYLING
The TS benefits from a number of exclusive styling features that mark out its sporting character. At the front it has a black mesh grille with a clear TS badge, darkened headlamp surrounds and a deeper bumper with integrated fog lights.
The rear bumper has also been redesigned, with an integrated chrome-finished sports exhaust tailpipe and fog lights. The rear lamp clusters adopt an LED-style design.
Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard and the body gains deep side skirts and a roof spoiler. The choice of paint finishes will include a shade exclusive to the TS, Alsace Granite. Inside, the car is fitted with sports seats, with alloy trim detailing, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and exclusive amber backlighting for the main controls.
Following its Paris premiere on 28 September, the new TS is scheduled to reach UK showrooms in February 2007, available in both three and five-door versions.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
DJ 7:29PM (9/28/2006)
Isn't Toyota cutting into Scion's space with this one?
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doglet 7:33PM (9/28/2006)
if they can fit the 1.8 in there why is it only 130hp?
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MattB 7:32PM (9/28/2006)
Didn't toyota once have a 1.8L engine from the Celica that made 180hp? What's with the 130hp here?
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MattB 7:34PM (9/28/2006)
#1 - This Yaris likely won't be sold here. Scions aren't sold outside the US.
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Lucas Zaffuto 7:42PM (9/28/2006)
Seems slow for that large of an engine in that small of a car. Wasn't the MR2 Spyder much faster than that with similar weight, engine, and horsepower?
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Tim UF 8:14PM (9/28/2006)
Lucas, i agree with you.
it has to be in the gearing... i'd imagine the yaris is geared taller (for fuel efficiency) than the mr2...
but... this opens up the option: bring in the toyota corolla xrs engine (the same as is in the lotus elise!) into this vehicle... bring the tranny too... should be a pretty rewarding drive
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Danthius 8:48PM (9/28/2006)
This car is so small, I wonder how it and the passengers would fare in a serious accident with the much bigger cars and trucks on U.S. roads?
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Richard Warren 9:09PM (9/28/2006)
Same shit, different day.
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Shotter 9:13PM (9/28/2006)
Yaris TS, eh?
Should sell well here in San Francisco...
Due to the parking problems, I mean ;)
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Jason 9:33PM (9/28/2006)
130 hp is respectable? 0-62 mph in 9.3 seconds? That is their "flagship" Yaris? Who writes these things?
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Scott Eaton 9:38PM (9/28/2006)
"This car is so small, I wonder how it and the passengers would fare in a serious accident with the much bigger cars and trucks on U.S. roads?"
GOD I'M SO TIRED OF THIS SHIT.
If you're chickenshit, don't drive one. Seems anything smaller than a HUMMER is too fragile for pantywaste middle americans. Just buy one for your Xanax-addled stereotypical wife to drive around, then who will care.
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Jason 9:38PM (9/28/2006)
Aren't those the Lexus ES330 rims from 2005-2006? The answer is yes. This is yet another showing of how a car company cuts a corner thinking the average Joe aint going to notice. So, I shall conclude this Yaris is built for a average non-car enthusiast buyer who wouldn't know better.
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sp 10:17PM (9/28/2006)
Yaris has 5 star crash safety.
As to the 132hp and 0-62 in 9.3 secs, yes, that is the flagship Yaris. Due to high taxes in Europe, it will cost over 25k-30k in Europe which is why there wont be higher hp version of Yaris.
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jk 10:33PM (9/28/2006)
Wow a cooper killer (with some easy TRD tweaks to the 1.8), I want one in in the US. But change the TS to SS. Also I want steel rims with hubcaps so the cops don't catch on. I want a YarisSS!
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lavardera 10:40PM (9/28/2006)
I'd like to say that this was in a league with the Suzuki Swift, but it just doesn't have the cred. Its still a Yawnis.
I think Toyota had a 1.8 in the top trim Matrix that put out some good HP - reminded me of a honda.
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Cory 10:42PM (9/28/2006)
The comments about how unsafe such a small car would be in the US is made out of ignorance. That is not a put down on the person that made it. It is just a simple fact. They do not know how small cars are now compaired to ten years ago. In those peoples mind they see the huge SUV they are driving as only getting a small scratch on the bumper while the Yaris they hit is a flat piece of metal half a block back. "OH, I know what your talking about!! My hair is just a mess this morning. Oh, just a second, I will have to call you back Pam, I think I ran over something"
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RDL 11:07PM (9/28/2006)
"2. Didn't toyota once have a 1.8L engine from the Celica that made 180hp? What's with the 130hp here?
Posted at 7:32PM on Sep 28th 2006 by MattB"
"3. if they can fit the 1.8 in there why is it only 130hp?
Posted at 7:32PM on Sep 28th 2006 by doglet"
This Yaris has the 1ZZ-FE. You are both refering to the 2ZZ-GE, designed by Yamaha (yes, Yamaha, not Toyota.). Reason for the 2ZZ-GE not being under the hood of the Yaris TS: costs. The engine costs more to manufacture, and Euro taxes are related to engine size and emissions.
1ZZ-FE: economy, cheap.
2ZZ-GE: performance, expensive.
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Derrick 11:47PM (9/28/2006)
How ironic; Just last week I had to get my camry serviced and had to rent a car. So, I rented a yaris from the dealer. I thought, 'yaris'...small, cheap...oh well. What a surprise when I sat in it and drove it. I'm 6'1" and had plenty of head room left. Seats were very comfortable. Back seats were somewhat small, but adequate for most people. Center console didn't bother me a bit. Driving characteristics were good, engine is a little noisy on freeway, but completely silent in idle. Since it only has a little over 100 hp, it's acceleration is a little weak. I said to myself, "I'd definitely buy one of these if it only had 20-30 more horsepower, and was a little more sporty". Well, looking at this yaris TS all those issues would be solved. So, is it that this TS in only going to be sold in the UK (not US)...? Gas milage of the yaris is great. Toyota quality/reliability excellent. Don't knock the yaris until you test drive it. I hope to see something like this in the US; though the upcoming corolla redesign may provide a slightly more substantial car.
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Ryan 11:53PM (9/28/2006)
I really think the exterior is a pretty cool looking hatchback in it's own way. But does anyone else think that dashboard is is horrible looking?
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MikeW 11:59PM (9/28/2006)
Mini killer, I think not. No 6 speed transmission. The Mini has the BMW integral Z axle rear suspension now mostly aluminum for generation2, this car has integral trailing arms-semi-independent. This yaris has a RIDICOUSLY quick steering ratio, 13.2:1, Where is the precision, when the US market Corolla has 20:1. The car is already short & narrow and lowered (relative to the base models) so the vehicle dynamics already favor better agility, so the steering ratio should move the other way, 16:1.
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