Europe gets Toyota Yaris SR with dockable TomTom nav unit
Click above to view high-res gallery of the Toyota Yaris SR
The Euro-spec Toyota Yaris is a well-equipped little car. But things like the nine airbags, chrome exhaust finisher, and remote central double locking are merely gravy for the real show on this new SR model: a fully-integrated portable TomTom navigation system that doubles as a touchscreen interface for the car stereo.It's a neat little trick, and the unit also offers Bluetooth connectivity and a USB connection for MP3 players. We wonder, though, if this is about simply making life easier and aesthetically cleaner for GPS users, or if people are really clamoring for a portable GPS. This blogger has never seen anyone walking down the street taking direction from a TomTom -- but this blogger also lives in LA where nobody walks anywhere, so maybe I'm not the best judge. If nothing else, certain Euro Yaris takers can finally kiss the suction cups goodbye. Uh, Toyota, how 'bout some of that love over this way, please?
Gallery: Toyota Yaris SR
[Source: Toyota]
PRESS RELEASE
TOYOTA YARIS SR: A WINNING RECIPE
Take one Yaris. Add highly desirable styling and exclusive equipment features. Price competitively and sell.
It is as simple as that. Toyota has comprehensively upgraded the specification of its 1.3 VVT-i and 1.4 D-4D Yaris SR models to create one of the most impressive supermini prospects on the market.
A unique standard feature of the new Yaris SR is the satellite navigation / audio system which is both built in and fully portable. The system offers handy touch screen operation, Bluetooth connectivity and USB connection for MP3 players.
Taking as its starting point the highly specified T3 model, the SR ramps up its owner-appeal with the addition of:
- Fully integrated audio system with removable TomTom satellite navigation unit – a first in the B segment, exclusive to Toyota
- Toyota Motorsport 16-inch Pit Lane alloy wheels
- Toyota Motorsport lowered sports suspension
- Rear roof spoiler
- Chrome exhaust finisher
- Brushed alloy gearshift knob (manual versions)
- Front scuff plates
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
3seriesisking 3:07PM (2/21/2008)
Awesome
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Bill 3:11PM (2/21/2008)
I was kind of waiting for somebody to do this. From a security and convenience standpoint, it makes a lot of sense.
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RGS 3:12PM (2/21/2008)
The TomTom is probably removable so it won't get stolen from your parked car, not so you could use it while walking.
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HaplessNoob 4:19PM (2/21/2008)
In-dash units hurt resale values of automobiles because of their inherent obsolescence. This takes care of that problem elegantly.
DKB_SATX 6:10PM (2/21/2008)
Also, if it has similar functionality to my TomTom One, it's removable to allow you to take it inside to your computer to sync up map updates and corrections and buy and load new maps. It may also store MP3s for you and play them through the car stereo.
Txhick817 3:14PM (2/21/2008)
The Nav system is the Eclipse AVN2210p. They are really nice nav systems but the audio ability is a little low. I got one put in my car because the price was a steal. Most in-dash nav systems cost 1000+ but you can find this one for 500 bucks. Other than that this car isn't that special.
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jcar302 3:41PM (2/21/2008)
Ya it looks the same as the eclipse, and you can buy another mounting kit for it, for like $50 so you can use it in your other vehicles.
Autoblog is making it sound like you are going to walk around with it, which may be true in some cases, but it's really so you only need one navi device for multiple vehicles.
I passed on the eclipse stereo with this tom tom in it, kinda looked like an 80's radio with an 08 navi unit in it.
lk 4:57PM (2/21/2008)
Yeah, I had that AVN2210p for a few months, but had to return it due to a multitude of problems. The deal breaker was that it stopped playing regular, store-bought audio CDs. Good luck, Euro-Yaris owners!
freckles 7:04AM (2/22/2008)
i saw this same unit at my local car audio store; real nice!
Thedevil 3:14PM (2/21/2008)
Simply genius! and that my friend ,is why toyota is MOVING FORWARD,
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Razor1973 3:43PM (2/21/2008)
No, Toyota is "moving YOU forward", not me. Great idea indeed, but how about a unit that looked left aftermarket, especially when it's not? Or one that's not sized in proportion to the size of the car? Not only is the screen positioned low, but it's also small. Can anyone say imminent crash?
Razor1973 3:46PM (2/21/2008)
"left aftermarket" = "less aftermarket" in some other language, I'm sure :)
fannibal 3:15PM (2/21/2008)
About time...
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Txhick817 3:16PM (2/21/2008)
You can use it in another car or walking around but it only follows streets so you can go hiking or anything. This is what I found with mine but they might have changed things.
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Bubba 3:24PM (2/21/2008)
Genius. This illustrates what GM faces in its struggle for the number 1 spot.
Think how handy it would be to snag it when using a different vehicle....or when the unit gets upgraded (as long as the dock is the same) you can take advantage of new functionality....
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Thirty-Nine 4:03PM (2/21/2008)
Very cool. However, I'd just like the D-4D powerplant for the U.S.
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Jason 3:38PM (2/21/2008)
This same Eclipse system has available from Crutchfield for a while now, just without the Toyota logo on it.
Personally I'd rather have a larger integrated screen/unit as I don't have much use for the removable GPS module (unless it was suitable for offroad/outdoor/in-the-woods use).
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DaveG 4:01PM (2/21/2008)
Isn't the whole point of this that GPS nav will be cheaper? Because I don't think your average Yaris user is going to spring for the 2k navi package. Plus, at least you won't have to use Toyota's awful navigation interface.
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Nicko 4:25PM (2/21/2008)
Dockable nav unit aside, am I the only one surprised to see a Yaris that actually looks kinda cool?
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Jason 5:24PM (2/21/2008)
amazing what a set of rims and tires can do to change the look of a vehicle huh? I had to pull up pics of the US-spec Yaris to see if that one had some kind of body kit on it or something... only real difference I could see was the rims and tires.