Rasheed Bisiriyu Toyota’s subcompact car, the Yaris, is 20 years old and its manufacturer is not only literally rolling out the drum to cele...
Rasheed Bisiriyu
Toyota’s subcompact car, the Yaris, is 20 years old and its manufacturer is not only literally rolling out the drum to celebrate one of the European best-selling hatchbacks, it has also launched a special edition of the model. It is called the Y20.
According to a report by automotiveworld.com, the revised Yaris range, revealed for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, will offer a new multimedia system that enables smartphone integration.
“Debuting as part of a revised range for the third-generation hatchback, the Yaris Y20 brings a classic gold colour that appeared on the first car to the new machine but gives it a modern twist with a bi-tone dark grey roof,” says an auto reviewer, Aberdeen Journals Limited, on the new model, in another report by published by eveningexpress.co.uk.
Toyota Nigeria Limited says the Yaris offers an exciting drive, an experience “you will treasure”, adding that its quality and style are simply unique.
For the Yaris, auto reviewers report Toyota as saying that there will be an initial production run of 1998 Launch Edition Y20 models featuring the same gold paintwork used by the first Yaris in 1998, but with the contemporary twist of a bi-tone dark grey roof.
The Automotive World says the full-production Y20 models will sit at the heart of the 2019 Yaris model range, replacing the current Mid+ grade and offering a strong value proposition for customers. Standard and bi-tone versions will be available, the latter matching silver, pearl or black bodywork colours with a new dark grey finish for the roof.
Exterior
It says the car’s exterior styling uses dark grey features to distinguish the Y20 from other editions within the Yaris line-up. These include 16-inch grey and machined-face 10-spoke alloy wheels, and dark grey side mouldings, front grille, door mirror casings and fog light surrounds (with chrome detailing).
“The Y20 also sports a shark fin antenna, colour-matched to the roof, dark-tinted rear privacy glass and special Y20 badging at the rear,” it states.
Interior
The theme is said to continue inside, with a dark grey centre console and steering wheel inserts, along with a new check-patterned fabric upholstery.
Other interior features are the satin chrome air vent, audio speaker and meter surrounds, gear knob trim, and black carpet mats with silver edging. The Y20 badging on the instrument panel and front setbacks will further enhance the quality feel of the interior.
The icing on the cake is Y20 badging at the rear of the car and on the instrument panel.
New multimedia system
According to the reviewer, many will be thrilled by the 2019 model year Yaris’ new multimedia system, which is said to be in tune with people’s desire to keep connected at all times.
It notes that connectivity has become an increasingly important purchase consideration for customers and the new package will enable easy smartphone integration and access to useful, popular apps.
According to the report, the operation will be via a simple central touchscreen, adding, once connected, selected smartphone contents can be viewed and accessed using the screen. Functionality will be extended over time to enable access to other third party apps.
It states, “The system has a clear and simple hardware and HMI design. It can be used to provide smartphone-enabled route navigation and is able to respond to voice commands, via a new microphone and a dedicated button on the head unit, with least driver distraction.
“The touchscreen will also respond to familiar multi-touch gestures, such as screen flicking and pinching in/out.”
Engine performance
Reviewers say there is no word yet on powertrain options, but hint that the trim will be available for both the 1.5-litre petrol option and its hybrid sibling.
The Toyota Yaris Y20 will join the GR Sport to swell the hatchback’s range, with the latter taking inspiration from the limited-run GRMN hot hatch with a number of racy additions.
The Nigerian market
The Yaris has done well in the Nigerian market. And for the available model, Toyota Nigeria Limited says its cabin is home to a variety of Toyota technology designed to make one’s journeys more comfortable.
It says its “air conditioning will be a welcome feature year-round to keep the interior at the preferred temperature; and as the audio system includes USB and AUX input, you can stream music from your own device,”, adding that “steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a multi-information display come with the Yaris Sedan Sport.”
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