Toyota Yaris
Joining the successful 67bhp 1.0-litre VVT-i Toyota Yaris is a bigger-engined 1.3-litre version made its debut at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show. The 1.3 is essentially a larger capacity version of the 1.0-litre VVT-i engine which has recently won the coveted 'International Engine of the Year Award' for 1999. This new engine will be offered with the GLS and CDX specification grades plus a new, more youthful SR grade. An all-new four speed automatic gearbox will also be offered with GLS and CDX grades featuring the new engine. The Toyota Yaris is a huge success in the European market place with total customer orders in the first 3.5 months since launch exceeding 80,000 units.
1.3-litre high-tech engine
The 1.3-litre 2NZ-FE engine, with a bore of 75mm and a stroke of 73.5mm, offers the same high tech engine technology as the 1.0-litre Toyota Yaris engine. The 1299cc four cylinder engine features two overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and the unique Toyota VVT-i system, which stands for Variable Valve Timing intelligent. This state-of-the-art engine technology offers a well-balanced combination of low emissions, quiet running, great fuel economy and sparkling performance.
The 1.3-litre Toyota Yaris engine provides a maximum power output of 63kW (85bhp) at 6000rpm and a peak torque figure of 124 Nm (91 lb ft) of torque at 4400rpm. More important than this peak figure is the flat torque curve itself, offering outstanding engine characteristics. From 2400rpm up to 5400rpm, more than 110 Nm (82 lb ft) is available. This offers the driver enormous flexibility, which is of great importance in heavy traffic and when overtaking. The flat torque curve is one of the results of careful design of the combustion chambers and the infinitely variable valve timing system.
The VVT-i system, which in the past was only available in luxury cars with large engines, adjusts the timing of the inlet valves according to the operating conditions of the engine. Under all driving conditions the electronic engine control unit (ECU) monitors engine speed and driver actions to increase valve overlap at low and medium engine speeds while reducing overlap at higher engine revolutions. The result is maximum available torque in combination with low fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emissions.
Direct ignition
Another feature of the all-new Yaris 1.3-litre engine is the Toyota Direct Ignition system, which again was originally developed for range-topping models, such as the Camry V6. The traditional distributor has been replaced by four individual high performance transformers operating directly on each spark plug.
Not only can each spark plug be carefully controlled and individually timed, but also direct ignition removes the need for distributor maintenance and the problem of varying spark timing between vehicle services.
The new 1.3-litre engine shares with the 1.0-litre version the offset crankshaft design, which reduces friction losses in the engine for the lowest possible fuel consumption. The 1.3-litre features a light engine as a result of very precise casting of the cylinder block, which is made of aluminium. Also, the compact cylinder head and resin intake manifold design achieves more weight reduction.
Performance
Equipped with the 1.0-litre VVT-i engine, the Toyota Yaris already offers great performance figures, with a maximum speed of 96mph (156km/h) and an acceleration figure of around 14.1 seconds from rest to 62mph.
The 85bhp 1.3-litre version now offers even better performance. Acceleration from rest to 62mph (100km/h) is achieved in 11.7 seconds. Top speed is 109mph (175 km/h).
Due to its state of the art engine technology, the 1.3-litre Toyota Yaris engine offers a unique combination between high performance and low fuel consumption and emissions. Fuel economy in the 93/116/EC mode shows a combined consumption figure of 47.8mpg (5.9l/100km) and a CO2 emission of 141g/km. The new 1.3-litre Toyota Yaris is great to drive while offering excellent fuel economy.
Automatic gearbox
Like the 1.0-litre version, the 1.3-litre Toyota Yaris is equipped with the lightweight and compact 5-speed manual transmission. However, the 1.3-litre is also available with a fully automatic gearbox specially developed for Yaris. The 4-speed overdrive automatic gearbox is of a unique compact and lightweight design and offers a very high efficiency due to low internal friction.
By adapting the latest technology in terms of hydraulic circuit control, the new automatic transmission offers 50 per cent shorter gear change time than the previous automatic gearbox offered on small Toyotas.
Toyota Yaris Servicing Schedule
Major service intervals at 20,000miles/2 years. 30-minute safety, oil and filter 'Health Checks' at one-year/10,000 miles.
Simpler, cheaper servicing for Toyota Yaris customers has been a primary consideration in the European designed Yaris from day one of its inception. Toyota Yaris requires 45 per cent less labour time (over three years/60,000 miles) than the current Starlet model, which it supersedes. Overall maintenance costs (including tyres and brakes) are reduced by 25-30 per cent. This all means cheaper servicing costs and greater convenience for Toyota Yaris customers.
Technological advances and improved maintenance processes on Toyota Yaris have enabled major services to be set at a lengthy two years or 20,000 miles. The advanced 1.0-litre 16v engine with 'first-in-class' variable valve timing features maintenance free valve lifters, maintenance free direct ignition (no distributor), 40,000 mile spark plug changes using normal plugs and a maintenance free timing chain (no cam belt change needed). The Toyota Yaris torsion beam rear suspension also features a toe correcting function which optimises tyre life.
In between major services, Toyota Yaris customers are only required to have an oil and oil filter change at 10,000 miles, when their dealer will also give the car a free 'Health Check' for safety items including lights, fluid levels, tyres and brakes. The advanced Yaris engine has been designed to use cheaper mineral grade oil instead of the more expensive semi and fully synthetic oils that some rivals manufacturers insist upon.
Toyota Yaris Easy Care
Capitalising on the low maintenance needs of Toyota Yaris, Easy Care is a stand alone two or three-year servicing plan for Yaris sold separately from the vehicle. For a one-off payment ranging in price from £140 for a two year plan to £220 for a three year plan, Easy Care covers major services, oil and filter changes and replacement parts costs meaning any unlikely unbudgeted surprises are catered for.
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