Toyota lines up new 1.5-litre petrol engine for Yaris

Toyota is introducing a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to the Yaris range to replace the current 1.33-litre unit. It will offer not only more power, more torque and faster acceleration, but also improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

Developed in anticipation of the future Euro 6c emissions standard and RDE (Real Driving Emission) homologation requirements, it is a member of Toyota’s ESTEC (Economy with Superior Thermal Efficiency) engine family. It benefits from new technical features that deliver better performance and a more enjoyable drive, while at the same time achieving a reduction of up to 12 per cent in fuel consumption, under current NEDC official test criteria.

The new unit is being manufactured by Toyota Motor Industries Poland as part of a €150 million production investment programme by Toyota Motor Europe.

In Yaris the naturally aspirated 1,496cc engine develops a maximum 110bhp/82kW and peak torque of 136Nm at 4,400rpm. Its responsiveness ensures a comfortable drive both in urban traffic and on the open road. Compared to the outgoing 1.33-litre unit, it is 0.8 seconds quicker to accelerate from 0-62mph (11.0 versus 11.8), while at overtaking speed the improvement is more than a second, moving from 50 to 75mmph in 17.6 seconds compared to 18.8.

Meeting emissions and fuel economy challenges

Toyota’s world-leading experience in hybrid powertrain technology has proved valuable in addressing the challenges presented by the new Euro 6c emissions standard and RDE homologation cycle. This is witnessed in the new engine achieving a 38.5 per cent thermal efficiency value, placing it among the best on the market. It has been achieved by using a high 13.5:1 compression ratio, adopting a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and extending the variable valve timing operation so the engine can switch between Otto and Atkinson cycles to gain optimum efficiency in different driving conditions.

The higher compression ratio has been made possible by the combustion chamber design and new pistons, which promote a homogenous air/fuel mixture and rapid combustion. Cooled EGR reduces combustion temperature and also helps prevent the occurrence of engine knocking. Furthermore, the volume of reinjected inert gases allows for a reduction in pumping losses at low and medium loads, improving overall engine efficiency.

The adoption of a new Variable Valve Timing – intelligent Electric Motor (VVTi-E) system allows the engine to switch between Otto and Atkinson cycles (and vice-versa) in a fraction of a second. Controlled electronically, closure of the intake valve is delayed, reducing the compression phase and further helping reduce pumping losses (Atkinson cycle), and enabling a prompt return to the Otto cycle for better performance under high loads. The phase shift of the exhaust camshaft is hydraulically controlled.

Toyota’s first water-cooled exhaust manifold

The engineers also focused on improving fuel consumption at sustained motorway cruising speeds, leading to the introduction of a new water-cooled exhaust manifold. By limiting the gas temperature, this avoids the need for mixture enrichment to reduce combustion temperature at motorway driving speeds. As a result, both fuel consumption and exhaust emissions are reduced.

In common with other Toyota ESTEC engines, the 1.5-litre unit benefits from the latest measures designed to reduce friction losses.

23 comments

  1. Hurrah !!! Great news …. now at last my hubby can trade his 2002 1.5 Yaris. With 212,000 miles on the clock. He has been waiting for this edition of the Yaris for 15 years !!! YAY xxx

    1. Hi Judy,
      That’s great to hear. Has your husband contacted us about the High Mile Club for his Yaris? Read more here: mag.toyota.co.uk/high-mile-club.

  2. Another winner from Toyota.
    Love my Yaris 1.33 engine but this new 1.5 unit will be fantastic I am sure.
    My current Yaris is great in urban and motorway trips My.third Yaris and would have no other car in this class.
    Fantastic vehicle all.round My first Yaris had a 1.8 engine 130 bhp!!!
    I might be tempted by the new hot hatch with a 2 litre engine on sale later this year.
    Better get saving I think!!

    1. Hi Raymond,
      We’re glad to hear you’re happy with your Yaris. We’d love to see a picture if you’d like to post one to our social channels?

    1. Hi Chris,
      More information regarding the 1.5-litre engine will be announced at Geneva Motor Show in March. Keep your eyes peeled! 🙂

  3. Website shows the engine (Icon) as 1.5l Petrol (77 HP) 6-Speed Manual. Blog says 110bhp/82kW. Which is the correct power for a 1.5 manual Icon?

    1. Hi Chris,
      Thanks for raising this issue with us. This is an issue on the Toyota website and has been reported to the team to get this fixed as soon as possible. With regards to your query, the Yaris you mention has a max net power of 82 (the blog has this listed correctly). Hope this helps!

      1. Hi Ibraheemkhan,
        Thanks for contacting us.
        We’d recommend contacting the Toyota distributor in your region for further help with your query.
        Thanks.

  4. I have just changed my1.4 diesal for the new Hydrid. The 1.4D on a long trip I could get 71.5 miles to a gallon down to 62 to 64 then in winter about 58. The big problem I am having Toyota only give you one fob key and a old type key like a saw, which sets the car alarm off when you open the car door cant open the boot with this key. Going back in time to the 1970s.Come on Toyota don’t be so mean down grading a KEY which is rubbish. So now we have to share a key with the wife 😪🥶 don’t want 40mm key in my pocket.

    1. Hi R Morton,
      Thanks for your comment.
      New cars should come with two key fobs, so we would recommend contacting the Toyota centre from which you purchased the car if you have only been provided with one.
      Thanks.

    1. Hi Teo,
      Thanks for getting in touch with us.
      We would recommend contacting the Toyota distributor in your region for further advice with your query as we can only help with UK specification vehicles.
      However, as Toyota UK, we would not advise modifying your vehicle away from the manufacturer’s specification.
      Thanks.

  5. I am having buyers lament over the fact I bought a used Yaris Icon 1.5 after owning a Yaris 1.3
    It seems so much bigger and harder to park . Help!

  6. I think I will have to “ bite the bullet “ !
    And adapt to new car . Parking is more difficult with the new car size , especially parallel parking.
    My new used car was £12.500 , and was hoping to to exchange it for a smaller model about the same price ( 2020).
    Any advice!?

    1. Hi Mike,
      Thanks for your question.
      Please contact your Toyota Centre for help with your car exchange.
      Thanks.

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