Design features of the all-new Yaris

In terms of design and packaging, the Toyota Yaris has always stayed true to the Big Small ethos that inspired the first generation model. However, for this all-new, fourth-generation car, our development team devised the parallel, but still closely related, strategy of Condensed and Agile.  This ethos was designed to help the engineers focus on creating a car that was right-sized for urban areas yet full of energy and dynamism.

Chief engineer Yasunori Suezawa explains: “I wanted the styling to capture the stance of an athlete on the starting blocks. You can see this in the rear wings and the car’s new proportions – wider, lower and more compact – giving the impression of condensed power.”

All-new Yaris design: exterior

In contrast to many B-segment rivals that have grown significantly in their latest generations, the all-new Yaris is slightly shorter than the outgoing model and the overall height has been reduced. It will be the most compact vehicle in its class, but by increasing the width, wheelbase and wheel track, cabin space and comfort has been significantly improved. The effect of these changes is explained in the video below by Toyota Europe product manager Marvin Inden-Lohmar.

The new GA-B platform gave our designers more freedom to produce an eye-catching aesthetic that emphasised the individual identity of the new Yaris. Its wider stance, shorter overhangs and strong character lines amplify the visual effect of the condensed proportions, projecting a sense of forward motion. Bulging front and rear wings add to the sense of tensioned muscles, expressing the car’s agility and ready-to-go character.

The front elevation focuses on the large grille and central Toyota emblem. The new headlights feature LED technology (subject to grade) and include indicators that alternate with the daytime running lights. The light units also extend towards the front wheels in a styling feature that reduces the perceived length of the front overhang. In contrast, the bonnet appears longer than before and the A-pillars have been moved rearward to improve the driver’s forward view. The wheels come in either 16- or 17-inch diameters, with the former offering a tight, 5.2m turning radius.

All-new Yaris design: interior and packaging

The interior of the all-new Yaris is full of high-quality, sensory-rich materials that you might expect from cars in the class above. It also follows a less is more concept designed to help the driver keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.

“We worked on two main elements to achieve this,” explained Suezawa. “First we maximised visibility by setting the instrument panel lower and pulling the A-pillar further back. The front seats were also moved outwards so there is more space between the driver and passenger. Second, we wanted to let the driver take in the flow of information with minimal eye movement, so we are offering a large colour head-up display.”

The driver’s greater sense of control and connection with the car is enhanced by their position at the wheel. The front seats have been mounted 60mm further back and the hip point has been lowered by 21mm, both of which contribute to the car’s improved weight balance and a more engaging driving position. The multi-function steering wheel also has a smaller diameter and offers an extended range of reach adjustment.

Driver distraction is minimised through a ‘binocular’ meter arrangement within the instrument binnacle, which flanks a TFT multi-information display on Design grade models and above. An eight-inch central touchscreen is positioned close at hand, while an optional ten-inch colour head-up display (standard on Launch Edition model) ensures that vital information ‘floats’ within the driver’s line of sight.

Learn more: Introducing the all-new Yaris
Learn more: Hybrid powertrain of the all-new Yaris
Learn more: Driving dynamics of the all-new Yaris
Learn more: Safety and equipment features of the all-new Yaris