As a perennial favorite in the compact sedan market, the Toyota Yaris Sedan has consistently held a prestigious position in the hearts of consumers across the Middle East. Since its debut in 2003, the Yaris Sedan (also known in some regions as the Vios) has continually evolved to meet consumers' increasing demands for design, features, and driving experience.
In 2023, Toyota introduced the brand-new fourth generation Yaris Sedan (model code AC100), captivating numerous consumers once again with its comprehensively upgraded exterior, interior, powertrain, and safety features. This article will provide an in-depth look at this highly anticipated model, covering aspects such as exterior design, interior features, the engine, safety performance, and driving experience.
Exterior Design
The all-new Toyota Yaris Sedan has clearly undergone significant efforts in its exterior design, making it more dynamic and stylish compared to its predecessor, the 2024 Yaris Sedan.
In terms of overall dimensions, it measures 4425mm in length, 1740mm in width, and 1480mm in height. The new model has increased in length by 5mm, width by 10mm, and height by 5mm, with a notably extended wheelbase of 70mm, reaching 2620mm. These adjustments contribute to a more harmonious side profile with short overhangs at the front and rear, adding a sportscar-like dynamism to the vehicle.
The front face of the new Yaris Sedan draws clear inspiration from the Toyota Camry. The LED headlights coordinate with the horizontal grille, creating a refined and aggressive demeanor. Complemented by a large lower air intake and a front bumper that matches the body color, the overall visual impact is distinctly upscale.
The fastback-style side of the body features smooth C-pillar lines that extend to the rear, adding a sense of motion to the vehicle while making the Yaris Sedan one of the few models in its segment with a unique style. However, this design does involve some compromises—reduced headroom in the rear seats, making it more suitable for younger individuals or families who do not require frequent full occupancy.
Interior and Comfort
Stepping inside, the new Yaris Sedan unveils a completely redesigned interior that diverges sharply from its predecessor. The choice of materials and the optimized layout significantly elevate the overall sense of luxury. The dashboard adopts a tiered design, with the upper half covered in soft materials to enhance both tactile and visual experiences. The instrument panel has been upgraded to a 7-inch all-digital display, allowing users to customize the display content according to their preferences.
The technology setup is a major highlight of the new Yaris Sedan. The base model comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, while the higher-end models boast a 9-inch screen. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a convenient connected-car experience. Wireless charging and air vents for the rear seats are now standard, adding more convenience for consumers. Additionally, the higher-end YX model is equipped with an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) and Auto Hold feature, which are relatively rare in its class.
However, the interior is not without flaws. For instance, the rear seats no longer fold down, which limits the expandability of the trunk space. Moreover, due to the fastback design, the headroom in the rear is somewhat cramped, which may not be comfortable for taller passengers. Also, the elevated center console, while enhancing the convenience of the driver's controls, makes the interior feel slightly cramped.
Engine
In terms of powertrain, the 2024 Yaris Sedan is equipped with a 1.3-liter naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 97 PS and a peak torque of 122 Nm. Although the specs are modest, the driving experience is greatly enhanced by the newly developed Dual Mode CVT transmission (D-CVT).
The design of the D-CVT is innovative, integrating the operation of a steel belt and planetary gear sets, which smooths out the vehicle's performance during startup and at low speeds, while also delivering more efficient power output during medium to high-speed driving. Although the inherent "rubber band effect" of the CVT can still be noticed during rapid acceleration, the transmission performs satisfactorily in everyday driving conditions.
The new Yaris Sedan’s chassis is built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform. This has significantly increased body rigidity while reducing the weight by approximately 110 kg compared to the previous generation, enhancing steering response and stability during cornering.
Safety Features
Safety has always been a strong suit for Toyota. The 2024 Yaris Sedan comes standard across all models with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) active safety system, which includes:
Pre-Collision System (PCS)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
Front Vehicle Start Alert (FDA)
Additionally, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are now standard features across all models, while higher trims also introduce Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKC). Although the ACC does not support automatic follow-on after stopping, it remains a very practical feature in its class.
In terms of passive safety, the new Yaris Sedan is equipped with six airbags, outperforming its competitors in overall safety performance.
Fuel Efficiency
The Yaris Sedan performs admirably in fuel economy, befitting its role as a family sedan. The official combined fuel consumption is rated at 22.4 KM/L, with a fuel tank capacity of 40 liters.
In terms of driving experience, the new Yaris Sedan offers a smooth and comfortable ride, whether navigating city traffic or embarking on long journeys. The vehicle's suspension system excellently mitigates road bumps, providing a sense of lightness without compromising resilience. Additionally, the cabin noise insulation has significantly improved over the previous generation, effectively suppressing both engine and tire noise.
Price
The Toyota Yaris Sedan is available in three models in Saudi Arabia:
Y：SAR 63,135
Y PLUS：SAR 69,345
YX：SAR 75,670
Summary
The Toyota Yaris Sedan combines stylish looks, enhanced interior quality, comprehensive safety features and a relaxing driving experience to make a well-balanced family sedan. However, its compromises in rear space and some practical features may make some consumers hesitate.
The Yaris Sedan is a great ride if you're a single person, a newlywed couple or a family user who doesn't need a full load on a regular basis. For consumers looking for reliability and low maintenance, Toyota's gold standard makes the Yaris Sedan a worthy choice.