Toyota announces its comeback to the hot hatch market as it intends to bring a performance-focused Toyota Yaris, inspired by the World Rally Championship (WRC) version. That is after a 17-year hiatus, to be led by Team Principal Tommi Mäkinen together with a team that consists of WRC Veterans Jari-Matti Latvala/Miika Anttila and Juho Hänninen/Kaj Lindström.
Since its launch in 1999, the Toyota Yaris has been consistently innovative. According to Toyota GB, in its first generation, it introduced new design features like the 3D central digital display. The second generation, though, was the launching of more segment firsts such as the knee airbag and the smart entry. The third generation was able to make hybrid options available for the first time, while the current model's Toyota Safety Sense system puts itself ahead of its competitors in active safety.
Toyota posted a sketch of the hot hatch Yaris on its European social pages, according to Motortrend, and it looks promising. In the current version, the Toyota Yaris houses a 1.5-liter inline-four engine producing 106 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque. Other engines available in Europe produce about the same amount of hp or less. The all-new turbocharged Yaris will be equipped with a 1.6-liter inline four-engine making over 375hp and 313 lb-ft torque.
The sketch, according to the Torque Report, reveals that the teaser Toyota Yaris will rock a large roof mounted rear spoiler, larger wheels, and a more aggressive front fascia, with a three-door body style. The company will use "experience gained from its full-blooded return to the World Rally Championship," according to the official press release.
It was announced that the high-performance Toyota Yaris will debut in March at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, but no statement was made on whether or not it will be offered in the U.S. market.
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