Toyota’s assimilation of the Scion brand back into the mainstream line-up is complete with the introduction of the new Yaris sedan, formerly the Scion iA.
The new model, which was called the Yaris iA last year, is now “home” as four-door alternative to Toyota’s entry-level Yaris three-door hatchback. Fortunately, it keeps its reputation for being a lot of car for not a lot of money.
In fact, how much money you’ll spend is up to the buyer as it comes available in three trim levels for 2019: L, LE and XLE. The L package is the “sporty” model and includes leatherette-trimmed front seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake, an HVAC system with Automatic Climate Control, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers and illuminated entry.
The new Yaris sedans will all feature a new sport-inspired front grille with a honeycomb insert design, plus upscale piano black accents and chrome trim. Separating the from the L packages, the LE and XLE get a rear lip spoiler and fog lights as standard equipment.
(Toyota’s new “haute” hatch is latest generation Corolla. Click Here for the story.)
The iA was supposed to come with more tech and nicities than any vehicle in its class and that has continued with its merge into the Yaris line-up. All of the sedans are fitted with a roof-mounted, color-keyed shark fin antenna for available satellite radio. Additionally, power outside mirrors are standard on the L, while the LE and XLE are equipped with power outside heated mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators.
Safety is a priority on every Toyota, and that’s why all Yaris sedans comes standard with an Active Safety System and Low-Speed Pre-Collision System. The Yaris also features a high-compression 1.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine pumps out 106 horsepower and 103 lb.-ft. of torque that reports an estimated 40 miles per gallon on the highway. It’s not going to blow your socks off, but its more than enough to get you up to freeway speeds before the end of the entrance ramp.
The Yaris sedan will be offered in seven colors that include Frost, Chromium, Graphite, Stealth, Sapphire, Pulse and the all-new Icicle. The new Yaris will go on sale in the fall of 2018. Adding a bit of panache for the LE and XLE are unique 16-inch alloy wheels with new dark gunmetal finish.
(Click Here for details about the new RAV4 coming to NYIAS.)
Every Yaris is equipped with an Active Safety System that includes Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Anti-Lock Brake System and a Brake Over-Ride System.
Other standard safety features include a Driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor on all passenger belts. Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children is also standard on outboard rear seats with tethers and anchors on all rear seats. A Tire Pressure Monitor System also is equipped on all grades.
On the inside of every Yaris is a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system with voice recognition, remote interface, steering wheel controls and Bluetooth connectivity. The touchscreen also displays the standard backup camera. The sedan also featues a six-speaker sound system, and available satellite radio with a three-month complimentary SiriusXM All Access trial. An integrated AM/FM antenna, auxiliary audio jack and USB port with iPod connectivity are standard.
(To see why Toyota will “pause” testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads, Click Here.)
The new Yaris comes with an analog speedometer, digital tachometer and incorporated trip meter. Cruise control also comes standard. Push button start is standard on all grades, and the L grade features a remote keyless entry system while both the LE and XLE are equipped with Smart Key System. Every Yaris is fitted with power windows with driver-side auto up/down and jam protection. A standard 60/40-split rear seat easily expands carrying capacity and versatility.
Does that mean we don’t have to worry we can’t pronounce Scion properly. Good riddance to the center mounted speedo (or has that been gone for a while?).