Sporting a bit of rhinoplasty, the 2015 refresh of Toyota's Yaris debuts a reworked console and standardizes several features that were previously optional. Although the 2015 Yaris's powertrain remains unchanged, its suggested retail price hovers around its predecessor's mark.
Anyone familiar with the Yaris will notice the wider, flatter nose of the 2015 version of the car, which looks similar to the Toyota's latest Avalon and Camry cars. But the makeover of the 2015 Yaris goes beyond its dark grille and extends deep into the vehicle's cabin.
"Fun, functionality and value come together in the 2015 Yaris," stated Toyota in a release. "The smooth-revving 1.5-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder DOHC engine equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) produces 106 hp at 6,000 rpm and 103 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The broad torque curve makes those numbers seem even bigger when you're driving the Yaris, which offers snappy response with either transmission."
Available in two- and four-door models, the 2015 Yaris will be available in the previously established trims of L, LE and SE. The L trim will start at $15,670; the LE at $17,330; and the SE at $17,645. Compared with the 2014 Yaris, each of the 2015 trims cost approximately 3 percent more.
The L was said to only be available with an automatic transmission and the SE will only come in four-door format, but the SE will have the option of an automatic or manual transmission. The LE will be available in both two- and four-door formats and will have the option for an automatic or manual transmission.
A 6.1-inch display now comes standard in the Yaris' center console across all three trims. The touch-sensitive display was accompanied by an HD radio, a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and speech recognition.
Toyota said implementation of a navigation system will be left up to dealers.
All trims of the 2015 Yaris will come standard with power locks, power windows, daytime running lights and air conditioning. The latest Yaris will also come standard with nine airbags and its seat will fold 60/40.
Under the hood, the 1.5L double-overhead cam engine returns in the 2015 Yaris. The four-cylinder engine will deliver 106 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, while imparting torque at 103 foot pounds at 4,200 rpm.
"The redesigned 2015 Toyota Yaris checks all of the boxes for small-car shoppers," stated Toyota. "And then it adds and checks two more boxes for fun and value. In 3-door or 5-door liftback models, the 2015 Yaris makes everyday driving less everyday."
The 2015 Yaris has been expected to reach dealerships this summer.
