Since it was introduced in 2005, the Toyota Yaris has sold over 111 000 units and remains one of the most popular B-segment vehicles by Toyota in South Africa, despite increased competition from new B and sub-B segment competitors.

It is not only the competition in the B and sub-B segments that have increased. The market for more affordable vehicles and the number of vehicles in these segments have grown significantly and now constitute close to 50% of the total vehicle market. As a result, Toyota has recognised the need for a more affordable B-segment vehicle that will continue to offer the quality and durability that the Yaris is known for, but at a lower price point.

Enter the Yaris Zen, which, Toyota says, answers the needs of those B and sub-B segment buyers looking for value in terms of outright purchase price, operating costs, servicing and repairing of the vehicle. All Yaris Zen models will thus be sold with a 4-year or 60 000 km service plan and 3-year/100 000 km warranty as standard.

Yaris Zen models are divided into two derivatives, namely Zen1 or Zen3, based on the use of either the 1- or 1.3-litre engine. The name has been chosen to reflect the peace of mind of owning a Toyota and appeal to the younger target market.

“Apart from the new range introduction and the impressive value offering, we believe that the new Yaris Zen and accompanying retail sales campaign will return the Yaris to its original target market, namely the “29ers” or people of all genders and races in their twenties,” says Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Product and Demand Planning at Toyota South Africa Motors.

With an entry level price of only R126 300, the Yaris Zen’s price is one of the first aspects of the new vehicle that attracts attention. “Despite the affordable price and consolidated range, the Yaris Zen will not compromise on its traditional strengths, namely build quality, safety and durability”, says Andrew Kirby, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors.

Toyota South Africa will introduce the Yaris Zen without any changes to the design infrastructure that has ensured the Euro NCAP five star safety rating. This includes a driver and passenger air bags on all models and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and Brake Assistance (BAS). Also included in all models is Toyota’s patented Minimal Intrusion Cabin Safety system (MICS) that disperses the force from a side or partially head-on collision to protect passengers, whiplash injury lessening headrests (WIL) and anchorage points for children’s seats inside the cabin.

The Yaris Zen retains the unique Euro-centric features of the Yaris. Styled in conjunction with Toyota Motor Corporation’s European design studio (ED2), the Yaris has stood the test of time since its first introduction in 2005.

A new design element will distinguish the Yaris Zen from the standard Yaris. The new Yaris Zen will be available will a comprehensive range of unique tattoos for both the hatch and sedan versions, with buyers being able to choose the various design elements to suit their lifestyle. This new design element follows market research into the need for individualisation in the target market.

Besides the tattoos, owners can expect no compromise on the unique style that the Yaris has become known for. This includes colour coded bumpers throughout the range, a centrally mounted information console for the sedan (analogue) and hatch (3D digital), more than 18 litres of internal oddment storage, thanks to the centrally mounted information display that enabled the designers to add various storage spaces.

The Yaris Zen will continue to offer the range of two well known and proven all aluminium petrol engines. Both engines are equipped with electronic multi point fuel injection and both offer exceptional fuel consumption which averages less than 6 l/100 km for the range. Both engines also offer low CO2 emissions.

The entry level Yaris Zen1 will be equipped with the well known 998cc three cylinder engine. This engine is one of the lightest and most frugal internal combustion engines in the world. Power from this engine is comparable to various competing 1.3 litre engines, with a torque figure of 93Nm @ 3 600 rpm and power output of 51kW @ 6 000 rpm. Next in line is the highly popular 1.3 litre engine. This four cylinder engine also has four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts and VVT-i and is rated at 63kW @ 6 000 rpm and 121Nm @ 4 400 rpm.

The Zen1 and various Zen3 models are equipped with a five speed manual gearbox. Two Zen3 Plus models, one in each body shape, will be offered with Toyota’s four speed automatic gearbox. Both the Zen sedan and Zen hatchback are fitted with 14” steel wheels, except for the top of the range models.

The Yaris Zen retains its seating designed to accommodate four 1.8 m long adults in comfort. All versions of the Yaris Zen is equipped two airbags, a full compliment of five point seat belts, electric power steering that is tilt adjustable (reach adjustment is included in higher specification models) and ABS brakes with EBD and BAS. Hatchback models further offer range wide folding rear seats with a 60:40 split and Toyota’s “Easy Flat” operation. Zen3 models boast electric windows and power mirrors, while Plus models list Bluetooth cell phone preparation, an audio socket and a greater number of speakers for the audio system as standard.

The new Yaris Zen is set to continue in the footsteps of the Yaris, offering best in class quality and durability, a low cost of ownership and well proven resale value. Toyota South Africa Motors will, in line with customer feedback and market structure, continue with a rationalised Yaris model range to complement the Yaris Zen range. One hatchback model, badged as the Toyota Yaris T3 Plus, will be available.

The Yaris T3 Plus will also benefit from the increased value offering that is available on the Yaris Zen range. As such the model will boast with a full complement of airbags, increasing from a driver and passenger airbag to include knee, curtain and side airbags as well. Visually the Yaris T3 Plus will also be fitted with larger 185/60 profile tyres on 15” alloy wheels and will now come standard with front fog lights. The increased specification calculates to an overall increase in value of R10 000, while the retail price will only increase by R1 900 to R173 600.

Prices include a 4-year/60 000 km service plan and 3-year/100 000km warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.