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Compact Yaris big on safety

While the 2014 Yaris line-up features a modern new exterior design, new levels of specification and an entirely new addition to the range in the shape of the sporty ZR, an aspect that remains tried and true is this compact hatchback’s impressive level of safety equipment.

Perfect for the busy urban lifestyles many Yaris owners enjoy, this compact hatchback features a well-proportioned interior capable of transporting five adults in comfort. Showcasing the attention to detail and quality features customers have come to expect in Toyota’s small car range over many decades, the updated Yaris remains a practical compact hatchback. Yet the Yaris’ standard suite of comprehensive safety features remains the equal of a car much larger than its small car footprint.

“The refreshed Yaris line-up will appeal to customers from all walks of life who desire a premium level of on-board safety but want a small car,” says Neeraj Lala, Toyota New Zealand General Manager of Product.

“In its latest iteration, Toyota’s smallest car is going to appeal to a whole new set of customers, offering a level of standard safety equipment, including reversing camera, cruise control, seven airbags and safe and convenient Bluetooth hands-free calling technology in every single model.”

Toyota project engineers also utilised high-tensile sheet metal in developing the new-look Yaris’ exterior panels, ensuring improved body rigidity. Torsional rigidity has been improved with the select use of reinforced structures around the rear hatch and upper mounting position of the rear shock absorbers. While adding body strength, these structural details also help improve handling stability and reduce weight, measures which assist the Yaris in achieving a combined average fuel economy figure of 6.3-litres/100km (or 5.7-litres/100km for the Yaris GX manual).

The Yaris features a brake control system incorporating ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), Brake Assist, VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and TRC (Traction Control). New for the 2014 range is an emergency brake signal which flashes the hazard warning lights repeatedly under heavy braking, reducing the potential for rear-end collisions during emergency braking procedures.

Meanwhile of particular note inside the cabin is the new reversing camera, which is a standard feature across the entire Yaris range. Giving the driver a clear, full colour view of what lies behind the vehicle through the 6.1” audio screen, the rear view monitor ensures reversing manoeuvres can be completed with confidence, alerting whoever is behind the wheel to potential hazards and obstacles behind the car.

The Yaris’ SRS system numbers seven, including driver’s front and front passenger airbags, driver’s knee, two front side airbags and front and rear curtain shield airbags.

All models within the Yaris range have achieved a 5 star ANCAP safety rating. All feature convenient ISOFIX points embedded in the rear seat, allowing compatible portable children’s car seats to be securely clipped or unclipped when required; handy when minding extra children or swapping between vehicles in the family fleet.

Bluetooth hands-free calling functionality accessible through steering wheel-mounted controls is standard across the range, as is cruise control.

The safe and practical new-look Yaris range is available at Toyota dealers nationwide, with recommended selling prices starting at $22,990.