Tuesday 28th February 2006

Toyota to show a hotter Yaris

New engine, new styling unveiled at Geneva this week

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2007 Toyota Yaris T Sport

The Toyota Yaris T Sport, although a concept prepared for the Geneva show, paves the way for a sporting version of the all-new model that will be launched in 2007.

• Concept shows look for 2007 production Yaris sports model
• New 1.8-litre petrol engine
• Sports body-styling features
• 17-inch alloy wheels

The Yaris T Sport is a design exercise that points towards a production sporting Yaris that is scheduled to arrive in showrooms during 2007, powered by a new 1.8-litre petrol engine.

Toyota, now the world's biggest car company, said it "wanted to create a refined sports hatch, compact in size with fun-to-drive qualities to appeal to younger buyers, but also with high equipment levels and comfort appropriate for both day-to-day driving and longer trips."

Sporting intent is, it says here, signified by a black mesh grille at the front with bumper-integrated fog lights. There is a redesigned bumper at the rear, too, plus deep side skirts and a tail spoiler.

The T Sport is fitted with 17-inch wheels for sharper ride and handling, while new-look tail lights, a chromed exhaust pipe and a T Sport badge on the front grille add the finishing sports touches. The concept car is finished in a dedicated body colour, Storm Grey.

[r988]

Nothing says sporting like a black mesh grill...

[astec815]

It looks very bloated, almost a bubble car...

[flossythepig]

astec815 said:

It looks very bloated, almost a bubble car...

It's the distortion you get when you take the picture close up with a wide angle lens.

[Fire99]

astec815 said:

It looks very bloated, almost a bubble car...

Does look a little Chunky Monkey!

[corcoran]

aww it'll be lovely and with 140bhp it'll go well - and no more riduculously over-tall; under-wide like that fiesta ST. the new yaris is great.

that said; i wouldn't trade into it from my 3.2 a3. hah!

[dougc]

I had a go in the old shape T-Sport when my GS was in for a service (saleschap wanted to sell me one and I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity for a free hoon) It drove really well, just lacked a bit of power - not compared to my car (67 raging horses) but not quite enough for a hot version. Only 105bhp I think and whilst it was fairly nippy, it could have done with about 120 to make it a riot to drive.

If this one gets 140bhp then should be a little rocket!

[YarisSi]

The yaris fans have been waiting a long time for this. Toyota paid for a company to put a 1.8 and set the suspension up in a phase 1 yaris.

[GravelBen]

why not the 190 hp 1.8 Celica (and Elise 111R/Exige) engine? it fits in the Corolla...

[FestivAli]

Typical over conservative toyota effort - it hardly looks any different from the base Yaris (actually, there's already some visual beef when it's in darker colors). Still, it'll be reliable.

Ali.

[vlad]

hang on, have you all forgotten the current seat(volks-audi) ibiza cupra with 160 bhp as standard !!
reprogramme the chip to 190 and still average over 50mpg.
yes its a diesel and very few non supercars can get near it.
even the suspension seems sorted---go to a dealer and try and push a front wing down--stiff or what---a very fast little german build quality car.

[jas16]

this yaris looks more safe rather than sporty, not really much of a visual effect made by toyota.