Toyota Motor Philippines, fresh from launching the Wigo very recently, is introducing the all-new Yaris subcompact hatchback in April, a source has shared with TopGear.com.ph. The new model was released in Thailand in October last year, and is available in that market with a small 1.2-liter engine to qualify it for the Thai government's tax holiday given to economy cars.
Filipino buyers who don't like paltry engines need not worry, however, as TMP will be equipping the Philippine-market Yaris with the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder VVT-i engine from the current model and--more important--a new 1.3-liter motor. The current Yaris is only available in our market with a 1.5-liter engine, practically killing its chances with small-car buyers who prefer smaller engine displacement for fuel efficiency.
The new Yaris is visibly longer than the current one--4,115mm versus 3,800mm. That's 315mm more sheet metal from bumper to bumper, which should result in improved legroom for all passengers. It also makes the car look like a small minivan from certain angles.
Toyota is obviously on a roll. It should have no trouble selling 90,000 units this year, a target company president Michinobu Sugata announced in January.
