TOYOTA is freshening up the Yaris range for 2014 – and the big news is a revised diesel engine that now squeezes below the 100g/km CO2 emissions limit to qualify for free road tax.
The improved diesel is part of a wider programme of changes that include a simplified trim grade structure – in ascending order, Active, Icon, Icon Plus and Trend.
Prices start at £10,895 for the three-door 1.0-litre petrol in Active trim, while the diesel starts at £15,670, albeit with the plusher Icon Plus trim level. As well as reduced CO2 emissions (99g/km instead of 104g/km previously), the diesel now offers combined fuel consumption of 74.3mpg instead of 72.4 mpg.
The Yaris Hybrid is available only with the Active, Icon Plus and Trend grades. Prices start at £15,495, and include a CVT automatic transmission. All hybrids are five-door cars.
Higher spec models can be ordered with Toyota’s Touch & Go multimedia system for £650, which provides sat nav, Google Local Search and access to several apps.