Toyota has announced a new addition to its Yaris model range, the SR. The new flagship 1.8-litre model aims to provide more power to the company's supermini, at the same time as retaining the Yaris's refinement.

The new top of the range Yaris SR has its power sourced from a 1.8-litre petrol engine fitted with dual VVT-i variable valve timing. This technology is instrumental in creating increased power levels attained through precisely timed breathing. As a result, the car is claimed to deliver a maximum output of 131bhp achieved at 6,000rpm with 128lb.ft of torque produced at 4,400rpm. Toyota also claims a 0-62mph acceleration time of 9.3 seconds, fuel economy of 39.2mpg on the Combined Cycle, and low CO₂ emissions of 170g/km.

Chassis revisions have also been made to the SR 1.8 model. The car benefits from a slightly lowered suspension height and 'sports-tuned' electric power steering, said to have been adjusted to optimise reaction to driver input for a more sporting bias. Stability control and traction control are standard features and supplement the ABS, EBD and brake assist systems.

Building on the Yaris T-Spirit model, the SR 1.8 will add exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels, a new body kit, and higher specification equipment to compete against segment rivals. This sportier Yaris features a rear roof spoiler, side skirts, chrome sports exhaust, LED tail lamps and revised bumpers with integrated fog lamps to differentiate it from its regular Yaris siblings.

The interior is equipped with sports seats covered in fabric that's exclusive to the model. There's also a leather-trimmed steering wheel, chrome trim detailing and an amber-lit instrument display with analogue read-outs. The SR also features climate control air conditioning with a pollen filter, a 'smart entry and start' system, six-speaker audio with MP3 capability and a reach and rake-adjustable steering column.

Models fitted with the 1.3-litre VVT-i petrol unit and those with the 1.4-litre diesel engine will also become available as an SR derivative. The SR 1.3 and 1.4 D-4D will match the current T-Spirit model specification and add turbine-style 15-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust finisher, front scuff plates and brushed alloy gear knob. The 'smart entry and start' system, climate control and front fog lamps also find their way onto these models.

The Toyota Yaris 1.8 SR will be priced from £12,995 in three-door format when it goes on sale on 1 April; the SR grade 1.3 VVT-i and 1.4 D-4D will start from £10,695. Despite all the features incorporated into the smaller petrol and diesel models, the SR variants will be £615 cheaper than their T-Spirit equivalents.

Keep an eye on the main Road Tests page for our review of the new Yaris SR when we drive it later in the year.

Eric Gallina - 21 Mar 2007