TOYOTA EXPAND SUCCESSFUL YARIS RANGE

Joining the successful 67bhp 1.0-litre VVT-i Yaris introduced on 8 April this year, a bigger-engined 1.3-litre version will be made available in the UK from October after a debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 14 September. The new 1.3 is essentially a larger capacity version of the 1.0-litre VVT-i engine which has recently won the �International Engine of the Year Award� for 1999. This new engine will be offered with the GLS and CDX specification grades plus a new, sporty SR grade. An all-new four-speed automatic gearbox will also be offered with GLS and CDX grades, featuring the new engine.

The Toyota Yaris is already a huge success in the European market place with total customer orders in the first three and a half months since launch exceeding 80,000 units. Sales to date in the UK have so far topped 9000 units.

1.3-litre engine
The 1.3-litre engine, with a bore of 75mm and a stroke of 73.5mm, offers the same high tech engine technology as the 1.0-litre Yaris engine. This 1299cc four cylinder unit features two overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and the unique Toyota VVT-i system, which stands for Variable Valve Timing intelligent. This state-of-the-art engine technology offers a well-balanced combination of low emissions, quiet running, good fuel economy and performance. Altering the timing ensures that there are less compromises in the engine running for all conditions.

The 1.3-litre Yaris engine provides a maximum power output of 85bhp at 6000rpm and a peak torque figure of 91lb.ft of torque at 4400rpm. Perhaps more important than this peak figure is the flat torque curve itself. From 2400rpm up to 5400rpm, more than 82lb.ft is available according to Toyota. The VVT-i system adjusts the timing of the inlet valves according to the operating conditions of the engine. Under all driving conditions the engine's "brain" monitors engine speed and driver actions to increase valve overlap at low and medium engine speeds while reducing overlap at higher engine revolutions. The result is maximum available torque in combination with low fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emissions. Theoretically.

Direct ignition
Another feature of the all-new Yaris 1.3-litre engine is the Toyota Direct Ignition system, which was originally developed for the Camry V6. The traditional distributor has been replaced by four individual transformers operating directly on each spark plug. Not only can each spark plug be carefully controlled and individually timed, but also direct ignition removes the need for distributor maintenance and the problem of varying spark timing between services.

The new 1.3-litre engine shares with the 1.0-litre version the offset crankshaft design, which reduces friction losses in the engine for the lowest possible fuel consumption. The 1.3-litre features a light engine as a result of an aluminium engine block. Also, the compact cylinder head and resin intake manifold design achieves more weight reduction.

Performance
Equipped with the 1.0-litre VVT-i engine, the Toyota Yaris already offers acceptable performance figures, with a maximum speed of 96mph and an acceleration figure of around 14.1 seconds from rest to 62mph (manufacturer's figures). The 85bhp 1.3-litre version is obviously a bit quicker. Acceleration from rest to 62mph is achieved in 11.7 seconds. Top speed is 109mph.

The new engine in the Yaris range
The new 1.3-litre engine will be available mainly with the five door Yaris bodystyle and with both the GLS and CDX specification grades already established in the UK Yaris model line-up. A new three door SR grade which features a more extrovert interior and sportier handling will also be introduced. The new Yaris SR should be fun to drive but insurance-friendly and will feature a secure double door locking system which will be standard fit equipment with all the new Yaris 1.3-litre models. Prices will be announced for these new additions to the Yaris range closer to the UK on-sale date.

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