Here's Your Hot Toyota Yaris Hatch; Does the U.S. Want It?
Toyota promised the world a Yaris hatchback that would valiantly rise above the role of a plain-Jane commuter car, and here it is.
Expected to premiere at the Geneva Motor Show this March, the high performance three-door subcompact borrows inspiration, parts, and probably a name from Toyota’s Gazoo racing division.
The automaker claims the hot Yaris makes more than 210 horsepower, likely from a tamed-down version of the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine found in its recently released WRC rally car. It also previews design changes coming to the entire Yaris lineup.
Gazoo is to Yaris as TRD is to Tacoma, so buyers should expect a vastly improved suspension setup, as well as other upgraded components. Because the Yaris has so far avoided being associated with either performance or handling, the new variant might come as a bit of a shock. Still, Toyota is determined to shake up its staid and sensible image.
Many details of the muscular hatch remain a mystery, but the biggest question is: will Toyota bring it to North America? So far, the automaker won’t say.
With 210-plus horsepower on tap, the model surpasses the output of the popular Ford Fiesta ST, and would send ripples through the hot hatch segment. It makes sense from a PR perspective, too. Fielding something youthful and fun, especially in a low-priced segment, would give Toyota an opportunity to be noticed for something other than long-term reliability.
[Images: Toyota]
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I'd take a good look at this if I haven't switched to SUVs.
I'm not sure there's been a hot hatch that's had a great reliability rep since Honda dropped the RSX and 3-door Civic Si, so I'm glad Toyota's trying something. I will echo the comments though, that a hopped up Corolla iM would be a nice addition.