Toyota reveals MY2010 Yaris

These are the first official images of Toyota's updated Yaris, which gains a range of minor cosmetic tweaks, along with improved spec levels (at least in models offered to European buyers).

The company hasn't gone overboard with the external mods, which are limited to a redesigned headlight cluster, matt silver door handles and new alloy wheels (or new wheel caps in cars with steel rims). The derriere is distinguished by mildly revised tail-lights.

Meanwhile, the colour palette gains two new additions -- hues dubbed Light Purple Silver and Blue metallic.

Toyota boasts the new Yaris represents five per cent better value than before as automatic air-conditioning and front foglights become standard in Euro-spec cars.

The company's European arm has also introduced a new model variant -- the 'Yaris 2010' -- which comes equipped with analogue instrument dials, a perforated leather steering wheel and gearshift knob and higher-grade upholstery trim.

Euro buyers can choose from three powerplants -- 1.0-litre VVT-i and 1.3-litre Dual VVT-i petrol units and a 1.4 litre D-4D (turbodiesel). Each engine features Toyota's Optimal Drive technology, which is said boost fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

As a result, all three engines generate under 120g/km, with model range fuel consumption averaging below 5 litres/100 km, according to Toyota. Moreover, Yaris whole-fleet CO2 emissions will be reduced from 130.8 g/km in 2008, to 117.4 g/km in 2010.

Toyota Optimal Drive focuses on lightweight, compact design, enhanced combustion efficiency and low-friction components. The company claims the petrol engines have been enhanced via a high-efficiency intake port, a high compression ratio and "long reach" spark plugs.

The 1.3-litre petrol engine features Stop & Start technology, while the 1.4 litre D-4D oiler is equipped with new Piezo injectors, variable nozzle turbocharging, a de-coupling generator and new electrical Exhaust Gas Recirculation.

The current-generation Yaris launched here just over four years ago, but it's still at the pointy end of the Light Car segment, notching up 19,447 Australian sales in 2009 -- a tally only just eclipsed by the Hyundai Getz (19,643 sales). The Mazda2 was a distant third with 13,335 sales.

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