Toyota Revives Yaris Hatchback

Toyota Motor Corp., which stopped producing its slow-selling Yaris hatchback in the U.S. in January, will launch an all-new version of the small car in September.

The 2020-model Yaris hatchback moves to Mazda Motor Corp.’s Mazda2 platform and will be built by Mazda in Mexico. Mazda also makes the Yaris sedan (originally known as the Scion iA, then Yaris iA), which had been completely separate from the Yaris hatchback until now.
 

The redesigned hatchback will be offered in two trim levels: LE and XLE. The up-level model adds leatherette seats and leather-trimmed components, automatic climate controls, rain-sensing wipers and automatic LED headlamps.

Power will come from a 106-hp 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Among the standard safety features are low-speed pre-collision warning with brake assist, dynamic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

Other goodies include heated power side mirrors, chrome-tipped exhaust and a 7-inch touchscreen display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, while a navigation system is optional.

Sales of the previous Yaris hatchback plunged 78% last year in the U.S. to less than 2,000 units. Toyota sold just 132 of the cars through the first two months of 2019.