Review: Toyota XP90 Yaris (2005-16)

Review: Toyota XP90.I Yaris (2005-08)

Overview

Released in October 2005, the Toyota XP90 Series I (XP90.I) Yaris was initially available as a light three- or five-door hatchback, with sedans following in March 2006. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive Yaris was powered by 1.3- and 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines and available in YR, YRS and YRX variants.

2NZ-FE and 1NZ-FE engines

The 1.3-litre 2NZ-FE and 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE four-cylinder petrol engines had aluminium blocks and cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing (VVT-i) and compression ratios of 10.5:1. Transmission options consisted of four-speed automatic or five-speed manual units.

Dimensions

Compared to its XP10 Echo predecessor, the five-door XP90 Yaris hatchback was 135 mm longer (at 3750 mm), 35 mm wider (1695 mm), 20 mm taller (1530 mm) and had a 90 mm longer wheelbase (2460 mm). The three-door hatchback had the same dimensions, though the sedan was 550 mm longer (at 4300 mm) and had a 90 mm longer wheelbase (2550 mm).

Suspension

The XP90 Yaris had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the XP90.I Yaris included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

An optional safety pack added a driver’s knee airbag (except for the sedan), front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags.

Brakes

The Yaris had 255 mm by 22 mm ventilated front brake discs and 200 mm leading and trailing show rear drum brakes.

ANCAP and Euro NCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a three-door Yaris hatchback – equipped with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 29.46 out of 37. In the frontal offset impact test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver. Furthermore, protection from serious chest injury was marginal in the side impact test.

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a five-door Yaris hatchback – equipped with dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags and curtain airbags – received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.95. In the frontal offset and side impact tests, there was only a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver.

Features: Yaris YR, YRS and YRX

Standard features for the Yaris YR included 14-inch steel wheels with 175/65 R14 tyres, a four speaker stereo with an MP3-compatible CD player, air conditioning, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height adjustable driver’s seat and immobiliser.

The Yaris YRS was further equipped with 15-inch steel wheels with 185/60 R15 tyres, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and rake and reach steering column adjustment.

Beyond this, the Yaris YRX added 15-inch alloy wheels, a six-stack CD player and front fog lights. From April 2006, the YRX variant was available with a bodykit which included a front spoiler, side skirts and roof-mounted rear spoiler.

2008 Yaris Rush

In May 2008, a limited-run Rush variant of the Yaris was released; based on the YR, it added 15-inch alloy wheels, six-stack CD player, Bluetooth connectivity and front fog lamps.

Related links

• Press Kit: Toyota XP90.I Yaris (October 2005)
• Press Kit: Toyota XP90.I Yaris sedan (March 2006)
• Press Release: Toyota XP90.I Yaris YRX sedan (August 2006)
• Press Release: Toyota XP90.I Yaris YRX hatchback with sports body kit (August 2006)
• Press Release: Toyota XP90.I Yaris Rush (May 2008)

Review: Toyota XP90.II Yaris (2008-16)

Overview

Released in October 2008, the XP90 Series II (XP90.II) Yaris introduced a minor facelift and equipment changes; the range itself, however, was unchanged. Visually, the XP90.II Yaris could be identified by a more aggressive front bumper, a narrower grille, larger air dam, new headlights and new tail-light lens covers. Inside, there was higher quality Jacquard-weave seat trim with different dark grey patterns for each variant.

Although the XP90.II Yaris hatchback was replaced by the XP130 Yaris in October 2011, the XP90.II Yaris sedan continued to be produced until 2016.

Safety equipment

Compared to its XP90.I predecessor, safety equipment for the XP90.II Yaris was initially unchanged. From September 2009, however, all Yaris models with 1.5-litre engines were fitted with electronic stability control and traction control. 

Features

For the XP90.II Yaris, telescopic steering wheel adjustment was standard across the range (previously absent from the YR variant), while the YR and YRS variants had backlit steering-wheel buttons.

From August 2009, the Yaris was fitted with improved audio systems with MP3/WMA compatibility, a 3.5 mm input jack, a USB jack with iPod control and Bluetooth hands-free telephone capability and audio streaming.

2009 Yaris Edge

In July 2009, a limited-run Edge variant was released. Based on the three- and five-door hatchback YR variants, the Edge was distinguished by its 15-inch alloy wheels, six-disc CD player, front fog lights, floor mats and brushed aluminium badging.

Brochure

• Brochure: Toyota XP90.II Yaris sedan (October 2008)

Related links

• Press Release: Toyota XP90.II Yaris (October 2008)
• Press Release: Toyota XP90.II Yaris with ESC as standard (September 2009)
• Press Release: Toyota XP90.II Yaris Edge (July 2009)
• Wikipedia.org: Toyota XP90 Vitz/Yaris