All-New 2020 Toyota Yaris debuts, now with swiveling seats and Volvo-level AEB

This is the all-new 2020 Toyota Yaris, revealed ahead of its world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

Unlike the outgoing generation Yaris, this all-new TNGA platform generation model is developed as a global model. In other words, there will no longer different versions of Yaris for different markets. Every region will sell the same Yaris, with some minor region-specific styling tweaks of course.

Currently, ASEAN markets like ours get a different Yaris, while Japan and Europe gets another. Meanwhile the North American market Yaris is actually a rebadged, Mexican-made Mazda 2.

Highlights of the all-new Toyota Yaris is of course the TNGA-B platform, a simpler version of the same taut handling and refined driving dynamics TNGA platform that currently underpins the C-HR and Corolla Altis (TNGA-C) as well as the Toyota Camry (TNGA-K).

However unlike TNGA-C and –K, this –B version uses torsion beam rear suspension.

The new platform promises 50 kg reduction in weight, 30 percent stiffer torsional rigidity, and 15 mm lower centre of gravity.

Three engine options are available – all naturally aspirated three cylinders. The entry point is a 1KR series 1.0-litre paired to a new and smaller CVT-type automatic transmission.

Next is a new M15A 1.5-litre Dynamic Force engine paired to a new Direct Shift CVT that’s equipped with a launch gear.

The top of the Yaris range is a hybrid that’s based on the aforementioned M15A engine. It’s also available with all-wheel drive (electrically-driven rear axle).

In terms of safety, the all-new Toyota Yaris features an improved Toyota Safety Sense, whose autonomous emergency braking now works even in junctions/corners, and is capable of detecting vehicles and pedestrians.

Most other car’s AEB feature only work on hazards directly ahead of the vehicle and Volvo’s City Safety with Intersection Support is one of the few exceptions. The Yaris will be the first in its class to offer such function.

The all-new Toyota Yaris will also come with semi-automatic self-parking assist but unlike similar features used by other brands, the Yaris’ Advanced Park feature doesn’t need white line markings on the ground for it to work – it’s a world’s first.

Inside, the highlight is the Easy Return seat, which is a mechanical memory seat position, except that it’s a lot cheaper and doesn’t need electric power.

Turn Tilt Seats function is an adaptation of Toyota’s disabled persons-friendly WelCab seat design, but it is now available on its standard cars. With Turn Tilt Seats, the driver’s and front passenger’s seats will swivel to face out, thus allowing easier entry/exit. Toyota says the feature is designed for occupants wearing skirt or kimono and supports those with back pain or low muscle strength. Brilliant!

We will bring you more details on the all-new Toyota Yaris when we see the car in person next week at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The all-new Toyota Yaris will be vying for attention with the all-new Honda Jazz, which will also be making its world premiere in Tokyo.

Although presented to the public, the all-new Toyota Yaris will not go on sale in Japan until February 2020.