The new 2014 Toyota Yaris and Yaris Hybrid go on sale today, with new grade line-ups that prioritise the features customers value most. There is an added incentive for the 1.4 D-4D diesel Yaris too, as it now dips below the 100g/km CO2threshold to qualify for a zero annual road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) bill.
The 2014 Yaris adopts a new four-grade trim level structure for all different engine options: ‘Active’, ‘Icon’, ‘Icon Plus’ and ‘Trend’. Active and Icon replace the previous ‘T2 ‘ and ‘TR’ designations, while ‘Icon Plus’ offers a high-value specification and extra styling elements. ‘Trend’ gains additional equipment features and becomes the new top-of-the-range model. However, there are slight differences between these standard trim guises when compared to the Hybrid’s trim levels which share the same names.
In the conventional ICE powered cars, ‘Icon Plus’ distinguishes itself with its dedicated Selena 10-spoke, 15-inch alloy wheels, LED rear light clusters and front fog lights. Customers who choose the new Glacier Pearl paint finish also gain a bright chrome tailgate trim. High quality equipment features for safer, easier and more comfortable driving include automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, power windows front and rear, automatic climate control and, where a manual transmission is fitted, a higher-set centre console design.
The 2014 Yaris Hybrid follows the pattern in adopting a new grade structure, albeit with different equipment specifications as follows.
‘Active’ and ‘Icon Plus’ grades replace the previous ‘T3‘ and ‘T4‘, with ‘Trend’ taking on the role of flagship in place of the ‘T Spirit’. Across the board the standard features have been refreshed to reaffirm the Yaris Hybrid’s status as an advanced, innovative competitor in the supermini market.
Toyota made good use of customer feedback to determine the new specification for the Yaris Hybrid ‘Trend’, including the introduction of the C-pillar decal to create the floating roof look. Other styling elements include a rear spoiler, 16-inch ‘Trend’ alloys and part-leather seat upholstery, while the equipment manifest includes auto headlights and wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power windows all-round and keyless entry with push-button start.
Principal features for each grade are as follows: –
| ACTIVE | ICON PLUS adds | TREND adds |
| LED daytime running lights | 15-inch alloy wheels | 16-inch Trend alloys |
| Automatic climate control | LED rear combination lights | C-pillar decal |
| Electric front windows | Front fog lamps | Part-leather seat upholstery |
| Six-speaker audio system | Cruise control | Rear spoiler |
| Aux-in and USB connection | Toyota Touch multimedia system | Keyless entry and push-button start |
| Height-adjustable driver’s seat | Bluetooth | Auto-dimming rear-view mirror |
| Seven airbags | Rear-view camera | Electric rear windows |
| Vehicle Stability Control and traction control | Rear privacy glass | Dusk-sensing headlights |
| Electric, heated, body-coloured door mirrors | Rain-sensing wipers | |
| Leather steering wheel and gear selector trim | ||
| Chrome tailgate trim |
The Protection Pack. Style Pack and Toyota Touch & Go (detailed above) are available as options for Icon Plus and Trend models.
2014 Yaris Hybrid prices
| GRADE | ENGINE | TRANSMISSION | BODYSTYLE | OTR PRICE |
| Active | 1.5 VVT-i | CVT | 5dr | £15,495 |
| Icon Plus | 1.5 VVT-i | CVT | 5dr | £16,495 |
| Trend | 1.5 VVT-i | CVT | 5dr | £17,495 |
For comparison, the new Toyota Yaris 1.4 D-4D engine Diesel variant is priced at £15,670 with no annual road tax to pay due to it being in band A. and a six-speed manual transmission while still providing 74.3mpg economy (combined cycle).
Source; Toyota
