FastMotoring Motor News In Speed

The current generation of Toyota Yaris (XP90) hatchback will be replaced with the new generation of Toyota Yaris (XP120). In Japan, the new Yaris was launched on December 22, 2010 and we sent one of our journalists to check out the new compact passenger car in Tokyo. You can check the previous post here.

According to AutoEvolution, Daihatsu (Toyota’s subsidiary) which specialised in smaller vehicles will uses the current generation of Toyota Yaris (XP90) to rebadged and market it as Daihatsu Charade in Europe. This model is set to introduce in May 2011 for the European auto market.

The differences between the Yaris and the new Charade will be its engine which running on 99hp 1.3-litre gasoline engine mated with either 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Plus, it is limited in 5-door configuration.

The third generation of Toyota Vitz (which also called as Toyota Yaris in other region) was launched on December 22, 2010 in Yokohama, Japan. The codename of the new Vitz/Yaris (XP130) is the all-new model which replacing the outgoing second generation (XP90) Vitz/Yaris. It will be launched in Europe and other region by the end of 2011.

FastMotoring crew makes it way to Tokyo to check out the latest Vitz/Yaris to keep our readers updated. The aerodynamic drag of the new Vitz has been reduced with a co-efficient drag value of 0.285.

The car remained having 3-door and 5-door hatchback with 1.0L (1KR-FE I3), 1.3L (1NR-FE I4) and 1.5L engine (1NZ-FE I4). In total, there are 4 major sub-variants of Vitz offered for the Japan Domestic Market (JDM). For the F, U and Jewela, it comes with 1.0L, 1.3L and 1.5L engine options mated with 5-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission, and drive-train options of 2WD (FF) and 4WD. For the RS model, only 1.5L engine mated with manual or CVT transmission on 2WD (FF).

This new generation of Vitz/Yaris introduces a new 1.3L engine which is more economical than the 1.0L engine. According to Toyota Japan, the automaker claiming a 26.5 km/Litre tested in Japan with the Toyota Stop & Start System (SmartStop) on the 2WD(FF) 1.3L Dual VVT-i engine – F’ variant . In addition, the response of the Toyota Stop & Start System (SmartStop) takes only 0.35 seconds from stop to start.

Fuel efficiency on other variants as below:-

1.0L – 23.0km/Litre

1.3L – 2WD – 24.0km/Litre
4WD – 19.0km/Litre

1.5L – 2WD (CVT) – 20km/Litre
2WD (Manual) – 18.0km/Litre

Overall size wise, the new Vitz/Yaris had grown bigger in length (149in vs 153in) and width (66.7in vs 67in) but lower in height (60.2in vs 59in).

This model will be likely the version of the all-new Yaris in Malaysia if UMW Toyota happen to market it again. However, you would be expecting a rendition of the new Toyota Yaris (XP130) to morph to a more South East Asia preferences of a budget sedan in the next generation of Toyota Vios.

The retail selling price of the 2011 Toyota Vitz in Japan starts from ¥ 1,195,000 to ¥ 1,790,000 which is equivalent from RM 45,410 to RM 68,020. The third generation of Toyota Vitz/Yaris (XP130) shall be targeted to make its debut to South East Asia by end of 2011.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Toyota Vitz (JDM) in Tokyo, Japan

[Show as slideshow]

About 36 hours ago, one of our editors posted in Facebook Page about the terrible flooding tragedy in Queensland. No much feedback though. But things got worse as flood waters in the state of Queensland have ripped through numerous cities. Over 30 lives have been lost and many others are still missing. Massive damages including building structure, bridges, transportation and public infrastructure.

The raising water level flow the cars away like Proton Savvy (our national car), Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Holden Astra, Holden Commodore, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 323, Ford Territory, Toyota Aurion, Toyota Echo, Toyota Rav4, Mazda 3, Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai i30, Hyundai Getz, Hyundai Excel, Mitsubishi Magna and many more.

Check out the amazing footage of East Creek near Chalk Drive / Chalk Lane rising and washing away lots of cars during Flash Flood in Toowoomba on Monday 10 January 2011. You can donate to the Queensland Government Appeal at www.qld.gov.au/floods