Toyota officially unveiled the new generation of the Yaris, which is known as the Vitz in JDM, during a ceremony in Japan. The compact car has received a fresh new face which is less girly than the last model but still not what you call butch! This sophisticated little car is packed with technology and comes with Stop & Start idling-stop system as standard on all three petrol engines available.

We’re still waiting for the European version to arrive, but the basic details of the car which is the same everywhere can be found after the jump.

1. Exterior symbolizes innovation united with a high-quality interior
The exterior has been completely redesigned under the key design concept words of agility and sophistication. The result is a dynamism conveying the car’s brisk and responsive handling as well as a sophistication expressing compact-car elegance and presence.

The exterior design achieves high aerodynamic performance (coefficient drag value of 0.285), contributing to high fuel efficiency and stable high-speed cruising. The interior strives to create a form both sporty and comfortable. For example, padding that extends horizontally from the instrument panel to the door trim conveys roominess and creates a sophisticated feel.

2. New package provides both easy driving and a roomy interior
The compact length, just 3,885 mm, enables a turning radius of 4.5 m.

The interior length has been extended by 35 mm to 1,915 mm, creating a roomier space.

The front seats use a new frame that enhances seating comfort, and the rear seats have 35 mm more legroom to create a comfortable and relaxing space in the rear.

The rear seats fold in a 6:4 split, enabling flexible arrangement. The vertical adjustment range of the driver’s seat is now 60 mm (15 mm more than the previous model) and the seat slide adjustment range is 10 mm with 24 steps (8 steps more than the previous model), allowing the driver to achieve an optimal driving position.

4. Utility and enhanced performance ideal for a range of driving situations
The cargo space has been made 145 mm deeper, providing ample storage capacity. Also, a new adjustable deck board can be set at two heights: When set in the upper position small objects can be placed below, and folding down the rear seats can create an almost-flat luggage space.

A discreet sub compartment for storing the owner’s manual is located at the top of the glove compartment, expanding storage space.

The passenger seat has a special plastic barrier that can be used to prevent handbags or other items from falling forward off the seat. Shopping bags and such can be hooked to the top of the barrier, which can also be used to keep an umbrella in place.

The new Vitz is the first vehicle in the world to use UV-reducing glass in the front-door glass that reduces 99% of ultraviolet light, providing the same level of UV protection as wearing gloves.

The single windshield wiper works with an integrated washer nozzle that improves wiping performance.

The headlights automatically turn on and off according to exterior brightness.

The new Vitz is equipped with a color, rearview monitor that enhances visibility when parking, as well as an HDD navigation system that incorporates steering-wheel-mounted audio-system-control switches.

5. Comfortable cruising, due consideration to safety and the environment
The Smart Stop package, featuring a new idling-stop function, mounts a 1.3-liter engine on a two-wheel drive model to achieve class-leading fuel efficiency of 26.5 km/L. The engine restarts in just 0.35 seconds to ensure smooth and immediate acceleration from a stop.

The 1.3-liter models are now equipped with a 1NR-FE engine with Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent). Pairing with a Super CVT-i (Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) transmission achieves outstanding fuel efficiency of 24.0 km/L (two-wheel drive models) and powerful cruising. The four-wheel drive models are also equipped with Super CVT-i for smooth cruising and higher fuel efficiency.

The front-wheel-drive models (with CVT) surpass the existing Japanese 2010 fuel efficiency standards by 25% and the four-wheel-drive models surpass the standards by 15%. All models in the series achieve emission levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under MLIT’s Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles, qualifying for incentives under the Japanese government’s taxation system for environment friendly vehicles. As a result, the front-wheel-drive models (with CVT) qualify for a 75% reduction in the automobile acquisition tax and automobile weight tax, while the four-wheel-drive models qualify for 50% reductions.

A multi-information display located within the instrument cluster shows information including fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency and possible cruising distance. Further, an Eco Driving Indicator that turns on when the accelerator is operated in an environmentally friendly manner supports eco-driving.

EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and ABS are standard on all models.

The Vitz features an omni-directional compatibility structure to provide outstanding collision safety performance in the event of a collision from the front, side or rear.

All vehicles come equipped with SRS airbags for both the driver and front-passenger seats. SRS side airbags also provide chest protection, while SRS curtain-shield airbags aim to reduce head injuries.

The WIL (Whiplash-injury Lessening) concept has been adopted for the front seats, adding backrest-give and head and back support for more protection in the event of a rear-end collision.

A pedestrian-injury-lessening body has been adopted to minimize impact to the head and legs of pedestrians in the unfortunate event of a collision.

6. Four grades emphasize individuality and boost the joy of selection
The new and distinctive Jewela grade features exclusive body and interior colors and interior and exterior ornamentation with a plated finish to convey vibrancy. The Jewela also offers a selectable sophisticated silver-finish for the door mirrors and door handles.

The F grade has specifications designed to meet a wide range of needs including price, fuel efficiency, and comfort.

On the U grade, a leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob and heated seats that warm the shoulders and back are standard equipment to enhance comfort and sophistication.

The sporty RS grade has exclusive designs on the front and rear, including the bumpers and a roof spoiler. Various other equipment, including exclusive sports car style seats, a steering wheel wrapped in leather with dimple stitching, and a fun-to-drive five-speed manual transmission or seven-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic transmission with a paddle shift-type shift lever that provides manual-transmission feel.

7. Welcabs: Vehicles with factory-installed features for the disabled
The Lift-up Front Passenger Seat model is equipped with a front passenger seat that rotates and slides down and to the outside of the vehicle. The B type comes with a motorized device for loading and unloading a wheelchair as standard equipment.

A Welcab Friendmatic model allowing for the installation of a specialized driver’s seat and devices is also available. This vehicle has special power steering as a standard feature that reduces the force needed for operation compared to the base vehicle, making the steering wheel easier to turn during initial acceleration and low-speed driving.