2017 Toyota Vitz (2017 Toyota Yaris) launched in Japan

New 1.5L Hybrid capable of averaging 34.4 km/L (JC08 cycle).

Toyota Motor Japan has launched the 2017 Toyota Vitz hatchback (2017 Toyota Yaris in developed markets), which features a facelifted exterior and the option of a 1.5L Hybrid variant. It's priced between 1,181,520 - 2,237,760 yen.

The exterior of the Toyota Vitz Hybrid (featured image) comes with a redesigned fascia, which appears to be an evolution of the outgoing model. It is now more striking, featuring a grille that is made bigger and goes all the way up to its nose, new bi-Beam LED headlamps and redesigned fog lamps. The rear-end features new horizontal LED taillamps, and a scooped out rear bumper.

Not much has changed inside the new Vitz. A fabric Barrel Brown upholstery and door cards (a brown shade) is now available in the Vitz U grade, and a 'Marsala' sepia tone fabric upholstery and dashboard trim are available in the Hybrid Jewela and Jewela (including the Smart Stop package) grades.

The 2017 Toyota Vitz retains the 69 PS 1.0L 3-cyl 1KR-FE and 99 PS 1.3L 4-cyl 1NR-FKE engines, while the top-end variants, powered by a 1NZ-FXE 1.5L petrol engine paired with an electric motor, combined, produce 100 PS. It is capable of a mileage of 34.4 km/L (JC08 cycle).