Scoop! Toyota Yaris Ativ caught testing in India

Thanks to BHPian Anashku for sharing these images with other enthusiasts!

Back in October 2017, there were reports suggesting that Toyota could introduce the Yaris Ativ as a replacement for the Etios in India. Recent spy shots indicate that Toyota has started testing the Yaris Ativ on Indian roads.

The test mule that was spotted in Bangalore appears to be the 2018 Yaris Ativ featuring a V-shaped grille with horizontal slats flanked by circular fog lamps and LED DRLs positioned under the headlamp clusters. The tri-pod headlamp clusters have projectors, standard halogen lamps and indicators. Moving to the side, the Yaris Ativ has a coupe-like roof line and a swooping crease running along the side of the car. The door handles have chrome trim while the ORVMs have integrated side indicators. The rear features wraparound tail lights and the reflectors can be seen on the lower part of the bumper. The car also gets a shark fin antenna. The spotted test car is fitted with 6-spoke alloy wheels.

The spy images don't reveal the interior of the car. The Yaris Ativ that is sold in global markets gets black interiors with silver trim around the centre console and air-conditioning vents. The car has a three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel and a blue backlit instrument cluster. Higher variants get features like 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, rear view camera and engine start/stop. Safety features like ABS with EBD and brake assist, 7 airbags, stability control and traction control are standard on all variants.

In some markets, the Yaris Ativ is offered with a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine making 84 BHP @ 6,000 rpm and 108 Nm @ 4,000 rpm. In Singapore, the Yaris Ativ is sold under the Vios name and is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 106 BHP @ 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 140 Nm @ 4,200 rpm. Both engines come equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

It is unclear as to which of these engines will be offered on the India-spec Yaris Ativ. Besides, a manual transmission option might also be available in India. That said, there has been no official word on the Yaris Ativ yet.