Toyota has launched the third generation of its Toyota Vitz in Japan. The new Vitz is larger now, with a 50mm longer wheelbase, now at 2,510mm compared to the last generation Vitz’s 2,450mm wheelbase, though still shorter than its sedan counterpart Vios 2,550mm wheelbase. As a result, interior space is now longer by about 35mm. Length is up by 100mm but the car has a lower stance of 20mm, and width remains the same at 1,695mm.

The Vitz styling looks much more unisex as compared to the last generation’s slightly feminine looks. It actually reminds me somewhat of the Opel/Vauxhall Astra at the front end. In Japan, the Vitz will probably be Toyota’s more aggressive ‘masculine’ hatchback while other models like the Passo tackles the female market that prefers a different body styling as well as shape (high roofline etc).

Engine choices consist of a smaller 69 PS 1KR-FE 1.0 litre DOHC engine with 92Nm of torque at 3,600rpm and a larger 1.33 litre 1NR-FE making 95 PS and 121Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. The 1NR-FE can be had in either 2WD or 4WD drivetrains. All models come with a Super CVT-i transmission. There’s also a SMART STOP auto start-stop system available on the 1.3 litre models. There will also be a “Vitz RS” model with a 109 PS 1.5 litre engine.

Look after the jump for a full gallery of the new Vitz/Yaris.

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