Toyota launched the 2018 Yaris sedan in India last week with a starting price tag of INR 8.75 lac. The Yaris in Indian market will directly compete against the likes of the Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento and the Skoda Rapid.
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Available in four variants- J, G, V, and VX the Indian Yaris is powered by a 1.5-liter Dual VVT-i petrol engine with a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT, producing around 105hp of power and 140Nm of torque.
Safety features include 7 airbags and ABS with EBD and BA as standard across all grades. Top-end trims also get two front parking sensors, four rear parking sensors, reverse camera, VSC, HAC, TPMS and all-wheel disc brakes.
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Reportedly the Toyota Yaris is manufactured in India with a localization level of 87%. According to Shekar Viswanathan, Vice Chairman of Toyota India, while speaking about the impact of the depreciating Rupee value on product launches:
“If there is a runaway depreciation of the rupee, it will only accelerate the process of indigenization. In any case, we have a long-term plan to localize. While it depends on model to model, it is 87% in the case of level one of Yaris sedan and we can go up to 91-92% in the order of the magnitude. Though we will never be able to achieve 100% as there will be some bit that will always be imported and it is good as well.”
The Toyota Etios sedan in India currently has the highest level of indigenization at 90%. Shekar Viswanathan further said that the rupee fall and rising crude oil prices are matters of concern for every industry. “Unfortunately, these are not in the control of the auto industry as such and are dependent on global forces.” However he denied any plans of a price increase for Toyota products in India:
“We are not looking at a price increase. We will have to wait and watch. This is a very dynamic situation the way the rupee is behaving. Just a month ago, it all looked okay and things have changed in the last few weeks.”
Approximately 1,000 Yaris sedans are expected to be delivered in the few days of the launch. While over 4,000 Yaris sedans across the country will be delivered by the end of May. R K Ramesh, General Manager, Toyota Motor India, said the company is working on two month’s production of customer orders and looking at an annual production of 30,000 to 40,000 cars in the first year.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
