Toyota Yaris' much awaited update

The GCC’s favourite car (no, not the Nissan Patrol, or the Toyota Land Cruiser), has just received a host of tweaks to bring it up to date for the 2012 model year. While Toyota’s already release images of the next Yaris earlier this year, the Japanese carmaker has this time added more specifications as well. So, the Toyota Yaris finally gets a styling update, as well as new powertrains and a new transmission. For now, the model is first going on sale in the UK and the rest of Europe, but it won’t be long until it reaches us next year. But we can only guess which trims – four are available in the Old World – or new engines we’ll be able to choose from. Certainly not the 1.4-litre diesel, but it’s a toss-up between a nippy 1.0-litre, as seen in the iQ, and the 1.33-litre dual VVT-i. In an attempt to endear itself to even more student buyers, the next Yaris will come with a technology focus, featuring the Toyota Touch audio system, with a touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and a rear parking camera. With an optional upgrade, you can get sat-nav thrown in too. And while the engines are essentially the same as before, the new 1.0-litre (not currently available here) is thriftier and more powerful than before, while the 1.3 gets a Multidrive S transmission which improves economy and lowers emissions. Power also goes up to 98bhp and 125Nm of torque, but Europe doesn’t get our favoured 107bhp 1.5-litre engine. The new continuously variable transmission features a manual override function, so you can play with the seven ‘ratios’ yourself. Article continues below The top of the line model overseas, comes with 16in alloy wheels, spoilers, fog lamps, part-leather interior trim and a lowered suspension, with UK prices starting at a dizzying Dh66K. Thankfully, when ours arrives, it will start closer to 60 grand.