Usually, the hot-hatches came in compact-segment sizes, but Toyota chose to produce a smaller hot-hatch, based on the Yaris, and it was available in three and five-door versions.
Apart from the Renault Clio, one of the best hot-hatches in the world in its class, Toyota offered a sportier version for the Yaris. Its 133 hp engine might not seem too convincing, but just remember that the Golf GTI started its career with a mere 109 hp.
The three-door version was not offered on all the markets, but it showed a different stance than the five-door due to its sportier look with a pronounced ascending beltline. At the front, the vertical headlights with turn-signals on top didn't tell the truth about the car's performance. It was the taller grille with a honeycomb-style mesh that gave a hint about the car's attributes. Unlike the rest of the Yaris range, the TS version featured standard fog-lights and light-alloy wheels. In the back, a roof-spoiler enhanced the sporty look of the small-segment car.
Inside, Toyota didn't bother to move the dials and let the instrument cluster mounted in the dashboard's middle. Unfortunately, that could have spoiled the fun since any other passenger could have seen the vehicle's speed. The Yaris TS featured standard push-button start, AC, and power windows.
Under the hood, Toyota installed a 1.8-liter engine fitted with variable valve timing technology (VVT-i) that provided 133 ponies to a 6-speed manual. There was no automatic option.
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