Like most of the global auto manufacturers that operates in China, Toyota also has ventures with more than one Chinese auto manufacturing partner, namely Guangzhou Auto Corporation (GAC-Toyota) as well as First Automobile Works (FAW-Toyota).
Related: 2017 Toyota Vios Launched in China
Toyota’s strategy for the Chinese B-segment market was simple. The Vios sedan was built and sold through its joint venture with GAC, while the hatchback counterpart, the Yaris L (the one that is also sold in ASEAN markets as Vitz) is available via FAW-Toyota Motors. Evidently, however, both companies want a slice of each other’s pie, hence the Vios hatch and Yaris L sedan are being developed.
Surfacing on the internet via autohome, these images show that each one essentially gets the other’s front fascia. On the Vios hatch, there’s the redesigned face first seen on the facelift sedan at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year.
Reshaped headlights are linked to a new T-shaped upper grille, while a wider lower grille integrates the front fog lights and are flanked by vertical LED daytime running lights. The rear is unchanged from the facelift Yaris L, with LED tail lights carrying slimmer indicators, plus a redesigned bumper.
Meanwhile, the Yaris L sedan gains the polarizing front end seen on the facelift hatch, thankfully without the black mask that makes it look more like a mustache. The rear end is unchanged from the revised Vios sedan, with new LED tail lights and re-profiled rear bumper.
Related: Toyota Corolla ESport Edition Launched In Thailand
Both cars should be powered by the same 99 hp 1.3 liter and 107 hp 1.5 liter Dual VVTi engines as the Vios sedan and Yaris L hatch, matched to either a five-speed manual or a CVT with a virtual seven-speed mode. Both the cars are likely to be officially launched towards the end of this 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
