The Toyota Yaris, known in Japan as the Toyota Vitz, is a subcompact hatchback produced by Toyota since 1999. Representing Toyota’s entry into the burgeoning supermini segment, the Yaris was designed to be a thoroughly modern and versatile vehicle, prioritizing fuel efficiency, interior space, and ease of driving. The first generation, produced from 1999 to 2005, was a significant departure from previous Toyota small cars, adopting a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and a more rounded, contemporary design. While not initially sold in the United States, the Yaris gained popularity in Europe and Asia as an affordable and practical city car. This article details the specifications and characteristics of the first-generation, three-door 1.3i 16V model, producing 86 horsepower.
Toyota Yaris I (3-door) 1.3i 16V: An Overview
The Yaris I, particularly the 1.3i 16V variant, was aimed at buyers seeking a small, economical, and reliable vehicle for urban commuting and everyday transportation. The three-door body style offered a slightly sportier aesthetic compared to the five-door version, appealing to a younger demographic. Its compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver in tight city streets, while its relatively spacious interior, for its class, provided comfortable seating for five passengers. The 1.3-liter engine, while not exceptionally powerful, was known for its fuel efficiency and durability, making it a popular choice in markets where fuel costs were high.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Yaris I 1.3i 16V is the 2NZ-FE 1.3-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 86 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 124 Nm (91.46 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, and utilizes multi-port fuel injection for efficient combustion. The 1.3-liter displacement translates to a power-to-liter ratio of 66.2 hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.7 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 10.2 seconds. The Yaris I 1.3i 16V achieves a maximum speed of 175 km/h (108.74 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 11.3 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.9 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Yaris I adopted a distinctive, rounded hatchback design, prioritizing interior space and aerodynamic efficiency. The three-door configuration features a sloping roofline and a relatively high waistline, contributing to a modern appearance. Inside, the Yaris I offered a surprisingly spacious cabin for its size, with a focus on practicality and usability. The interior design was simple and functional, with durable materials and a clear, easy-to-read instrument panel. Safety features for the era included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment, enhancing braking performance and stability. The rear seats could be folded down to increase cargo capacity, providing flexibility for carrying larger items. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 305 liters (10.77 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 950 liters (33.55 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. The Yaris I’s steering utilizes a hydraulic power steering rack and pinion system, providing responsive and precise handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Yaris |
| Generation | Yaris I (3-door) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3i 16V (86 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1999 year |
| End of production | 2003 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg, 36.7 UK mpg, 13 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 86 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 124 Nm @ 4400 rpm (91.46 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 2NZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 1299 cm3 (79.27 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 73.5 mm (2.89 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.7 l (3.91 US qt | 3.26 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 4.4 l (4.65 US qt | 3.87 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 975 kg (2149.51 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1365 kg (3009.31 lbs.) |
| Max load | 390 kg (859.8 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 305 l (10.77 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 950 l (33.55 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 3615 mm (142.32 in.) |
| Width | 1660 mm (65.35 in.) |
| Height | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2370 mm (93.31 in.) |
| Front track | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1430 mm (56.3 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 T |
The Toyota Yaris I 1.3i 16V represented a significant step forward for Toyota in the supermini segment. Its combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and reliability made it a popular choice for drivers seeking a compact and affordable vehicle. While not a performance car, the Yaris I offered a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience, particularly in urban environments.
