2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Is A Mazda2 In Disguise

Today might be April Fools’ Day, but Toyota isn’t joking as they’ve unveiled the 2020 Yaris Hatchback.

Set to debut at the New York Auto Show later this month, the Yaris Hatchback is a replacement for the unloved Yaris Liftback. It’s also the closest Americans can get to the Mazda2 / Demio hatchback which is sold overseas.

Drawing inspiration from the Yaris sedan, the Yaris Hatchback has a familiar front fascia with a hexagonal lower grille and available LED headlights. The model also features an impressive list of standard equipment including fog lights, a rearview camera and 16-inch aluminum wheels. Other highlights include body-color components, a chrome exhaust tip and power side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals.

Toyota hasn’t released detailed specifications, but automaker confirmed the Hatchback measures 161.6 inches (410.5 cm) long. The model also has 15.9 cubic feet (450.2 liters) of luggage space and a wheelbase that is nearly 2.4 inch (6.1 cm) longer than its predecessor.

Moving into the cabin, drivers are greeted by a three-spoke tilt / telescoping steering and a 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The infotainment system also has a GPS function, but users will need to buy an optional SD card to activate it.

Elsewhere, owners will find chrome accents, a push button ignition and a six-speaker audio system. The Hatchback also has illuminated vanity mirrors and a first aid kit.

Moving up to the XLE rewards buyers with leatherette seats, an automatic climate control system and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Other niceties include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and the aforementioned LED headlights.

On the safety front, there isn’t much to report but the model comes standard with a low-speed pre-collision system. It scans the road to detect potential vehicle collisions and will provide audio and visual alerts if a collision is imminent. If the driver fails to respond, the car can automatically apply the brakes.

A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine resides under the hood and produces 106 hp (79 kW / 107 PS). It is connected a six-speed automatic transmission which enables the model to return an estimated 40 mpg highway.

There’s no word on pricing or availability quite yet, but we should learn more on April 17th.