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2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Is Basically a Mazda2

With a Toyota face

Kelly Lincreator

Earlier this year, we learned that the Yaris Liftback had been discontinued. Now, we make way for the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback, which is essentially a rebadged Mazda2.

The Yaris Hatchback shares the cab-rearward look of the Mazda, although it features a decidedly Toyota face. Its wheelbase grows nearly 2.4 inches from the Yaris Liftback, and trunk space increases to 15.9 cubic feet.

We're a little skeptical, but Toyota promises "tenacious handling" that "is baked into the engineering, not just added on with fat tires and stiff suspension." That is a MacPherson strut suspension up front and a torsion-beam suspension in the rear. Under the hood, don't expect any more power than before. The familiar 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder delivers 106 hp. This engine pairs to a standard six-speed automatic transmission, and no mention has been made of the previous standard six-speed manual. A Sport Mode is said to improve acceleration response.

Take a peek inside, and you'll notice the controls make it look just like a Mazda. The interior features a standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a 7-inch touchscreen, which can be controlled using the Mazda rotary knob.

The 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback will be available in mono-spec LE and XLE grades. Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, smart key with push-button start, fog lights, variable intermittent windshield wipers, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, chrome interior door handles, and a first aid kit. XLE models feature leatherette seating, auto climate control, automatic LED headlamps, and leather trim for the steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake handle.

Full fuel economy information hasn't been revealed, but Toyota estimates 40 mpg on the highway. That matches the top highway number of the automatic-equipped Yaris Liftback.

If you're looking for a laugh, check out this Yaris pickup truck for April Fools' Day.

Source: Toyota