On April 2, Toyota is launching a special high performance version of the Yaris in the UK – the T Sport adding sports performance through a powerful 1.5-litre VVT-i engine, new looks, lowered suspension and unique sports-style interior.

Yaris T Sport (pictured) is the launch model for the T Sport brand in the UK. T Sport reflects Toyota's successful motorsport heritage and ambitions for the future in F1. The Yaris T Sport is the first model in the new range that will be extended to other Toyota cars in the future.

Yaris T Sport accelerates from 0-62mph in just 9.0 seconds and has a top speed, where permitted, of 118mph.

The sports suspension of Yaris T Sport, lowered by 20mm, is aimed at giving more sporty handling, it also creates a squatter-looking car – a look enhanced by the unique six spoke 15-inch alloy wheels with low profile tyres filling the wheel arches.

Full width, deep front and rear bumpers with integrated fog and reversing lamp, a mesh sports grille and side body skirts complete the image. The headlamp surround is black for extra emphasis and unique T Sport badging front and rear helps to identify the new brand. The Yaris T Sport has a slightly longer rear overhang and as a result is 20mm longer than the standard Yaris.

It is available in three-door bodystyle only.

The 1.5-litre, Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) engine fitted to the Yaris T Sport is the most powerful yet in the Yaris range. It develops 105bhp at 6,000rpm and has a maximum torque of 145Nm at 4,200rpm.

The new engine complies with European Step 3 emissions legislation and will achieve 40.9mpg on the combined cycle – the best in its class – and has equally low CO2 emissions of 164g/km.

The Yaris T Sport is quicker to 60 miles per hour from rest than many 1.6-litre hot hatches and excels in mid-range acceleration – faster from 40-60mph (8.4 seconds) than any other comparable car in its class, says Toyota.

The interior trim of Yaris T Sport has also been modified to reflect the sporting style of the car without losing any of the original comfort or quality. New, analogue sports-style meters replace the digital instrumentation in the standard Yaris. The unique Reims Black seat trim, plus three-spoke leather sports steering wheel add to the high performance environment. The gearshift is two-tone metallic and black leather with a leather gaiter.

The Yaris T Sport is available in five body colours; Chilli Red and Eclipse Black, with the option of three metallic paint colours at £275; Flame Gold, Caribbean Blue and Thunder Grey metallic (unique to the Yaris T Sport and Celica 190).

Yaris T Sport is supported by Toyota's pan-European three-year, 60,000 mile warranty including breakdown assistance. It is also backed with a three-year surface paint and 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

T Sport customers will enjoy the same extended servicing intervals as other Yaris owners with a full service being required only every 20,000 miles and a health check every 10,000.

Meanwhile Toyota has improved the specification of 2001 Yaris models.

All Yaris models now have ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution as standard, the entry level 1.0-litre S model remains at £6,995, power steering is now available on 1.0-litre S for £200, air conditioning replaces sunroof on the GLS and the 1.3-litre CDX models decrease in price by £300>

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