Front MacPherson strut and rear torsion-beam suspension systems have been designed to improve dynamic qualities further, reducing body roll in cornering and increasing agility.
The highly rigid platform fosters vehicle stability and ride comfort, together with lower noise and vibration levels.
The platform's architecture and upper body have been optimised with strategic reinforcements in the cowl, rear pillar, tunnel, rear structure and rear wheelhouse, plus a stiffer dashboard panel.
On-road performance is reflected in the dynamic exterior design that results in a car that is 5mm shorter and 40mm lower1, bucking the compact segment trend for vehicles to grow larger with each new version.
Sharp new headlights feature LED technology while the rear view integrates the combination taillights and the rear window into a new three-dimensional form.
The interior design follows a 'less-is-more' principle, creating an open and spacious area for occupants with high-quality materials that deliver a warmer cabin ambience.
Information is presented clearly and directly to the driver from up to three interlinked sources: the central touch display screen, a multi-information display in the instrument cluster and an available 10-inch colour head-up display.
Chief engineer Yasunori Suezawa said the all-new Yaris debuts 20 years after the first Yaris.
"We wanted to build a new-generation compact car that goes far beyond customers' preconceptions about class by building on the strengths of the Yaris as a compact car while revamping the platform, powertrain, and all other components," he said.
"Compact cars are driven by many people, so offering a pleasurable drive was a priority, but it also prompted us to use the Yaris as the starting point of cars with the world's highest level of fuel efficiency and secure safety technology."