Featured New TNGA platform for subcompact segment

Any news on the new Yaris? It should be built on this platform.

 

This was in local news a few hours ago - and they mention YARIS:

Toyota GA-B platform unveiled, likely to underpin new Yaris | CarAdvice

 

Neat! In the USA the XP130 hatchback was just retired this past year, the Mazda-built DJ series has taken its place with a Yaris badge.

I’m guessing this is the roots of Aqua 2.0.

 

Yeah, this is not for the US. Toyota USA doesn't want/need to build anything smaller than the Corolla for the US market. It is very clearly cheaper to subcontract out their small car for the US market to Mazda.

 

I don't want zoom zoom. I want sip sip.

 

The Mazdas are better rated than the out going Toyotas.
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I'm so old I still think Mazdas go "HUMMMMMMMM..."

 

The YARIS design dates back to 2011 - quite old for a hatchback. And it didn't arrive to rave reviews even when new.

 

And no sooner than I make that dumb joke, I see this post from Prius Pete, from a couple of days ago, telling me the rotary engine is back!
Motor Mouth: Is Mazda’s e-TPV the perfect electric vehicle? | Driving

 

I remember when MAZDA cars first came here - up till then, the MAZDA name was only used for LIGHTBULBS.

Mazda 800 was the first officially imported model, but we'd seen some odd-bod cars before like this:


Then not long after, the very normal, and quite good Mazda 1500:


Then the Rotary Cosmo (never saw one) - and Mazda had grown up.

 

GE light bulbs. How many here are that old to remember that?

I only know, because I'm a science, engineering and technology historian.

 

They're still around. But I do remember some small 15w? pilot light bulbs when I was small which clearly said GE. Oddly, our kitchen power outlets in the '50s both (yes only 2) had a pilot light to show that they were ON/OFF.

 

Likewise, how many here have driven a Toyopet?

 

Fond memories of a certain 6th generation 323 here...

 

Yeah, I remember the Mazda GLC.

 

We had a 95. Bought new, went to my wife, then our daughter bought it, she sold it to our son - who ran it into the ground, but body and upholstery still good. Needed A/C, brake, clutch, radiator etc - not worth fixing, so he sold it to a wrecker. Next we knew, it was back on the "road" as a rally car!!!!

 

The Yaris Hybrid sells well in Europe and the Aqua sells well in Japan. A new hybrid subcompact could be the cheapest and most efficient of the Toyota Hybrids. It would be key to opening up emerging markets to hybrids. I would like to see a 3 cylinder, dual injection engine and a Hyper-Prime NiMH battery.