Toyota made an announcement regarding its decision to add new safety equipment to its Yaris hatchback and Prius hybrid for the model year 2017. Meanwhile, a new entrant to the automaker’s lineup is the Scion iA, which is an award winner and a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. The model in question will now be referred to as the Yaris iA though it will not have the new safety gear. One of its current features is a pre-collision warning.
After undergoing a complete redesign last year, Toyota Prius will enter a new year with a Safety Sense package that will be applicable to all models. This includes pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automated high-beam headlights, as well as lane-departure system to help to bring the car to its original lane. Additional technological features imply that the resultant Prius is more expensive, with the price increasing by as much as $515 for 2017’s Prius. Model two to four will be the expensive ones while Four Touring and Three Touring trims will be $45 less.
On a similar note, 2017’s Yaris hatchbacks currently have Toyota’s Safety Sense C that is inclusive of features such as automated high-beams, pre-collision warning, as well as the lane-departure alerts. These additions mean that the average cost of the model will increase by $355. This information was officially stated by Toyota. The entry cost is likely to increase by up to $380 for the Yaris models that will have four-speed automated transmission. The increase will be $330 for Yaris SE model.
Addition of Toyota’s badge to iA will increase the price of the subcompact sedan by $250. Similar to the previous year, the only option available for the car is the six-speed automated transmission. The rest of the extra features like the push-button start, touchscreen infotainment system, rear view camera and the alloy wheels are all standard features for all models.
While customers may opt for the 2016’s Scion iA model as an alternative to 2017’s Toyota Yaris in order to save $250, it is advisable for those who yearn for Yaris hatchback or Prius hybrid to wait till the model year 2017. The extra safety equipment incorporated in the new models is clearly worth the price increases. Safety is an essential feature that shouldn’t be compromised when purchasing a vehicle.