THE new Yaris D-4D continues the low cost of ownership trend from Toyota at a time of unprecedented growth in the UK diesel market.

Sales of the Yaris D-4D since its launch in March have exceeded expectations with year to date sales at more than 1,100 units to the end of July.Yaris D-4D sales made up about eight per cent of all Yaris sales for July, just under the segment average of 9.9 per cent.

Toyota expects to sell around 3,500 Yaris and Yaris Verso D-4D models in 2002. The diesel market in the small car segment has grown by 36.8 per cent year so far compared with last year. Yaris D-4D represents low running costs and excellent drivability for retail and fleet customers.

The introduction of the new 1.4 D-4D engine adds a modern, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive common rail diesel engine offering lower emissions, better fuel economy and extended service intervals.

Overall, replacement parts for Yaris diesel are seen as more cost-effective than its closest rivals at 40 per cent less than the Renault Clio, and around 20 per cent less than the new Ford Fiesta, Citroen Saxo and Fiat Punto.

Toyota Yaris boasts very good all-round equipment levels compared to its competitors, with ABS with electronic brake force distribution, twin airbags (driver only on the S model) and electric front windows all fitted as standard (manual on S model) – optional on some competitors.

The Toyota Yaris is more than eight per cent better priced than the Peugeot 206 and more than six per cent better priced than the equivalent Vauxhall Corsa. Even the new Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi five-door and the new VW Polo 1.9 SDI E would need more than £300 worth of specification to equal the Yaris standard equipment levels.