Toyota Yaris facelift revealed : Three-door hatch dropped for revised range due in September

The new-look Toyota Yaris hatchback has been revealed ahead of its local launch in September.

The facelifted model adopts an aggressive appearance with an X-style motif similar to that seen on the brand’s Aygo city car. New headlights and the heavily revamped front bumper give the Yaris a sportier, more eye-catching stance than the current model (pictured below), which still looks more modern and contemporary than some of its rivals.

No rear image has been released, but Toyota claims the car introduces revisions such as new tail-lights, while revised wheel designs will be offered. Inside, the car is said to receive a “higher-quality interior” including a new multimedia system.

When it launches later this year, the new Yaris will be sold exclusively as a five-door model â€" a result of low demand for the three-door variant, according to Toyota Australia executive director of sales and marketing Tony Cramb.

“Five-door hatches have gained in popularity and now contribute close to 90 per cent of total sales in the light car segment,” Cramb said. ”Customers are telling our dealers they love the compact size of Yaris while also wanting the flexibility of having two extra doors.”

The Yaris five-door hatch, which is currently priced from $15,690 for the entry-level YR to $21,390 for the top-end YRX, will be sold alongside the ageing Yaris sedan.

The current Yaris has had a strong start to 2014, with 3242 units sold in the first quarter of the year positioning it as the third-best seller in its class behind the Mazda 2 (3922) and Hyundai i20 (3252).