These are the first official pictures of the all-new Toyota Vitz (called Yaris in our market and most others), which has just been unleashed in Japan.
It's set to hit world markets from the middle of next year, so it should reach South African shores in the second half of the year.
Toyota makes no secret of its aim to increase its market share among male buyers in this segment (it's about time), the new Yaris having swopped the cute and cuddly design of the current car for a more aggressive style with sharper lines.
Although there's clearly a bit too much Peugeot 207 in the side profile and rear end of the car, thankfully they've avoided copying the French carmaker's gaping front grille - instead the new Yaris gets a sporty and distinctive front section.
Three petrol engines are offered on the Japanese market and there will inevitably be a diesel for the Europeans too from 2012 onwards.
For entry-level versions, Toyota has carried over the three-cylinder, 1-litre KR-FE motor, which puts out 51kW at 6000rpm and 92Nm at 3600rpm.
However, the 1.3-litre motor has been tinkered with, this one now good for 70kW at 6000rpm and 121Nm at 4000rpm (the current one makes 63Nm and the same torque). This engine will also be mated to a start-stop system in certain markets.
Topping the Japanese range is an 80kW/138Nm 1.5-litre mill that's fitted exclusively to the RS model. This sporty flagship also gets a bodykit, including a more aggressive front bumper design and a rear diffuser.
Despite the fact that body length has increased by 100mm (from 3785mm to 3885mm) the new car is actually 30kg lighter than the current model, tipping the scales at 1000kg.
With 50mm of extra length having gone into the wheelbase, there will be a bit more cabin space, albeit 20mm have been chopped off the overall height - something that will improve its cornering capability.
Moving inside, Toyota has ditched that centrally-mounted instrument binnacle (hooray!) and put it back in front of the driver where it belongs and the all-new dashboard has a somewhat racy vibe about it too. The company has also used better materials and engineers have worked on reducing noise and vibration.
Prices start at the equivalent of R86 000 in Japan but small cars are usually that cheap there so don't expect anything near to that figure when the new Yaris reaches South African showrooms.