Mk4 Yaris Hybrid: Excel/Tech pack Vs Launch Edition

[MarkBUK]

I've ordered a Yaris Excel with Tech Pack and been told to expect delivery in April. There's a Launch Edition I could have much sooner. Cosmetic items aside, would I miss out on any features by doing so? The brochure says yes, the dealer no...

[Cyker]

Sadly yes; For some bizarre reason the Launch Edition doesn't get the short-range front and rear sonar sensors that the Dynamic+City pack and Excel get. I think that's the only piece of tech it doesn't get, although there was a thread by CPN questioning whether the Launch Spec had the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system, as it's ticked on the spec sheet but doesn't seem to be active on the car.

Don't really understand why, as the Launch Edition is supposed to be the Everything-But-The-Kitchen-Sink version, but we have been speculating about Toyota UK's odd decision making in several threads already  

The dealers do offer Rear sonar parking sensors as a post-purchase modification that they fit, but it's not tied into the car's computer -  It's just a simple generic proximity beeper system.

I'd stick with the Excel if you're not in a rush - The one bad thing about the Mk4 is the general visibility is worse than any previous Yaris (Tinted windows, tiny rear windscreen, massive A, B and C-pillars all make the car much more survivable in a crash from any direction but also obstruct the view something chronic!), and having the parking sensors has been a godsend for me when squeezing it into tight parking spaces!

 

[MarkBUK]

Thanks Cyker, your points match my understanding based on the brochure/website. I'll do as you suggest and wait for the Excel/Tech Pack I've ordered.

[flash22]

Also be aware the "new" 2021.5 Lunch edition has a different spec to the original LE, the only thing I don't like on the Excel is the light coloured interior

[Cyker]

Yeah, there were a bunch of things in the Excel spec I didn't want (Gigantic rims, light interior, keyless system, only grey...), but I really wanted the HUD and parking sensors, so had to compromise.

Mine looks disgusting already - The 'vegan leather' marks so easily and has all sorts of black streaks across it, esp. the centre arm rest, where I've grazed with with my bag or something. Thankfully the rubber trick works (Pencil erasers are magic I tell you!), but I'm a lazy git and can't be arsed to keep 'detailing' the inside like this...

It's a shame Toyota don't do factory orders - A mate in the US couldn't understand why I couldn't just spec what I wanted since the car was being made in the factory and not a pre-ordered one - Apparently that is a thing over there??

 

10 hours ago, MarkBUK said:

Thanks Cyker, your points match my understanding based on the brochure/website. I'll do as you suggest and wait for the Excel/Tech Pack I've ordered.

It'll be worth the wait! It's so good!  

I keep deliberately taking the long ways home just so I can hoon it down backroads