In the next few years, American customers will be able to purchase an all-new Toyota Yaris, based on the next-generation Mazda 2 and built in Mexico.

In the meantime, Toyota has refreshed the existing car with a new front facia and upgraded equipment levels.

Toyota has injected the refreshed Yaris with what it calls "a distinct European flavor".

ALSO SEE: Harley-Davidson Livewire Electric Motorcycle Concept: Test Ride

That might seem unusual for a Japanese brand but the Yaris is Toyota's highest-selling model in Europe, so there's little surprise it's adapted the car with that in mind.

The facelifted Yaris takes on styling cues from the Corolla-sized Auris and the RAV4 crossover, with just a hint of the firm's Europe-only Aygo minicar thrown in for good measure.

A large black grille dominates the front, with a chrome element in the upper grille and a new alloy wheel design to liven up the exterior styling. There are also aerodynamic tweaks, though Toyota doesn't go into detail--and no drag coefficient figure is listed, so we expect the changes are minor.

MORE: 2016 Mazda 2 Revealed: First Details And Images

Inside, Toyota promises the car is more comfortable than before, though the design itself remains largely the same. Materials now have a soft-touch finish and Toyota has redesigned the seats for better comfort.

Under the skin, the updated Yaris gets retuned suspension, a more rigid body structure, and additional sound insulation for better refinement. Engine choice is the same as before--a 1.5-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder with variable valve timing. It develops a modest 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque.

The most important figures here--those of the car's gas mileage--are unlikely to change much from the 2014 car. The automatic model currently achieves 32 mpg combined (30 mpg city, 36 mpg highway) while the manual gets a 33 mpg combined rating (30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway).

Prices have risen 2-3 percent across the board. You can get behind the wheel of a Yaris two-door hatch in L grade with the manual transmission for $14,845--$415 more than the 2014 car. The most expensive model, an SE-grade four-door hatchback with the auto 'box rises $280 to $17,620.

To those numbers, you can add a mandatory $825 delivery, processing and handling fee--plus any options you pick, including, for the first time, a dealer-fit navigation system.

_________________________________________

Follow GreenCarReports on FacebookTwitter and Google+