In the world of Toyota, things can and will always be improved. This principle – kaizen – is exemplified in the innovations and enhancements introduced in the new Yaris. The latest generation of Toyota’s hybrid electric hatchback has enjoyed great success since its launch in 2020; now it’s set to be even better.
The new range builds on Yaris’s previous achievements, strengthening its appeal in key areas and embracing new technologies to make it an even more compelling proposition. Performance, safety and styling have all been scrutinised to ensure the model remains a leading player in the highly competitive B-segment in the UK and Europe.
The key updates include an additional, more powerful new hybrid electric powertrain; significant new and enhanced safety and driver assistance features; and all-new driver’s instrumentation and multimedia system that exploit the potential of digital technology.
These are introduced without diminishing the qualities that have made Yaris enduringly popular: a car with lasting quality that’s easy to live with, fun to drive and exceptionally efficient.
Built in Europe for European customers, the new Yaris reinforces the model’s award-winning reputation for innovation and excellence in small car design and engineering.
More powerful hybrid electric powertrain
The new Yaris offers customers the option of a more powerful 129bhp/96kW full hybrid electric powertrain, in addition to the established 114bhp/85kW system. This reaps the benefits of fifth generation Toyota hybrid technology to give sharper acceleration, allied to the car’s fundamentally nimble character.
It’s the kind of performance profile that’s increasingly a priority for B-segment customers, particularly those looking to downsize their choice of vehicle. And with a new “dual hybrid” product strategy, Toyota is widening Yaris’s appeal in a critical area: hybrid is the top purchase consideration for most buyers.
The 1.5-litre full hybrid electric system has a great track record, founded on leading fuel and emissions efficiency and its ability to go further and for longer in all-electric EV mode. These qualities are maintained and re-engineered for increased output.
The key change is the introduction of a new hybrid transaxle with a more powerful electric motor-generator (output up from 59kW to 62kW), together with adjustments to the software and hardware in the power control unit (PCU). The result is a 12 per cent uplift in total system output, from 114bhp (116 DIN hp/85kW) to 129bhp (130 DIN hp/96kW). It’s not just about headline power: there is more muscle, too, with maximum torque from the MG2 electric motor increased by 30 per cent, from 141Nm to 185Nm, available across the entire rev range.
This translates to faster acceleration, half a second quicker to bring the 0-62mph benchmark down to 9.2 seconds. Similarly, there’s more rapid performance at overtaking speeds, with 50-75mph accomplished in 7.5 seconds.
Toyota’s long-standing experience of hybrid technology ensures that the CO2 emissions remains best-in-class at 96 – 98g/km while fuel consumption is only marginally different, at 65.4 – 67.3mpg (WLTP combined cycle data).
Fuel economy is further enhanced with features such as the Predictive State of Charge Control for downhill and congestion driving conditions by using a combination of data from the navigation system to ensure the battery charge level maximises EV driving to enhance fuel efficiency depending on route, traffic, and gradient.
The new powertrain is standard in the new Yaris Premiere Edition and GR Sport models.
A new digital user experience
Toyota is transforming the user experience with digital technology, extending from driver information to on-board entertainment and connectivity and even access to the vehicle.
Depending on model grade, a seven or 12.3-inch digital driver’s instrument display is fitted. Both have sharply defined full colour graphics that are easy to read in all lighting conditions.
The 12.3-inch version (GR Sport, Excel and Premiere Edition grades) can be customised to suit the driver’s preference for information content and presentation style. There are 12 display pattern options, with left, centre, and right-side multi-information displays.
The central multi-information display is dedicated to the most frequently used information, such as advanced safety system status, settings, and driver alerts. The left and right displays cover details such as journey information, fuel consumption, audio and navigation details. Widgets can also be added to the left and right displays to access more information, using the switches on the steering wheel. Up to three different lay-out combinations can be stored for use on different types of journeys.
Further customisation is provided with a choice of four display themes – Casual, Smart, Tough and Sporty – and one, two or no dials. The seven-inch display (Design grade) offers nine patterns, three styles and a choice of three function displays – tachometer, hybrid system indicator and an analogue speedometer.
Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia
The latest Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia package is designed for easier, more intuitive operation with a fast-reacting interface. It includes access to a cloud-based navigation system that helps ensure time-efficient journey planning with up-to-the-minute information on routes, traffic events and delays.
The system, featured in GR Sport, Excel and Premiere Edition models, is accessed via a 10.5-inch touchscreen, or by spoken commands. Voice recognition has moved to another level, with the “Hey Toyota” voice agent able to respond to requests using more natural, conversational forms of speech. For example, say “Hey Toyota, I’m cold” and the system will automatically raise the climate control temperature. The voice agent can listen to requests without having to lower or turn off audio playback.
Seamless connectivity and updates
Today’s customers want an easy, seamless smartphone connection when they use their car and in the new Yaris it could not be simpler with wireless integration for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems.
Toyota is also making life easier and simpler by delivering software updates for the multimedia functions and the advanced safety features over-the-air using the car’s data communications module. These can then be downloaded and installed when convenient for the owner, with no need for the car to be taken to service centre.
Safer, easier driving
The current generation Toyota Yaris was designed from the outset with the aim of being a segment leader in terms of safety and is equipped as standard with a wealth of active and passive safety equipment.
The new model goes even further, with additional and enhanced features that will strengthen its all-round safety leadership and help Toyota progress towards its ultimate goal of eliminating all road traffic accidents. These include the latest generation Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance systems.
The new Yaris is equipped with a new camera and radar which can scan further ahead and wider than before, significantly increasing the scope for accident risk detection. For example, this means the Pre-Collision System (PCS)can now additionally recognise a potential head-on impact and wider range of objects in the car’s path, including pedestrians, cyclists and, for the first time, motorcycles.
Acceleration Suppression is a new Toyota Safety Sense feature which will intervene to slow any sudden acceleration of the car when there is a risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead.
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) is also new, designed to help avoid familiar accident hazards when driving at low speeds. It provides smooth deceleration when the driver comes off the throttle to slow down when coming up behind a slower vehicle, or when entering a bend. PDA further provides Steering Assist: when the car is approaching a bend, this will adjust steering force to help the driver make a smooth and stable turn.
The new Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) can support the driver should they be taken ill or be incapacitated. Active when Lane Trace Assist is engaged, this detects if the driver has made no steering, braking or acceleration inputs for a certain amount of time. Initially the driver will receive audio and visual warnings, and if there is still no response from the driver it will bring the car to a gentle stop, activate the hazard lights and unlock the doors.
Safe Exit Assist (SEA), (standard on Excel and Premiere Edition; safety option pack item for Design, GR Sport), provides visual and audio warnings to help prevent a car door being opened inadvertently into the path of vehicles and cyclists approaching the rear. The Rear Seat Reminder System (RSRS) is another innovation that reminds the driver with warnings and audio alerts if they have left a child or pet on the back seat, helping avoid the risk of “hot car” incidents.
As well as these additional functions, the new Yaris benefits from upgrades to established Toyota Safety Sense features. The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has been revised for quicker response and to operate with a more natural and reassuring feel. For example, when another vehicle moves into the car’s traffic lane, deceleration is more gradual. The driver can also select a longer vehicle-to-vehicle gap setting and the system’s curve speed reduction function activates earlier, giving smoother speed control.
New systems have been added to the ACC, designed to make overtaking safer. Overtaking Prevention Supportprevents unintentional passing on the wrong side of a vehicle (“undertaking”) and Preliminary Deceleration/Turn Signal-Linked Control helps the driver safely re-join the traffic lane after overtaking, at an appropriate speed and distance from other vehicles.
The Lane Departure Alert (standard on Excel and Premiere Edition; option pack item for Design, GR Sport) has been revised so that it will recognise when the driver has steered out of a lane when trying to avoid an obstacle (pedestrian or other road users) and temporarily cancel the Lane Departure Warning.
The Lane Trace Assist’s (LTA) lane-centring function has been recalibrated to work with a more natural feeling and now just a one-touch adjustment of the speed limiter is all that’s needed to match traffic sign information relayed by the Road Sign Assist.
Premiere edition leads refreshed model line-up
The Yaris line-up has new top-of-the-range model in the form of the Premiere Edition, a version which goes to the maximum in terms of equipment specification and features the new, more powerful hybrid electric powertrain.
It stands out on the street with a bi-tone paint finish that combines an exclusive new Neptune Blue with contrasting gloss black roof and pillars and 17-inch black/machined alloys. Blue is the highlight colour in the cabin as well, featured in the seat upholstery stitching and deco lines that highlight the instrument and door panels.
There is also the choice of Platinum Pearl or Silver Metallic bi-tone paintwork for the Premiere Edition, as well as a new Juniper Blue for other model grades.
Elsewhere in the range there is a new five-spoke alloy wheel design – silver for Icon grade and with a machined finish for the Design model. The cabin also has a freshened look with a new seat upholstery pattern.
GR Sport has the edge
For customers looking for sportier styling, the GR Sport grade delivers styling flourishes that capture the spirit of Toyota’s multiple World Championship-winning motorsport operation, Toyota Gazoo Racing.
The GR Sport features exclusive 18-inch machined alloys with highlighting red deco lines, front sport seats with red upholstery and trim stitching, sports pedals, perforated leather steering wheel trim and GR badging on the seats, starter button and steering wheel.
The Dynamic Grey exterior colour is also exclusive to the grade with GR Sport badges on the front and rear of the car, as well as G-shaped front grille motif for a standout look.
Exterior muscle, interior spaciousness
Yaris retains the muscular, agile lines that set it apart from its segment rivals, with a sporty profile that projects energy and dynamism. The styling is true to its agile, poised handling and responsive chassis, underpinned by the quality of its GA-B platform. While height and length are compact, the car has a comparatively long wheelbase and wide front and rear tracks. This makes for a roomy cabin and a solid road stance. The proportions are ideal for urban streets and tight parking spaces, with short overhangs and a compact 5.2m turning circle.
The interior exudes quality and a spacious feel, designed with a “less is more” approach. The focus is on sensory appeal with harmonious lines and soft-to-the-touch elements such as a padded dashboard and felt door panel inserts. The layout is distinguished by a low-set hood for the driver’s instrument binnacle, a wide centre console and a sporty small-diameter steering wheel.
Yaris: a history of high achievement
Yaris is one of the most successful models in Toyota’s history with its worldwide sales surpassing the 10 million mark in 2023. This achievement shows this small car has delivered on its original promise of bringing “big-small” thinking to the B-segment, a car that’s compact and purposeful-looking yet delivers a spacious interior.
The first generation model was an instant success, claiming the Car of the Year titles in both Europe and Japan at the turn of the millennium. Successive models have consistently set benchmarks for performance and technology. This notably includes the third generation Yaris being the first car in its class to be offered with full hybrid electric power.
Constant improvement and a deep understanding of changing customer preferences and priorities have kept the Yaris at the top if its game. Its consistently strong appeal and class-leading qualities saw the current, fourth generation model awarded the European Car of the Year title in 2021. The jury praised its hybrid electric technology for its smooth driving, low emissions, and accessible price point. Yaris was also recognised for its design, dynamic performance, and class-leading safety.
In a completely different motoring arena, Yaris was the model of choice when Toyota returned to the World Rally Championship in 2017 under the brand’s motorsport arm, Toyota Gazoo Racing. It enjoyed immediate successes, so far claiming four Manufacturers’ Championships (three in a row) and five Drivers’ Championships (four in a row).
Inspired by the successful Yaris World Rally Car, Toyota introduced the first pure performance Gazoo Racing sports car in 2020, the GR Yaris. The sports car maintained the nameplate’s role as a pathfinder for innovative technologies and received unprecedented acclaim by media and car lovers, becoming an instant modern classic.
In 2021, the Yaris family expanded with the introduction of Yaris Cross, bringing together Toyota’s rich experience and know-how in small cars with its heritage of innovative SUV design and engineering to create an all-new model, perfectly suited to daily use but offering adventure and a fun-to-drive spirit. Shortly after launch, Yaris Cross cemented its pedigree in the multiple award-winning Yaris family when it was named the 2022 World Urban Car in the annual World Car Awards.
As the new Yaris makes its debut, the sales performance of the Yaris remains strong in Europe as a perennial top-seller, reaching 170,000 units in 2023; in the UK more than 22,000 were sold.
UK model range
Entry point to the new Yaris line-up is Icon grade, with features including: –
- Toyota Safety Sense
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Wireless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
- Toyota Touch 3 multimedia system with nine-inch display
- Reversing camera
- Front fog lights
- Automatic headlights and wipers
- Electronic Parking Brake and driver’s arm rest
- Leather steering wheel and shift lever trim
- Automatic air conditioning
- Power windows
- Power-adjustable, heated door mirrors
- eCall
The Design grade adds the following: –
- 16-inch machined alloy wheels
- Seven-inch customisable digital combimeter
- LED front and rear lights
- LED front fog lights
- Rear privacy glass
- LED front fog lights
- Optional safety pack
GR Sport grade adds sporting details with: –
- 128bhp hybrid electric powertrain
- 18-inch machined GR Sport alloy wheels with red deco line
- Front sport seats
- 12.3-inch customisable combimeter
- 10.5-inch Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system
- Synthetic suede seat upholstery
- Leather steering wheel and shift lever trim with red stitching
- Smart entry and push-button start
- Dual-zone air conditioning
- Six-speaker audio system
- Optional bi-tone paint finish
- Optional Safety Pack
The Excel grade also takes the Design specification as its starting point, adding: –
- 17-inch machined face alloy wheels
- 12.3” customisable digital combimeter
- Black fabric/synthetic leather upholstery
- Smart entry and push-button start
- Dual-zone air conditioning with nanoe-X air quality system
- 10.5-inch Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system
- Six-speaker sound system
- Wireless smartphone charger
- Auto-retracting door mirrors
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Safe Exit Assist
- Front and rear parking sensors with Intelligent Clearance Sonars and auto-braking
- Optional Skyview panoramic roof with full-length blind
At the top of the range, the Premiere Edition extends the Excel specification with: –
- Eight-speaker JBL premium audio system
- Head-up display
- Bi-tone metallic paint finish
- 128bhp hybrid electric powertrain
