The fourth generation of the Toyota Yaris arrives, now with a new platform and hybrid system

The Yaris has been around since 2000, the year this small city car was launched, and it has been a benchmark model for Toyota in many markets. In fact, as soon as it hit the road it won the Car of The Year and Motor del Año awards in 2000. After almost 20 years on the market, the small Yaris now enters its fourth generation, reinventing itself with a new platform and a new state-of-the-art hybrid system, so that it can keep being a benchmark.

TNGA platform for the new Toyota Yaris

The revolution of the new Toyota Yaris starts inside, with the use of the TNGA platform, which lets it go against the trend of its rivals, who have increased their length. In the new Yaris, length is reduced by 5 mm, while wheelbase and width have both gained 50 mm. These changes translate into greater agility and better handling in urban areas, and also more space in both the front and rear seats.

As with other Toyota models that use the TNGA platform, this new design concept lets the driver of the new Yaris sit in a position 60 mm lower, which enhances the sense of sportiness, together with a centre of gravity that is also 15 mm lower. Add to this a chassis with a new weight distribution and greater rigidity, which, combined with a MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, reduces body movement and improves stability and braking distance.

More elegant and refined interior and exterior design

Using the TNGA platform does more than improve its qualities: it also gives the Toyota Yaris a more sophisticated and modern new look. The design is defined by lines that are emphasised along the sides to create a greater sense of motion. The front now stands out for a larger, more rounded grille, above which sits a larger bonnet with strongly defined lines and, on either side, a new sharper-looking LED light cluster.

Looking at the side profile of the Toyota Yaris, its design also appears more refined, with a line below the windows that, at the rear, curves upwards towards the rear screen, while the wheel arches have also grown in size, most noticeably at the rear axle. The rear, while keeping its characteristic design, has also changed considerably, with a new bumper that modifies the design of the tailgate, along with a more streamlined light cluster joined by a central black section.

Inside, the cabin has changed completely; it bears no resemblance to the current model. The new generation is much more refined and technological, giving a greater sense of quality, and Toyota has paid special attention to textures, colours, lighting and shapes. The design concept used by Toyota focuses on the driver and on keeping their attention on the road, so information can reach them from three interconnected sources: the digital instrument panel with a central TFT screen, the Toyota Touch infotainment system screen, or the 10-inch colour Head-Up Display.

In the centre console, the layout has been completely changed to house the new touchscreen infotainment system, with the climate control air vents now placed just below it. The climate controls are now in a more upright position, with a more streamlined screen and buttons, and below them there is an illuminated recess where you can wirelessly charge your smartphones. At the ends of the dashboard, the horizontal lines that start in the centre continue and meet new door panels, which also feature redesigned door pulls and interior handles.

Extensive technology equipment and new hybrid powertrain

In terms of technology, the new Toyota Yaris can also be equipped with the latest systems and advances, placing it as a leader in its segment. As standard, it includes features such as Adaptive Intelligent Cruise Control and the Lane Keeping Assist that the brand already fits to its higher-segment models and, as the first vehicle in its segment, the new Yaris will be the first to feature a centre airbag.

The new Yaris also brings important mechanical changes, as it will adopt the Toyota fourth-generation hybrid system seen in the 2.0 and 2.5 engines of the Corolla, RAV4 and Camry. In the smallest member of the family, it uses a 1.5 Dynamic Force petrol engine with three cylinders and Atkinson cycle, derived directly from its predecessors. It achieves a 20% reduction in emissions and consumption for the Yaris while improving power delivery by 15%, and the new lithium-ion battery is 27% lighter and delivers more power. Depending on the market, conventional three-cylinder petrol engines of 1.5 and 1.0 litres will also be available.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackToyota Yaris9 versions · from 24,550 €