Toyota Yaris Hybrid vs Toyota Yaris WRC, two ways of approaching the same model

One car, two versions. One designed to drive on the road and in the city, and another designed to deliver the greatest efficiency in motorsport. The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is the version for anyone who wants to try this model and is encouraged to hit the street with it, while the Toyota Yaris WRC is the version created to compete in the World Rally Championship, which must meet certain characteristics required by the regulations set by the competition organizer.

The differences between both versions are quite clear, especially in the exterior appearance. The model built for competition is more dynamic and aggressive, seeking greater aerodynamic efficiency. This version features wider tyres as well as increased aerodynamic downforce. This allows better control when taking corners and helps the car stick to the ground more efficiently. It also uses air channelling to cool certain mechanical components, such as the brakes, suspension and engine.

All these elements, together with a larger frontal area (the competition model measures 1,877 mm in width compared with the 1,695 mm of the Yaris Hybrid), mean that the drag coefficient is worse than in the Hybrid’s case. The Hybrid avoids these problems and its air resistance is lower, which improves fuel consumption and emissions results, which are lower in the road version.

Inside the Yaris Hybrid there is a comprehensive equipment list so that occupants can travel comfortably and in ease. It features airbags, a music system, automatic climate control, a digital display… things that are noticeably missing from the Yaris WRC’s equipment, which instead has a cage system that protects the occupants in the event of a rollover during the demanding tests the car undergoes.

The engine of the Yaris WRC is a 1.6-litre unit, the type of powertrain specified by competition regulations, producing 380 CV. The Yaris Hybrid, by contrast, has a 75 CV combustion engine and an electric motor delivering the equivalent of 61 CV. These figures allow consumption of just 3.3 litres per 100 km and emissions of 75 g/km.

Two different ways of understanding the same car: one prepared to make a difference in one of the toughest competitions on the sporting calendar, and the other designed for the road, where conditions call for restraint and savings in consumption and low emissions rather than power and control.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackToyota Yaris9 versions · from 24,550 €