The Yaris is one of the most significant models produced by the Japanese automaker, Toyota. The company has already sold over 10 million units of this small, yet highly capable and affordably priced vehicle, packed with features. What does the latest update bring, which cannot be classified as a new generation or facelift, but offers plenty of useful changes and improvements?
Toyota Yaris features updated technology
The latest model of the Toyota Yaris for the year 2023/2024 brings enhancements in three areas: performance, safety, and infotainment. However, the design remains the same as its predecessor, with the exception of the addition of a new blue color variant called “Neptune” and optional 17″ black wheels.
Enhanced performance
One noticeable and appreciated aspect is the increased performance. The new Hybrid 130 version complements the existing Hybrid 116, and as the name suggests, the peak power output in the top-level variant has risen from 116 horsepower (85 kW) to 130 horsepower (96 kW). The new transmission, along with a larger and more powerful motor-generator, as well as modified software and hardware in the energy management unit, has resulted in a 12% increase in the overall performance of the 1.5-liter hybrid system.
Additionally, there has been an increase in torque, with the electric motor now producing 185 Nm (a 30% improvement). As a result, the new Yaris with the fourth-generation hybrid system can accelerate from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour in 9.2 seconds (compared to the previous 9.7 seconds). Moreover, the flexible acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h has improved to 7.5 seconds. These values contribute not only to a better driving experience but also to enhanced safety, particularly during overtaking maneuvers.
Enhanced safety
Hand in hand with the increase in performance comes improved safety. Toyota has also upgraded the equipment with sensors and cameras that now have a greater range. The safety systems can better detect cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists at longer distances, allowing for better response to unexpected and potentially dangerous situations.
Improved infotainment and new technologies
During the Yaris modernization, the Japanese focused on the infotainment system, which now offers an enhanced multimedia system with more intuitive controls and faster responsiveness. The vehicle can now be equipped with a digital instrument cluster of up to 12.3 inches, allowing users to customize its appearance according to their mood and type of journey (Smart, Casual, Sporty, and Tough).
The base model of the vehicle includes cloud-based navigation and a system for continuous internet connectivity. A new feature is the digital key, which can be shared among up to 5 users, enabling them to unlock and lock the new Toyota Yaris using their smartphones. Through the MyT mobile application, users can even remotely control not only the locks but also adjust the climate control, activate the hazard lights, and more, all via the internet.
Toyota Yaris Hybrid (2024):
- Specifications Dimensions: 3940 × 1745 × 1500 mm Weight: 1180 kg
- Engine: 1.5-liter three-cylinder
- Power: 130 horsepower (96 kW)/185 Nm
- CO2 emissions: 96–116 g/km
- Fuel consumption: 4.2-5.1 l/100 km (according to WLTP)
- Fuel tank capacity: 36 liters
- Max speed: 175 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9.2 seconds
- Cargo volume: 286 liters
Price and availability
The new Toyota Yaris (2024) will be available on the European market in the second half of 2023, with pricing yet to be announced. The cheapest hybrid version (Hybrid 116) can be obtained for approximately €22,620, so the more powerful new hybrid version (Hybrid 130) will likely cost a few tens of thousands more.
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