*Model Shown is for illustration purposes only.
Vehicle Information
The Toyota Yaris gets more sophisticated in this updated fourth generation form - and features a superior self-charging hybrid engine. Jonathan Crouch drives it.
This improved version of Toyota's fourth generation Yaris supermini gets a digitalised interior and stronger safety standards. As before though, it's biggest draw is its frugal segment-leading 1.5-litre self-charging Hybrid engine, which is now also available in an uprated 129bhp form. What was already a class act has just become genuinely hard to overlook.
If you were asked to name the cars vying for the title of best supermini, it would be a reasonable wager that the Toyota Yaris wouldn't be amongst your top three. If, on the other hand, you had to name a small car that would be trouble-free, cheap to run and easy to use, it would be right up there. The thing is, those criteria are exactly what many supermini buyers are looking for. They don't care if the car can't take the Esses at Donington flat without lapsing into understeer. It's an irrelevance for most but car magazines still put a huge priority on handling and award their 'best of' titles predominantly on which cars are most fun to drive at the limit. The Yaris has always been a supermini that works well in the real world and this fourth generation 'XP210'-series design, first introduced back in 2020, is no exception. It gained a bit more flair - and now also gains a smarter, more digitalised cabin as part of this mid-term update, along with a perkier 129bhp version of the existing 1.5-litre self-charging Hybrid engine.
As before, the only engine on offer in the mainstream range is a 1.5-litre self-charging full-Hybrid petrol unit, but you can at least now get it with a choice of output. The original version of this MK4 model featured this powerplant in 114hp form - and that continues with lower-order variants. Pricier Yaris models though, get this enginer in a perkier 129bhp state of tune, with torque increased by 30% from 141Nm to 185Nm. That improves the 0-62mph sprint time from the base version's 9.7s to 9.2s. All Yaris models continue with the same e-CVT auto gearbox. And the Hybrid engine continues with its pleasing preference for reverting to battery power in urban driving whenever possible. As a result, the company expects that over 80% of urban journeys in this car will be able to be completed under electric power alone. As before, there are three provided driving modes. You won't be bothering much with the electric-only 'EV' option because, due to the tiny 0.76kWh size of the powertrain's lithium-ion battery, it's only good for around 4 miles. Most of the time, you'll be content to leave the car in 'Eco', despite the fact that throttle response and climate control performance will be a touch restricted. For out of town use, there's the option of selecting 'Power' if you want to buffet your fuel figures but motivate a little more petrol engine involvement to get where you're going a little faster. But going faster isn't really what driving a Yaris is all about. Unless the version in question happens to be the uber-powerful flagship hot hatch GR Yaris variant. This shopping rocket derivative gets its own 257bhp 1.6-litre three cylinder turbo engine and 6-speed 'iMT' manual gearbox mated to the compact 'AWD-i' 4x4 system that also features as an option on the SUV version of this Toyota supermini, the Yaris Cross.
Few changes were needed to the muscular 'condensed agile' visual look of the original version of this MK4 Yaris - and apart from a few revised alloy wheel designs and an extra paint colour option, Toyota hasn't made any. As before, overall height and length are compact - the car measures in at 3,940mm: most supermini rivals are over 4 metres long. But the wheelbase and front and rear tracks are generous, giving a planted look. Pronounced blisters feature over the wheel arches, plus there's complex surfacing over the rear doors. As usual, of more importance is the stuff you can't see - namely the stiff, sophisticated 'GA-B' platform this car sits upon. You'll notice more differences inside, where the cabin's been redesigned for more of a 'digital experience'. This takes in both a customisable driver's instrument display and a faster and more powerful multimedia system with added functionality. The combimeter instrument display will be either 7.0 or 12.3-inches depending on trim and is customisable with up to four selerctable layout options: 'Smart', 'Casual', 'Sporty' and 'Tough'. As for the cabin's central infotainment monitor (which now comes with wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'), well that now comes either in a base 9.0-inch guise, or, if you stretch to the pricier 'Toyota Smart Connect' multimedia system, is 10.5-inches in size. That ritzier set-up provides cloud-based navigation, with an 'always connected' system ensuring journey planning benefits from up-to-the-moment information on routes, traffic and delays. This display also now incorporates an intuitive "Hey Toyota" voice recognition system. For example, simply state “Hey Toyota, I'm cold” and the system will automatically raise the climate control temperature. Otherwise, things are much as before. The driver's seat positions you a little lower than you might expect and there are plenty of soft-touch materials around the interior. The rear part of the cabin isn't especially spacious - it's really only ideal for kids. The boot area isn't that big either, rated at 286-litres, though if that's an issue, your dealer will point you to the slightly larger Yaris Cross SUV model.
Expect pricing to be much as before, which means you'll be looking at prices starting from around £22,000. There's a choice of 'Icon', 'Design', 'GR Sport' and 'Excel' trim levels. Plus a 'Premiere Edition' version to showcase this updated design's extra features. These include Toyota's new 'smart digital key', which will allow you (and up to five other users) to unlock and start the car via a smartphone app. Most models will get features like dual-zone air conditioning, rear privacy glass, push-button start, automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control and auto-folding mirrors. Plus leather steering wheel trim, air conditioning and a smartphone-mirroring-compatible multimedia system. As before, safety remains a design priority: Toyota says that this fourth generation Yaris was designed to be the world's safest compact car. That's been enhanced with new radar and camera scanning systems that can scan further and wider than before. The brand has also recalibrated its 'Lane keep assist' system for a more 'neutral' feeling; and has added an extra 'Overtake Prevention Support' feature to stop unintentional undertaking manouevres. As before, standard advanced driver assistance systems include full speed-range intelligent adaptive cruise control and lane trace assist. In addition to these systems, the new Yaris has been developed to provide the best possible occupant protection, in line with the stricter testing standards now applied. For example, to provide protection in the event of a side impact, the Yaris was the first car in its segment to be fitted with a centre airbag.
The Yaris' residual values have always held up better than a Fiesta and a lot better than a Corsa and have stacked up even more competitively with this fourth generation model with its redesigned Hybrid engine. For the 114bhp base version, Toyota quotes a CO2 figure as low as 99g/km. And a WLTP combined cycle fuel reading of up to 68.9mpg. For the 129bhp model, those readings take a slight hit, the CO2 figure falling to 116g/km. The Yaris is covered by a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty and buyers also get five years of pan-European roadside breakdown assistance, a three year paint warranty and twelve years of anti-perforation cover. And extended warranty can be bought at extra price as part of a package that includes free MOTs and extended roadside assistance cover. There's a dedicated 'MyT' app that allows you to book a service online using your 'phone. And Toyota has a 'Fixed Price Servicing' plan, so you'll know in advance exactly how much any work will cost before you check into a dealer.
The Toyota Yaris always used to be one of those cars that grew on you - it didn't have the force of personality to impress you with sheer showroom wow factor. But tis MK4 model upped its game quite markedly in that regard - and is more appealing still in this updated form. Don't for one moment think that Toyota has given into superficiality, favouring style over substance. This is fundamentally better product, with a smarter interior and a perkier Hybrid engine option. Electrified technology makes a lot of sense for a supermini buyer and this car still leads its field in that regard. None of this will impress the enthusiast magazines or interest those who pore over 0-62mph times or wax lyrical about handling adjustability. But what the Yaris lacks at the ragged edge on a Welsh mountain road, it more than makes up for in everyday use. Put down the car magazines, ask yourself what you really need a supermini for and then see if this Yaris doesn't tick every single box.
Battery Capacity in kWh:0.7
Battery Type:Lithium-ion
CO:0.096
HC:0.015
HC+NOx:Not Available
Noise Level dB(A):67
NOx:0.01
Particles:Not Available
Standard Euro Emissions:EURO 6
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb:96
Camshaft:DOHC
Catalytic Convertor:Yes
CC:1490
Compression Ratio:14.0:1
Cylinder Layout:IN-LINE
Cylinders:3
Cylinders - Bore (mm):80.5
Cylinders - Stroke (mm):97.6
Engine Code:M15A-FXE
Engine Layout:FRONT TRANSVERSE
Fuel Delivery:MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION
Gears:1 SPEED
Number of Valves:12
Transmission:AUTO
EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies:No
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb:4.2
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High:5.5
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High:3.8
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low:3.4
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium:3.3
WLTP - MPG - Comb:67.3
WLTP - MPG - Extra High:51.4
WLTP - MPG - High:74.3
WLTP - MPG - Low:83.1
WLTP - MPG - Medium:85.6
Alternative Fuel Qualifying:Yes
Badge Engine CC:1.5
Badge Power:130
Based On ID:Not Available
Coin Description:Hybrid 130
Coin Series:GR Sport [Safety Pk]
Generation Mark:4
Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07:15E
NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %:86
NCAP Child Occupant Protection %:81
NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09:5
NCAP Pedestrian Protection %:78
NCAP Safety Assist %:85
Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?:No
Service Interval Frequency - Months:12
Service Interval Mileage:10000
Special Edition:No
Special Order:No
Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage:60000
Standard manufacturers warranty - Years:3
Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months:Not Available
Timing Belt Interval Mileage:Not Available
Vehicle Homologation Class:M1
0 to 62 mph (secs):9.2
Engine Power - BHP:130
Engine Power - KW:96
Engine Power - RPM:5500
Engine Torque - LBS.FT:89
Engine Torque - MKG:12.2
Engine Torque - NM:120
Engine Torque - RPM:3600
Top Speed:109
Emissions Test Cycle:WLTP
RDE Certification Level:RDE 2
Alloys?:Yes
Space Saver?:Yes
Tyre Size Front:215/40 R18
Tyre Size Rear:215/40 R18
Tyre Size Spare:SPACE SAVER
Wheel Style:10 SPOKE
Wheel Type:18" ALLOY
Height:1500
Height (including roof rails):Not Available
Length:3950
Wheelbase:2560
Width:1745
Width (including mirrors):Not Available
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres):36
Gross Vehicle Weight:1615
Luggage Capacity (Seats Down):947
Luggage Capacity (Seats Up):286
Max. Loading Weight:525
Max. Roof Load:Not Available
Max. Towing Weight - Braked:450
Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked:450
Minimum Kerbweight:1090
No. of Seats:5
Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb:11
The Toyota Yaris gets more sophisticated in this updated fourth generation form - and features a superior self-charging hybrid engine. Jonathan Crouch drives it.
This improved version of Toyota's fourth generation Yaris supermini gets a digitalised interior and stronger safety standards. As before though, it's biggest draw is its frugal segment-leading 1.5-litre self-charging Hybrid engine, which is now also available in an uprated 129bhp form. What was already a class act has just become genuinely hard to overlook.
If you were asked to name the cars vying for the title of best supermini, it would be a reasonable wager that the Toyota Yaris wouldn't be amongst your top three. If, on the other hand, you had to name a small car that would be trouble-free, cheap to run and easy to use, it would be right up there. The thing is, those criteria are exactly what many supermini buyers are looking for. They don't care if the car can't take the Esses at Donington flat without lapsing into understeer. It's an irrelevance for most but car magazines still put a huge priority on handling and award their 'best of' titles predominantly on which cars are most fun to drive at the limit. The Yaris has always been a supermini that works well in the real world and this fourth generation 'XP210'-series design, first introduced back in 2020, is no exception. It gained a bit more flair - and now also gains a smarter, more digitalised cabin as part of this mid-term update, along with a perkier 129bhp version of the existing 1.5-litre self-charging Hybrid engine.
As before, the only engine on offer in the mainstream range is a 1.5-litre self-charging full-Hybrid petrol unit, but you can at least now get it with a choice of output. The original version of this MK4 model featured this powerplant in 114hp form - and that continues with lower-order variants. Pricier Yaris models though, get this enginer in a perkier 129bhp state of tune, with torque increased by 30% from 141Nm to 185Nm. That improves the 0-62mph sprint time from the base version's 9.7s to 9.2s. All Yaris models continue with the same e-CVT auto gearbox. And the Hybrid engine continues with its pleasing preference for reverting to battery power in urban driving whenever possible. As a result, the company expects that over 80% of urban journeys in this car will be able to be completed under electric power alone. As before, there are three provided driving modes. You won't be bothering much with the electric-only 'EV' option because, due to the tiny 0.76kWh size of the powertrain's lithium-ion battery, it's only good for around 4 miles. Most of the time, you'll be content to leave the car in 'Eco', despite the fact that throttle response and climate control performance will be a touch restricted. For out of town use, there's the option of selecting 'Power' if you want to buffet your fuel figures but motivate a little more petrol engine involvement to get where you're going a little faster. But going faster isn't really what driving a Yaris is all about. Unless the version in question happens to be the uber-powerful flagship hot hatch GR Yaris variant. This shopping rocket derivative gets its own 257bhp 1.6-litre three cylinder turbo engine and 6-speed 'iMT' manual gearbox mated to the compact 'AWD-i' 4x4 system that also features as an option on the SUV version of this Toyota supermini, the Yaris Cross.
Few changes were needed to the muscular 'condensed agile' visual look of the original version of this MK4 Yaris - and apart from a few revised alloy wheel designs and an extra paint colour option, Toyota hasn't made any. As before, overall height and length are compact - the car measures in at 3,940mm: most supermini rivals are over 4 metres long. But the wheelbase and front and rear tracks are generous, giving a planted look. Pronounced blisters feature over the wheel arches, plus there's complex surfacing over the rear doors. As usual, of more importance is the stuff you can't see - namely the stiff, sophisticated 'GA-B' platform this car sits upon. You'll notice more differences inside, where the cabin's been redesigned for more of a 'digital experience'. This takes in both a customisable driver's instrument display and a faster and more powerful multimedia system with added functionality. The combimeter instrument display will be either 7.0 or 12.3-inches depending on trim and is customisable with up to four selerctable layout options: 'Smart', 'Casual', 'Sporty' and 'Tough'. As for the cabin's central infotainment monitor (which now comes with wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'), well that now comes either in a base 9.0-inch guise, or, if you stretch to the pricier 'Toyota Smart Connect' multimedia system, is 10.5-inches in size. That ritzier set-up provides cloud-based navigation, with an 'always connected' system ensuring journey planning benefits from up-to-the-moment information on routes, traffic and delays. This display also now incorporates an intuitive "Hey Toyota" voice recognition system. For example, simply state “Hey Toyota, I'm cold” and the system will automatically raise the climate control temperature. Otherwise, things are much as before. The driver's seat positions you a little lower than you might expect and there are plenty of soft-touch materials around the interior. The rear part of the cabin isn't especially spacious - it's really only ideal for kids. The boot area isn't that big either, rated at 286-litres, though if that's an issue, your dealer will point you to the slightly larger Yaris Cross SUV model.
Expect pricing to be much as before, which means you'll be looking at prices starting from around £22,000. There's a choice of 'Icon', 'Design', 'GR Sport' and 'Excel' trim levels. Plus a 'Premiere Edition' version to showcase this updated design's extra features. These include Toyota's new 'smart digital key', which will allow you (and up to five other users) to unlock and start the car via a smartphone app. Most models will get features like dual-zone air conditioning, rear privacy glass, push-button start, automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control and auto-folding mirrors. Plus leather steering wheel trim, air conditioning and a smartphone-mirroring-compatible multimedia system. As before, safety remains a design priority: Toyota says that this fourth generation Yaris was designed to be the world's safest compact car. That's been enhanced with new radar and camera scanning systems that can scan further and wider than before. The brand has also recalibrated its 'Lane keep assist' system for a more 'neutral' feeling; and has added an extra 'Overtake Prevention Support' feature to stop unintentional undertaking manouevres. As before, standard advanced driver assistance systems include full speed-range intelligent adaptive cruise control and lane trace assist. In addition to these systems, the new Yaris has been developed to provide the best possible occupant protection, in line with the stricter testing standards now applied. For example, to provide protection in the event of a side impact, the Yaris was the first car in its segment to be fitted with a centre airbag.
The Yaris' residual values have always held up better than a Fiesta and a lot better than a Corsa and have stacked up even more competitively with this fourth generation model with its redesigned Hybrid engine. For the 114bhp base version, Toyota quotes a CO2 figure as low as 99g/km. And a WLTP combined cycle fuel reading of up to 68.9mpg. For the 129bhp model, those readings take a slight hit, the CO2 figure falling to 116g/km. The Yaris is covered by a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty and buyers also get five years of pan-European roadside breakdown assistance, a three year paint warranty and twelve years of anti-perforation cover. And extended warranty can be bought at extra price as part of a package that includes free MOTs and extended roadside assistance cover. There's a dedicated 'MyT' app that allows you to book a service online using your 'phone. And Toyota has a 'Fixed Price Servicing' plan, so you'll know in advance exactly how much any work will cost before you check into a dealer.
The Toyota Yaris always used to be one of those cars that grew on you - it didn't have the force of personality to impress you with sheer showroom wow factor. But tis MK4 model upped its game quite markedly in that regard - and is more appealing still in this updated form. Don't for one moment think that Toyota has given into superficiality, favouring style over substance. This is fundamentally better product, with a smarter interior and a perkier Hybrid engine option. Electrified technology makes a lot of sense for a supermini buyer and this car still leads its field in that regard. None of this will impress the enthusiast magazines or interest those who pore over 0-62mph times or wax lyrical about handling adjustability. But what the Yaris lacks at the ragged edge on a Welsh mountain road, it more than makes up for in everyday use. Put down the car magazines, ask yourself what you really need a supermini for and then see if this Yaris doesn't tick every single box.
Battery Capacity in kWh:0.7
Battery Type:Lithium-ion
CO:0.096
HC:0.015
HC+NOx:Not Available
Noise Level dB(A):67
NOx:0.01
Particles:Not Available
Standard Euro Emissions:EURO 6
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb:96
Camshaft:DOHC
Catalytic Convertor:Yes
CC:1490
Compression Ratio:14.0:1
Cylinder Layout:IN-LINE
Cylinders:3
Cylinders - Bore (mm):80.5
Cylinders - Stroke (mm):97.6
Engine Code:M15A-FXE
Engine Layout:FRONT TRANSVERSE
Fuel Delivery:MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION
Gears:1 SPEED
Number of Valves:12
Transmission:AUTO
EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies:No
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb:4.2
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High:5.5
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High:3.8
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low:3.4
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium:3.3
WLTP - MPG - Comb:67.3
WLTP - MPG - Extra High:51.4
WLTP - MPG - High:74.3
WLTP - MPG - Low:83.1
WLTP - MPG - Medium:85.6
Alternative Fuel Qualifying:Yes
Badge Engine CC:1.5
Badge Power:130
Based On ID:Not Available
Coin Description:Hybrid 130
Coin Series:GR Sport [Safety Pk]
Generation Mark:4
Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07:15E
NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %:86
NCAP Child Occupant Protection %:81
NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09:5
NCAP Pedestrian Protection %:78
NCAP Safety Assist %:85
Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?:No
Service Interval Frequency - Months:12
Service Interval Mileage:10000
Special Edition:No
Special Order:No
Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage:60000
Standard manufacturers warranty - Years:3
Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months:Not Available
Timing Belt Interval Mileage:Not Available
Vehicle Homologation Class:M1
0 to 62 mph (secs):9.2
Engine Power - BHP:130
Engine Power - KW:96
Engine Power - RPM:5500
Engine Torque - LBS.FT:89
Engine Torque - MKG:12.2
Engine Torque - NM:120
Engine Torque - RPM:3600
Top Speed:109
Emissions Test Cycle:WLTP
RDE Certification Level:RDE 2
Alloys?:Yes
Space Saver?:Yes
Tyre Size Front:215/40 R18
Tyre Size Rear:215/40 R18
Tyre Size Spare:SPACE SAVER
Wheel Style:10 SPOKE
Wheel Type:18" ALLOY
Height:1500
Height (including roof rails):Not Available
Length:3950
Wheelbase:2560
Width:1745
Width (including mirrors):Not Available
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres):36
Gross Vehicle Weight:1615
Luggage Capacity (Seats Down):947
Luggage Capacity (Seats Up):286
Max. Loading Weight:525
Max. Roof Load:Not Available
Max. Towing Weight - Braked:450
Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked:450
Minimum Kerbweight:1090
No. of Seats:5
Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb:11
1.5 Hybrid 130 GR Sport 5dr CVT [Safety Pack]
