Updated Toyota Yaris range gets better

New Launches 

Kaizen, which for those of you who don’t speak Japanese, is the principle that things can and will always be improved. It’s a principle that Japanese carmakers have been embracing for decades and one that has taken them to the pinnacle of automotive technology. In a constantly developing market, that principle of continual improvement is most recently embodied by the new Toyota Yaris.

The Yaris is one of the most successful models in Toyota’s history with worldwide sales surpassing the 10 million mark in 2023. The latest hybrid-electric generation of Toyota’s best-selling hatchback now boasts key updates that should keep it at the top of the pile.

With regards to the exterior styling nothing much has changed from the version you could have leased last year. The updated Toyota Yaris keeps most of its improvements underneath that slightly muscular and surprisingly spacious body, although it’s a slightly different story on the inside.

Toyota has transformed the interior of the new Yaris with a host of digital technology that covers everything from driver information to on-board entertainment and connectivity and even access to the vehicle.



Depending on model grade, you’ll get either a 7-inch or 12.3-inch instrument display, both featuring full colour graphics. The 12.3-inch version features 12 display pattern options split into left, centre, and right-side displays that can be customised to show different information. Even the smaller 7-inch display offers nine patterns, three styles and a choice of three function displays.

The latest Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia package also appears in higher grade models. The system is accessed via a 10.5-inch touchscreen which includes access to a cloud-based navigation system offering up-to-the-minute information on routes, traffic events and delays. You can even use voice commands to operate many of the systems so simply saying, “Hey Toyota, I’m cold” is all it takes to turn the heating up a little.

 

Upgraded hybrid powertrain

The most significant of the improvements is under the bonnet though, with the new Yaris offering a more powerful 129bhp hybrid-electric powertrain, alongside the established 114bhp system.

Toyota’s 1.5-litre hybrid-electric powertrain is already well-established, but a few tweaks to the electrical system combine to boost the power up to 129bhp. Torque is also increased across the entire rev range. That translates to faster acceleration and more rapid performance at overtaking speeds without ruining the emissions or fuel consumption. The end result is a new Yaris that’s even more fun and responsive to drive but still manages to achieve class-leading emissions of 96 – 98g/km and fuel economy of around 65mpg.

The new powertrain is standard in the new Yaris Premiere Edition and GR Sport models, while Icon, Design, and Excel grades make use of the existing powertrain from previous models.

Which brings us neatly on to the equally updated trim levels you can choose from should you decide to lease yourself a new Toyota Yaris.

The range starts with the entry-level Icon, although even this comes lavishly equipped with lots of useful features such as wireless smartphone connectivity, reversing camera, a 9-inch infotainment system, automatic lights and wipers, and automatic air conditioning.

Move up to the Design trim and you can add a lot more to the specification in the shape of LED lights front and rear, privacy glass, 16-inch machined alloy wheels, and the 7-inch customisable driver’s display.

Both of the above use the 114bhp hybrid system, as does the next model in the line-up, the Excel grade.



Specify your new Yaris in Excel trim and you’ll add 17-inch alloys, keyless entry and push button start, the 10.5-inch multimedia system, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, front and rear parking sensors, as well as the larger 12.3-inch driver’s display. Excel models are also available with an optional panoramic roof too.

Beyond the Excel trim level, you get a lot more specification to go with the new 129bhp hybrid system fitted as standard.

GR Sport for sporty Yaris, or Premiere Edition for more refined Yaris

If you want sportier styling then you’re going to be looking at the GR Sport. This trim level builds on the Design grade and 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.

If you’re interested in a more refined specification, the updated Yaris line-up includes a new top-of-the-range model in the Premiere Edition.

This new trim-level extends the already generous Excel specification with the addition of an eight-speaker JBL sound system, head-up display, 17-inch black/machined alloys, and a bi-tone paint finish that matches an exclusive new Neptune Blue with contrasting gloss black roof and pillars. The blue theme is also reflected in the interior with blue upholstery stitching and deco lines highlighting the instrument and door panels.

The new Toyota Yaris range promises to build on its award-winning reputation.

It now offers more power, faster acceleration, and an even more engaging drive without compromising efficiency. It also boasts improved technology and features across the whole range, and even manages to make itself more enticing with that new range-topping Premiere Edition trim.

If you’re thinking of leasing a car that’s easy to live with, fun to drive and exceptionally efficient, look no further than the new and improved Toyota Yaris Hybrid range.

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