The Yaris is one of Toyota's most popular and successful models. For more than 25 years, the small Japanese utility vehicle has made history in the company, and in the industry itself. Car of the Year in Europe on two occasions, it was the first hybrid in the small segment to have 5 EuroNCAP stars, it has surpassed the barrier of 10 million units sold in the world and in Europe alone it has already accumulated 5 million. Theirs is a succession of milestones and permanent improvements throughout its four generations: the original from 1999, the one from 2005, the one from 2011 and the current one, from 2020, and which is now being updated.
The recipe of those responsible for the Japanese firm for the mid-life renewal of the Yaris has been simple, but no less expensive or important for that reason. Unlike many manufacturers, who choose to aesthetically “refresh” a model (basically changing the bumpers and, at most, the grille and optics) to modernize its exterior image and lengthen its commercial cycle, Toyota has chosen to focus on more aspects. practical and useful and invest in improving elements that provide a clear advantage for the client.
Thus, the new Yaris 2024 remains almost unchanged in terms of its design, beyond new colors, wheel designs and some decorative details or minor elements depending on the finishes. However, the changes are more profound in terms of efficiency and equipment. The main novelty lies in the hybrid mechanics, now more powerful, which gains in performance and improves – even more – its efficiency.
The engine of the 120H version remains at 116 HP, but now the higher version goes up to 130 HP (14 HP), which represents an increase of 12%, with a torque of 185 Nm (44). This increase in the 1.5 liter 3-cylinder block, thanks to adjustments to the software and hardware of the power control unit and a new 62 kW electric motor, 3 kW more powerful, allows it to lower its record of acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in half a second (now 9.2 s), improve in the range from 80 to 120 km/h (7.5 seconds) and even reduce its already low energy requirements. It now achieves the best values in its category: an average consumption of 3.9 to 4.3 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 87-89 g/km, depending on finish.
Another of the most significant improvements of the Yaris 2024 in its hybrid version is the new automatic gear change, which has significantly improved the usual sensation of CVT (continuously variable variable) type boxes, in which the speed and rotational speed of the engine do not go “in sync”. These changes, which lack ratios such as torque converter or double clutch, offer good operation with smooth and progressive driving, as long as they are not subjected to great demands.
Driving at low and medium speeds, the result is optimal, with good ride comfort, torque availability and moderate noise. But when the demand on the gas pedal is less progressive and the aim is to obtain maximum performance in a short time, the results are not as satisfactory, since a certain "mismatch" is experienced between the mechanical noise and the acceleration, producing a similar to when the clutch slips. Beyond these specific conditions, and in “normal” circulation in urban and semi-urban environments, its performance is frankly good and convincing.
Inside, the most notable change is the presence of a new 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and a 10.5” floating-style central screen for higher-equipped versions. These improvements related to infotainment and digitalization are accompanied in the 2024 Yaris with new functions such as the digital key, which allows you to open and close the car from your mobile phone using the Toyota App and without using a physical key, as well as functionalities related to the management and information of different vehicle parameters and brand services.
The exclusive Première Edition finish, for 29,750 euros, is the most complete and equipped variant that Toyota will offer of the Yaris 2024 in our country, which will begin to arrive from March. The top-of-the-range finish has 17-inch wheels, the greatest amount of equipment and the Neptune Blue color specifically associated with this luxurious variant, which can be chosen with the two-tone black roof and also in pearl white for the body.
At a similar level in terms of standard equipment but this time with a more sporty focus is the GR Sport, which sports more dynamic finishing details inspired by competition, such as sports seats with Alcantara upholstery, aluminum pedals, the perforated leather steering wheel, the 18-inch wheels and the striking Ascari Gray as a distinctive exterior tone. Its price in Spain is 28,050 euros, although for 29,800 euros you can increase the exclusivity and sportiness of the Yaris even more with the GR Sport Plus, which adds two-tone paint and Head Up Display, among other elements.
The Yaris 2024 range continues with the 120H 116 HP hybrid mechanics in the Style (27,750 euros), Active Plus (26,000 euros) and Business Plus (24,850 euros) finishes, more oriented towards fleets and companies. In addition, Toyota maintains the gasoline Yaris in its catalog, with an engine without electrical assistance and 125 HP called S-Edition, whose price is 22,300 euros and becomes the most accessible option. After applying discounts, its price starts at €19,050.
