Toyota has unveiled the new, fourth-generation version of its Yaris supermini.
It is the first model to use Toyota’s latest generation three-cylinder hybrid powertrain, and also the first to be built on its new GA-B small car platform.
Toyota claims the new powertrain, which pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivers a 15% increase in power and a more than 20% increase in fuel economy and CO2 emissions compared with the previous-generation hybrid system.
The system also features a new lithium-ion battery, said to give increased output and a 27% weight saving.
In some markets, the new Yaris will also be available with conventional 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines, but Toyota is yet to confirm where these will be sold.
Compared with the outgoing model, the new Yaris is 5mm shorter – but with a 50mm longer wheelbase, which Toyota claims makes it manoeuvrable for city driving – with a more spacious interior.
The car’s height is 40mm lower, but Toyota says headroom is not compromised as occupants sit lower down, while its width has been increased by 50mm – said to increase space.
Interior technology includes a central touchscreen, a TFT instrument panel display and a 10in colour head-up display, with the latter delivering key information such as sat-nav instructions and speed limits.
Standard driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control and lane trace assist.
The new Yaris is due to arrive in the second half of 2020. UK specs and prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
