Toyota is presenting the updated Yaris at the 2017 Geneva Motor show. Changes include a subtly altered front and extensively redesigned rear light clusters. There is a new 1.5 naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol to replace the old 1.33 and after many years of not having a sporty variant, the Yaris gains a ‘GRMN’ hot hatch version to link Toyota’s new rally programme to its road-going cars.
Bucking the downsizing trend, the new four-cylinder is larger in capacity than the unit it replaces. Also surprising is the fact that Toyota is sticking with a naturally aspirated powerplant, rather than going the turbocharged route. Like Mazda, it has probably anticipated future legislation that will test cars’ fuel consumption and emissions in a way that should be closer to real-world conditions. Smaller turbocharged engines are way more efficient than larger atmospheric ones in the current NEDC test, but generally disappoint in practice. Whatever the case, Toyota claims the new engine is 12% more efficient in the current NEDC test, which translates to 61mpg.
The new 1.5 joins the existing 1.0 three-cylinder and 1.5 hybrid models. The new 1.5 and the one in the hybrid are different engines, by the way. The latter also benefits from a number of changes that should make it quieter like new engine mounts, front driveshafts and subframe. As before, the hybrid is only available with the CVT gearbox, whereas the smallest engine comes only with a five-speed transmission and the 1.5 litre petrol comes with either a manual six-speed or the optional CVT.
Toyota is always concerned about safety, so all versions of the new Yaris come equipped with autonomous emergency braking, automatic high beam, lane departure alert and road sign assist. The latter, which displays road signs on the dash board and sounds a buzzer when exceeding the speed limit, is not available on the bottom of the range ‘Entry grade’. That may not be such a bad thing, though, as a speed limit buzzer could get old soon.
The Yaris has been a car that's quite easily forgotten these last couple of years. Bland styling, limited engine choice (no diesel) and a slightly indistinct character have made it easy to opt for one of its European rivals, unless you desperately wanted a hybrid supermini. Toyota now wants to change some of that with an interesting halo model. Designed to stick it to the Ford Fiesta ST, Peugeot 208 GTi and Renault Clio RS, the Yaris GRMN should excite enthusiasts again with its 205bhp+ supercharged 1.8 and rally-derived styling. Further details are scarce, but even more choice in the booming junior hot hatch segment is most certainly a good thing.
UK prices have not been announced yet. Strangely, they have already been announced in the Netherlands, where they have increased by around €200 for most versions. Currently, the Yaris starts at £11,971.
Also make sure to watch our introduction video of the GRMN from the show floor: