New Toyota Yaris: GA-B platform, Toyota Safety Sense and fourth-generation full-hybrid system

With more than 4 million units built, the Yaris is Toyota’s best-selling model in Europe. That is why, for this latest generation, the Japanese brand’s engineers have brought together all their expertise to create what they describe as “the best Toyota Yaris ever”.

At the heart of this new Toyota Yaris is the debut of the new GA-B modular platform, developed around the Toyota New Global Architecture philosophy. Combined with the continued evolution of Toyota’s technologies, this platform moves the Yaris up to a new level.

Yaris. The safest supermini in its segment

Building on its strong safety credentials, the new Toyota Yaris has made a major push on both active and passive safety.

Staying true to its commitment to making safety more accessible, Toyota Portugal has fitted the entire national Yaris line-up - including entry-level versions - with the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense.

As standard (on all versions), the new Toyota Yaris therefore includes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) such as Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and the Pre-Collision System (PCS). These are features typically associated with higher segments and often offered only as costly options.

All of these systems are designed to make driving the Yaris as safe as possible, whether in town, on country roads or on the motorway - in every situation.

However, the Yaris does not rely solely on active safety. The new-generation Yaris is the first Toyota model to be equipped with centre airbags. This brand-new feature for the Japanese manufacturer helps prevent the driver and front passenger from colliding during a side impact. It is estimated this system can reduce occupants’ head injuries by up to 85%.

With these features, and a significant increase in body structural rigidity delivered by the GA-B platform, Toyota ensured the new Yaris became the first car in its segment to achieve five stars in the new EuroNCAP tests.

Fourth-generation full-hybrid system

The new Toyota Yaris uses Toyota’s latest full-hybrid system, giving the Yaris improved fuel economy, lower emissions and a greater ability to run on electric power alone - at higher speeds (up to 130km/h) and for longer periods.

In urban driving, recent studies from the brand show the new Yaris can operate for up to 80% of the time in zero-emissions mode, like a 100% electric vehicle, but without concerns about extreme battery charging and with complete peace of mind.

This new Toyota Yaris generation was also developed to meet what Europeans most want from a supermini. Cost, versatility, safety and quality - without overlooking dynamic ability - remained central throughout the Yaris development programme.

The result? As well as being efficient and economical in town, thanks to the 116 cv of the 1.5 Full Hybrid version, the new Yaris is also enjoyable to drive in all conditions. For the ultimate sporting statement in this supermini, though, that role is reserved for the GR Yaris (Gazoo Racing).

Do not be fooled by the GR Yaris’s compact dimensions. Toyota’s latest hot model delivers four-wheel drive and 261 cv. Yet its appeal is not limited to the headline figures. It is the only sports model in its segment with carbon fibre reinforced polymer panels, and its production relies on manual procedures - traits we normally associate with very exclusive cars or… supercars.

More space without compromising versatility

The new Toyota Yaris positions itself as a true supermini: agile in town and capable on the open road, while using its GA-B platform to maximise cabin space.

The entire interior has been designed to make life easier for occupants. Seat shapes, steering wheel positioning and the placement of controls have all been set up for ease of use and comfort.

The infotainment system, compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, is mounted at the top of the dashboard to improve visibility without taking your eyes off the road.

For those who want more space and flexibility, the Yaris Cross version will be available next year. This SUV is based on the same platform as the Yaris, but adds off-road capability and extra interior room.

More images of the new Toyota Yaris. SWIPE:

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