She is already more than ten years old the undisputed queen of hybrid city cars. Toyota Yarismade in France and a sales star here, has just passed a symbolic milestone 10 million copies were released ! A great reward for a manufacturer that is a relatively late entrant to this premium category in Europe.

The first generation was released only in 1999. Faced with the formidable Renault Clio, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 206, Ford Fiesta and Citroën C3. Nissan was a competitor released its Micra in 1992, which was a great success. For the Toyota Starlet (which was not designed specifically for Europe), launched in 1996, it was outdated from launch. Thus, the appearance in 1999 of the Yaris (Vitz and Echo outside Europe) was a lifesaver.. It has since declined in three additional generations, in 2005, 2011 and finally in 2020.

Hybrid unit, two gasoline units

The fourth and present generation still gathers in the North (59), at Onnaing. It is on this site that the 10 millionth Yaris, produced since 1999, has just been celebrated with great fanfare. A hybrid pioneer since the first Prius in 1997, Toyota equipped it with its Yaris city car in 2012. It was the third generation. The current one is no exception and offers full hybrid engine (not rechargeable) with a capacity of 116 horsepower. Even if this variant represents the vast majority of European Yaris sales, it does not necessarily ignore the thermal system. Two gasoline engines are offered (D-4D diesels were not updated). 1.0 L with a capacity of 70 horsepower and 1.5 L with a capacity of 120 horsepower. Today, Toyota updates its small city car and introduces a new hybrid engine!

A new hybrid option

This one, added to the HSD 116bhp, develops 130bhp. Thermoblock without changes, as before 3-cylinder 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 92 horsepower. The changes were made specifically in the electrical part. In addition to this increase in power, torque increases from 141 to 185 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h from 9.7 to 9.2 seconds. Apart from the technical part, there are some new features on board this facelifted Yaris. It integrates new 12.3-inch instrument screen (output from needle counters). But also a 10-inch multimedia panel (with a new system Toyota SmartConnect). There are also some improvements in driving aidsexcept news upholstery and body colors. This “new” Toyota Yaris hybrid will be available in a few months.