2020 Toyota Yaris Launched In Europe With New 114 HP Hybrid Powertrain

Toyota is officially launching the new Yaris in Europe, which will be offered with a new hybrid powertrain option and a much more distinctive appearance.

The 2020 Toyota Yaris is also the company’s first model based on the GA-B platform of the TNGA family, which is responsible for the model’s “improved dynamic performance” thanks to a lower center of gravity and a 37 percent more rigid construction.

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The new Yaris Hybrid is powered from Toyota’s fourth-generation self-charging hybrid powertrain, which combines a new 1.5-liter three-cylinder ‘Dynamic Force’ petrol engine with two electric motor/generators and a lithium-ion battery pack, producing 114 HP (116 PS), 15 HP more than the previous model.

The engine produces 91 HP (92 PS) and 88 lb-ft (120 Nm) on its own. One of the electric motors is linked to the front wheels, producing up to 79 HP (80 PS) and 104 lb-ft (141 Nm) of torque, while the other one is smaller and tasked with starting the engine and generating power for charging the battery.

The power increase is combined with a 20 percent improvement in fuel consumption, with the new Yaris achieving a combined 76.3 mpg UK (3.7 lt/100km) and just 85 g/km of CO2 emissions. In addition, straight-line performance is much better, with a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.7 seconds and 50-74.5 mph (80-120 km/h) in 8.1 seconds, two seconds faster than the previous model.

EV-only performance has also been greatly improved, with the driver now able to achieve up to 81 mph (130 km/h) on battery power alone. Toyota also claims that it’s now possible to operate the new Yaris on its electric power alone over longer distances too, especially on urban journeys, but without giving us an actual figure.

Depending on the market, Toyota will also offer the new Yaris with the 1.5-liter three-pot petrol engine on its own, paired to either a six-speed manual or a CVT transmission, as well as a base 1.0-liter three-pot petrol unit, similar to the one featured on the previous-gen Yaris.

The adoption of the new GA-B platform made the new Yaris shorter, lower, and wider than its predecessor, with the wheelbase gaining 50 mm for extra cabin space. This gives the new Yaris an overall length of just under four meters, as well as a class-leading 4.9-meter turning circle.

All models in the new Yaris range will also feature wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and Toyota’s updated Safety Sense suite of active safety systems. The latter includes not only Pre-Collision System with vehicle detection, pedestrian detection, and cyclist detection but also a new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, and more.

Customers can also opt for a 10-inch color head-up display, a wireless charging pad for smartphones, an eight-speaker JBL premium audio system, a heated steering wheel, and a full LED lighting pack, among others.