The Toyota Yaris has become the sixth model from the car manufacturer to surpass 10 million global sales in what is its 25th year of production.
Toyota’s Yaris has long been a leader in its segment and immediately made an impression in 1998 when the first model was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. The first-generation model was named European Car of the Year in 2000 and the hatchback has remained popular in Europe ever since. In fact, of all the Yaris models sold globally, some 5,155,506 of them have been sold in Europe. Additionally, the Yaris accounted for more than one-third of Toyota’s total European sales in 2022.
The first-generation model survived until 2005 when it was overhauled with an all-new version. The car grew in size for its second generation and was initially offered with three engine options. A slightly more performance-focused version dubbed the Yaris TS was introduced in 2006 and came with a 1.8-liter engine producing 130 hp.
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Toyota then really stepped up its game with the third-generation Yaris. This new model was the first in its class to offer a full hybrid powertrain option. It also grew in size and spawned the first road-going model from Toyota Gazoo Racing, the Yaris GRMN.
Covers were lifted on the fourth-generation Yaris in 2020. It has a more dynamic design than its predecessor while also being shorter, wider, and lower. It is underpinned by the Toyota New Global Architecture GA-B platform and has more efficient engine options. The current model also spawned the Yaris GR hot hatch and the range has since grown further with the launch of the Yaris Cross SUV, which was recently named the 2022 World Urban Car in the World Car Awards.