Toyota has announced its intentions to return to the hot hatch market with a performance-focused Yaris.
Toyota will use experience gained from its full-blooded return to the WRC to develop and improve its road car technology and expand the Yaris range with a new performance-focused model, previewed in the sketch below.
Since its launch in 1999, the Yaris has been consistently innovative. In its first-generation it introduced new design features such as a 3D central digital display.
The second generation saw the debut of more segment firsts, such as a knee airbag and smart entry. The third generation made hybrid available in the segment for the first time, while the current model’s Toyota Safety Sense system places it ahead of competitors for active safety.
Learn more: History of the Toyota Yaris
Toyota will return to the WRC after a 17-year hiatus, with Team Principal Tommi Mäkinen leading a team consisting of WRC veterans Jari-Matti Latvala/Miika Anttila and Juho Hänninen/Kaj Lindström.
At last! Can’t wait to see it in showrooms. Will it be based on the current shape Yaris or the next generation?
Hi Gavin,
We have no further information regarding this. All we know is that it’s a performance-focused Yaris. When we receive further information we will let you know. Many thanks.
If I could put in a request, I would ask that the performance version(s) should include a hybrid. The existing Yaris hybrid has more maximum torque than the BMW i3 and so should be able to do 0-60 in under 8 seconds rather than 11. The performance figures could be published with a proviso that there has to be sufficient battery levels, etc., available – it could use a new mode accessed via the Eco button, you would cycle through Eco, Normal and Performance the latter only being available if the system is ready (battery levels and temperature, inverter temperature, etc.). It could also be released as a chargeable software retrofit to existing Yaris (and other Toyota Hybrids).
Can’t wait to hear more on this! Been waiting along time for Toyota to do something sporty again!
I’ve had three Yaris and am much looking forward to a performance Yaris