Review – Toyota Yaris Hybrid 130 (2024), the better powertrain?

Toyota Yaris Hybrid 130: new powertrain with extra punch

Under the cloud of Barcelona in beautiful Sitges, where carnival was in full swing, we took the Toyota Yaris Hybrid 130 for an extended test drive. This latest edition promises innovations in safety and connectivity and a new powertrain with extra punch. Of course, we would like to experience that for a while.

Toyota Yaris Hybrid 130

Thanks to the addition of the Hybrid 130 engine – in addition to the existing Hybrid 115 – the Yaris offers more than just a power increase. In practice, this means that the car responds more smoothly to the gas pedal, both in city driving and on the highway. The improved acceleration, noticeable during overtaking maneuvers, gives the Yaris some extra dynamics without sacrificing efficiency. During an extensive test drive, it was quite noticeable that the model has extra torque down low and that the powertrain simply has more “feel” for it. In addition, fuel consumption remained within limits. You can easily achieve 1 to 20 with two fingers in your nose.

Technical upgrades

How did Toyota pull all this off? Thanks to a stronger electric motor generator and revisions to the Power Control Unit (PCU) software, overall system power has been increased by 12%. You now benefit from 97 kW (130 hp) versus 85 kW (116 hp). Torque has increased from 141 Nm to 185 Nm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes only 9.2 seconds, which is half a second faster than the 116 hp version. Also nice: acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h is half a second faster and now takes only 7.5 seconds.

Even more modifications for Toyota Yaris

The 2024 Toyota Yaris has received more updates. For example, there are enhanced safety features from the Yaris, grouped under Toyota T-Mate. New is the advanced Pre-Collision System. When approaching intersections and in unclear situations, the car offers a sense of security. The system can now recognize a potential head-on collision and a greater number of objects and vehicles (including motorcycles) in the car’s path.

Interior Toyota Yaris 2024

We also detect novelties in the interior. Toyota is also taking the digital experience to the next level, thanks to the Toyota Smart Connect system. There is a choice of a 7- or 12.3-inch display for the instrument cluster or a 9- or 10.5-inch for the multimedia screen, depending on the version. The large, bright screen makes navigation and vehicle information easy to read, even on the go. The digital instrument cluster has three display options: Smart, Casual and Sporty. Connectivity and over-the-air update capability ensure that the car is always up-to-date.

Additional sound insulation

The finish is further improved and Toyota also applies additional sound insulation. That also has a downside. While driving, the sound of the wiper motor was especially noticeable now because the rest of the car is so quiet. In short, the Yaris can now use a quieter wiper motor.

Launch Edition

With the introduction of the improved Toyota Yaris, the Japanese are also introducing a new top-of-the-line version. That’s the Launch Edition. That model gets Neptune Blue bi-tone paint with a contrasting black roof and window pillars. The blue theme continues in the interior with contrasting stitching of the seat covers and trim on the dashboard and door panels. This version further features 17-inch black polished alloy wheels. By the way, Toyota also supplies the Launch Edition in bi-tone Platinum Pearl White or bi-tone Shimmering Silver Metallic paint. The Yaris Launch Edition can be ordered from 34,750 euros.

Conclusion review Toyota Yaris Hybrid 130

The first encounter with the updated Toyota Yaris shows that the car has been improved in several ways. We highly recommend the new hybrid powertrain, as well as the new infotainment system. This comes at a hefty price. Indeed, the Hybrid 130 engine starts at 33,250 euros, versus 26,050 euros for the Hybrid 115. You do get the Hybrid 130 right away as an Executive, then, plenty of attractive extras. Prices of the updated Yaris, by the way, start at 24,595 euros or 355 euros per month with private lease. Do you want a very long warranty? Then you’re in the right place with Toyota. The yaris is also guaranteed for up to 10 years and 200,000 kilometers if the car is serviced at an official Toyota dealer or Authorized Repairer. This is unprecedented in the B-segment. This comes at a hefty price.