Toyota Yaris: Generations and Model History

The Toyota Yaris ranks among the world’s most popular compact cars. Over 8.71 million units are reported to have been sold globally by March 2020. This achievement is due to the model’s reliability, fuel economy, and urban versatility across four generations since 1999.

The Birth of Toyota Yaris as a Global Compact Car

Toyota introduced the Yaris in 1999 as the Vitz in Japan and Echo in North America. It targeted mass-market buyers and was available as a subcompact hatchback, sedan, and three-door coupe for city use. It won the 2000 European Car of the Year award, emphasizing affordable pricing, nimble handling in hatchback style, and four-cylinder petrol powertrains from 1.0 to 1.5 liters. By 2002, over 1.1 million units had been sold worldwide, with a 1.4-liter D-4D diesel offering 74 bhp (brake-horsepower) and 67.3 mpg combined for ranges over 650 miles.

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Simplicity and Practicality

First-generation Yaris (1999-2005, XP10/XP20) measured about 3.6-3.8 meters long. It featured simple four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines up to 106 hp, basic trim levels, and essential comfort like air conditioning. It had three-door and five-door hatchback body styles. Its design maximized interior space for five passengers despite compact exterior. The vehicle proved ideal for urban parking and had low fuel economy costs. Over 1.2 million were sold in Europe alone, capturing 25% of Toyota’s regional sales.

Improved Comfort and Safety

Second-generation (2005-2013, XP90) grew slightly to 3.75 meters in hatchback and sedan body styles, dropping the three-door coupe, with refined interiors, better noise insulation, and safety features like multiple airbags and stability control across petrol and diesel powertrains. Engine options included 1.0-1.8 liter four-cylinder petrols up to 133 hp and diesels up to 99 hp, with 60+ mpg efficiency and a 2009 facelift enhancing style. It boosted market share through higher trim levels while retaining agility. If you’re planning to book a vehicle, you can check current prices to rent Toyota in Dubai on our website.

Design Update and Better Fuel Efficiency

Third-generation (2011-2020, XP130) adopted a bolder styling inspired by Toyota Corolla in hatchback and sedan forms. It had sharper handling, and efficiency gains with 1.0-1.5 liter four-cylinder engines achieving up to 70 mpg in hybrids. By 2016, it held 6.5% of Western Europe’s B-segment with 208,000 annual sales, hybrids over 40%. The 2014 and 2017 facelifts added Toyota Safety Sense pre-collision systems.

Hybrid Technology and New Platform

Fourth-generation (2020-present, XP210) uses the TNGA GA-B platform shared with Corolla elements, 3.94 meters long in hatchback style with sedan in some regions. It featured a 1.5-liter three-cylinder hybrid petrol powertrain delivering 114 hp combined and 64 mpg. It earned top Euro NCAP ratings via advanced driver aids. The 2024 facelift refinements and GR Yaris trim level offered AWD, 268 hp for rally homologation. Hybrids dominate sales for superior handling, fuel economy, and low emissions.

Design Evolution Across Toyota Yaris Generations

The Toyota Yaris design developed across four generations, preserving compact dimensions while refining body styles, proportions, and performance.

• First-generation (1999-2005, XP10/XP20): Toyota Yaris hatchback known as Toyota Vitz in Japan and Toyota Echo in North America featured tall-boy proportions at 3.6-3.8 meters long with three-door and five-door hatchback body styles plus four-door sedan in some markets.
• Second-generation (2005-2013, XP90): Grew to 3.75 meters, refining style with hatchback and Yaris sedan versions derived from Toyota Belta, dropping the three-door coupe after a 2009 facelift for sleeker lines.
• Third-generation models (2011-2020, XP130): Adopted bolder Toyota family styling at 3.95 meters, including 2012 model hatchback, Yaris iA sedan (Scion iA/Scion brand in USA), and Mazda2-based Yaris versions, with 2014/2017 facelifts adding aggressive grilles.
• Fourth-generation models (2020-present, XP210): On TNGA GA-B platform measures 3.94 meters for the new Toyota Yaris hatchback, shorter yet wider, with Yaris Cross crossover variant, 2020 model year launch, and 2024 facelift emphasizing dynamic wings. GR Yaris developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing offers rally-inspired three-door hatchback known as the GR Yaris for World Rally Championship homologation.

This progression highlights the Yaris’s adaptation to modern demands, balancing efficiency and style in markets like the UAE.

Engine Options and Fuel Economy Over the Years

The Toyota Yaris powertrain evolved from basic petrol and diesel engines to advanced hybrids, improving fuel consumption and performance.

• First-generation: Early models over the years used four-cylinder petrol engines (1.0-1.5 liters, up to 106 hp) with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, plus 1.4-liter D-4D diesel at 74 bhp and 67.3 mpg.
• Second-generation: Expanded to 1.0-1.8-litre engine petrols (up to 133 hp) and diesels (99 hp, 60+ mpg), including 2007 model and 2009 model year options.
• Third-generation: Introduced petrol-electric hybrid powertrain in 2012 model and 2018 model, with 1.5-liter hybrids at 70 mpg and Yaris hybrid on sale; North American 2019 Yaris used Mazda2-derived 1.5-liter petrol at low fuel consumption.
• Fourth-generation: New model Yaris features 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine hybrid power (114 hp, 64 mpg) standard, GR Yaris with 1.6-liter turbo at 268 hp, and automatic transmission dominance.

This development ensures the Yaris remains a fuel-efficient choice for UAE drivers.

Interior, Comfort, and Technology Development

The Toyota Yaris interior showed a series of transformations from basic practicality to advanced tech and comfort.

• First-generation: First model prioritized rear seats space in compact cabins with basic Toyota Touch multimedia precursors.
• Second-generation: Improved materials and noise insulation, with 2009 updates enhancing comfort.
• Third-generation: Yaris models boosted knee room by 2%, added infotainment system like Toyota Touch multimedia, and panoramic options in 2018 model.
• Fourth-generation: New Yaris and 2020 Yaris hatchback/2020 model year deliver class-leading space, digital panels, advanced infotainment system despite lower seating, and hybrid version comforts.

This focus on efficient space utilization makes the Yaris a top choice for UAE urban drivers.

Safety Features Through Different Generations

Previous generation first models offered basic passive safety. Second generation added airbags and stability control, earning five-star Euro NCAP. Third-generation generations of the Toyota Yaris integrated Toyota Safety Sense pre-collision in 2014 facelift across Yaris sedan and hatchback. Fourth-generation Yaris hybrid and versions achieve top ratings with GA-B platform (GA or TNGA stands for Global Architecture structure), active aids, and GR Yaris reinforcements. This ensures its leadership in car sales in the UK and beyond.

Toyota Yaris for City Driving and Daily Use

The Toyota Yaris excels in urban environments with its nimble handling for tight streets, compact 3.94-meter length for easy parking, and low running costs from hybrid fuel economy up to 64 mpg combined in the 2020 Toyota Yaris fourth generation. The 2025 Toyota Yaris hatchback offers light steering, a tight turning radius, and responsive suspension ideal for city traffic and daily commutes, plus spacious interiors despite its size.

For those who are unfamiliar with the Toyota Yaris and who want to experience driving it before committing to a purchase, Toyota Yaris rental options in Dubai include hiring via Octane Rent. We provide compact cars like the Toyota Yaris ZR Blue for everyday trips, allowing real-world testing as a convenient city vehicle before purchase.

This petrol-powered hatchback features 130 hp engine power, 0-100 km/h in 9.2 sec, 5 seats, blue exterior with white interior, max speed of 195 km/h, CarPlay/Android Auto, automatic transmission, and 250 km daily mileage (extra km at 10 AED).

Rental pricing for the Toyota Yaris ZR Blue starts from 255 to 310 AED daily or 7,650 AED monthly, with insurance included, no deposit required, 24/7 service, delivery/pick-up option, and Octane Quantum club card for extra discounts on long-term rentals.

Which Toyota Yaris Generation Is the Best Today

The fourth-generation Yaris (2020-present, XP210) offers optimal price/features balance with TNGA GA-B platform, and 1.5-litre hybrid at 114 hp/64 mpg. It has top Euro NCAP ratings. Used vehicle prices range within 55,000-75,000 AED, and new 2025 models cost between 64,900-74,900 AED. It beats prior generations (e.g., the Scion iA sedan, version of the Mazda2) in efficiency. It’s equipped with Apple CarPlay and is backed by 8.71 million sales. Third-generation (2011-2020) is budget-friendly at 20,000-42,000 AED for the used car with 70 mpg hybrids/Toyota Safety Sense, but lacks new handling.

The Future of the Toyota Yaris Line

Toyota continues advancing Yaris hybrids with refined petrol-electric powertrains like the 2025 model’s 1.5-liter three-cylinder for even lower emissions and 64+ mpg (71.3 mpg in E-Four version), alongside GR Yaris evolutions for performance. Electrification may introduce full EV versions sharing TNGA architecture by late 2020s, building on hybrid dominance over 40% of sales across generation Yaris car models. Design updates will emphasize sleeker styling, advanced infotainment, and urban agility to sustain leadership in compact car sales.