TOYOTA YARIS HATCHBACK 1.5 Hybrid 130 GR Sport 5dr CVT [Bi-tone]

The Toyota Yaris gets more sophisticated in this updated fourth generation form - and features a superior self-charging hybrid engine. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the 2025 version.

Ten Second Review

Toyota's fourth generation Yaris supermini continues to evolve with its digitalised interior and strong safety standards. As usual though, it's biggest draw is its frugal segment-leading 1.5-litre self-charging Hybrid engine, which is also available in an uprated 129bhp form. What was already a class act has just become genuinely hard to overlook.

Background

If you were asked to name the cars vying for the title of best supermini, it would be a reasonable wager that the Toyota Yaris wouldn't be amongst your top three. If, on the other hand, you had to name a small car that would be trouble-free, cheap to run and easy to use, it would be right up there. The thing is, those criteria are exactly what many supermini buyers are looking for. They don't care if the car can't take the Esses at Donington flat without lapsing into understeer. It's an irrelevance for most but car magazines still put a huge priority on handling and award their 'best of' titles predominantly on which cars are most fun to drive at the limit. The Yaris has always been a supermini that works well in the real world and this fourth generation 'XP210'-series design, first introduced back in 2020, then updated in 2024, is no exception. In recent times, it's gained a bit more flair - and a smarter, more digitalised cabin, along with a perkier 129bhp version of the existing 1.5-litre self-charging Hybrid engine. And for 2025, there are further subtle improvements.

Driving Experience

As before, the core engine on offer in the mainstream range is a 1.5-litre self-charging full-Hybrid petrol unit, but you can at least get it with a choice of output. The original version of this MK4 model featured this powerplant in 114hp form - and that continues with lower-order variants. Pricier Yaris models though, get this engine in a perkier 129bhp state of tune, with torque increased by 30% from 141Nm to 185Nm. That improves the 0-62mph sprint time from the base version's 9.7s to 9.2s. All Yaris models continue with the same e-CVT auto gearbox. And the Hybrid engine continues with its pleasing preference for reverting to battery power in urban driving whenever possible. As a result, the company expects that over 80% of urban journeys in this car will be able to be completed under electric power alone. As before, there are three provided driving modes. You won't be bothering much with the electric-only 'EV' option because, due to the tiny 0.76kWh size of the powertrain's lithium-ion battery, it's only good for around 4 miles. Most of the time, you'll be content to leave the car in 'Eco', despite the fact that throttle response and climate control performance will be a touch restricted. For out of town use, there's the option of selecting 'Power' if you want to buffet your fuel figures but motivate a little more petrol engine involvement to get where you're going a little faster. But going faster isn't really what driving a Yaris is all about. Unless the version in question happens to be the uber-powerful flagship hot hatch GR Yaris variant. This shopping rocket derivative gets its own 257bhp 1.6-litre three cylinder turbo engine and 6-speed 'iMT' manual gearbox mated to the compact 'AWD-i' 4x4 system that also features as an option on the SUV version of this Toyota supermini, the Yaris Cross.

Design and Build

Few changes have been made over the years to the muscular 'condensed agile' visual look of the original version of this MK4 Yaris - and Toyota hasn't made many. The overall height and length are compact - the car measures in at 3,940mm: most supermini rivals are over 4 metres long. But the wheelbase and front and rear tracks are generous, giving a planted look. Pronounced blisters feature over the wheel arches, plus there's complex surfacing over the rear doors. As usual, of more importance is the stuff you can't see - namely the stiff, sophisticated 'GA-B' platform this car sits upon. Inside, the cabin's been designed for a 'digital experience'. This takes in both a customisable driver's instrument display, a combimeter that will be either 7.0 or 12.3-inches depending on trim and is customisable with up to four selectable layout options: 'Smart', 'Casual', 'Sporty' and 'Tough'. As for the cabin's central infotainment monitor (which comes with wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'), well that comes either in a base 9.0-inch guise, or, if you stretch to the pricier 'Toyota Smart Connect' multimedia system, is 10.5-inches in size. That ritzier set-up provides cloud-based navigation, with an 'always connected' system ensuring journey planning benefits from up-to-the-moment information on routes, traffic and delays. This display also now incorporates an intuitive "Hey Toyota" voice recognition system. For example, simply state 'Hey Toyota, I'm cold' and the system will automatically raise the climate control temperature. The driver's seat positions you a little lower than you might expect and there are plenty of soft-touch materials around the interior. The rear part of the cabin isn't especially spacious - it's really only ideal for kids. The boot area isn't that big either, rated at 286-litres, though if that's an issue, your dealer will point you to the slightly larger Yaris Cross SUV model.

Market and Model

Pricing is much as before, which means you'll be looking at prices starting from just under £23,000. There's a choice of 'Icon', 'Design', 'Excel' and 'GR Sport' trim levels. The 'GR Sport' variant has been improved for the 2025 model year and gets freshly-designed 18-inch matt-finish alloy wheels. Across the range, there's a new 'Forest Green' paint shade option. Available big-car features include Toyota's 'smart digital key', which will allow you (and up to five other users) to unlock and start the car via a smartphone app. Most models get features like dual-zone air conditioning, rear privacy glass, push-button start, automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control and auto-folding mirrors. Plus leather steering wheel trim, air conditioning and a smartphone-mirroring-compatible multimedia system. As before, safety remains a design priority: Toyota says that this fourth generation Yaris was designed to be the world's safest compact car. Hence the inclusion of radar and camera scanning systems that can scan far and wide as you drive. The brand has also calibrated its 'Lane keep assist' system for a 'neutral' feeling; and includes an extra 'Overtake Prevention Support' feature to stop unintentional undertaking manouevres. As before, standard advanced driver assistance systems include full speed-range intelligent adaptive cruise control and lane trace assist. In addition to these systems, the Yaris has been developed to provide the best possible occupant protection, in line with the stricter testing standards now applied. For example, to provide protection in the event of a side impact, the Yaris was the first car in its segment to be fitted with a centre airbag.

Cost of Ownership

The Yaris' residual values have always held up better than, say, a Corsa and have stacked up even more competitively with this fourth generation model with its redesigned Hybrid engine. For the 114bhp base version, Toyota quotes a CO2 figure as low as 91g/km. And a WLTP combined cycle fuel reading of up to 70.6mpg. For the 129bhp model, those readings take a slight hit, the CO2 figure falling to 96g/km and the mpg stat to 67.3mpg. The Yaris is covered by a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty and buyers also get five years of pan-European roadside breakdown assistance, a three year paint warranty and twelve years of anti-perforation cover. And extended warranty can be bought at extra price as part of a package that includes free MOTs and extended roadside assistance cover. There's a dedicated 'MyT' app that allows you to book a service online using your 'phone. And Toyota has a 'Fixed Price Servicing' plan, so you'll know in advance exactly how much any work will cost before you check into a dealer.

Summary

The Toyota Yaris always used to be one of those cars that grew on you - it didn't have the force of personality to impress you with sheer showroom wow factor. But this MK4 model upped its game quite markedly in that regard - and is more appealing still in this updated form. Don't for one moment think that Toyota has given into superficiality, favouring style over substance. This is a fundamentally strong product, with a smart interior and a perkier Hybrid engine option if you need it. Electrified technology makes a lot of sense for a supermini buyer and this car still leads its field in that regard. None of this will impress the enthusiast magazines or interest those who pore over 0-62mph times or wax lyrical about handling adjustability. But what the Yaris lacks at the ragged edge on a Welsh mountain road, it more than makes up for in everyday use. Put down the car magazines, ask yourself what you really need a supermini for and then see if this Yaris doesn't tick every single box.

Body Glass

Auto windscreen wipers

Front auto power windows with anti jam protection

Noise reduction layer on windscreen

Rear auto power windows with anti jam protection

Rear intermittent wipers

Rear privacy glass

Rear window defogger with timer

Variable front intermittent wipers

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Electronic parking brake

Emergency brake light signal (EBS)

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Solid rear disc brakes

Ventilated front disc brakes

Carpets/Rugs

Bold black border and GR sport logo on floor mats

Front and rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

GR sport suspension tuning

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Communication

Bluetooth connectivity

E-call

Driver Aids

MyToyota connected services

Remote boot door release on key

Smart voice assist

Tailgate

Wireless charger

Driver Convenience

Acceleration suppression at low speed on pre-collision system

Adjustable speed limiter

Driver attention alert

Electric power steering

Emergency driving stop system

Emergency steering assist

Full range adaptive cruise control

Lane trace assist

Reversing camera with static guide lines, display in multimedia system

Road sign assist

Driver Information

12.3" Digital Combimeter

Digital speedometer

Digital tachometer

Hybrid system indicator

Instrument panel centre cluster

Intersection turn assist

Multi info display

Over the air updates

Shift position indicator

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Automatically retractable door mirrors

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Turning signal integrated indicators in door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

GR Sport interior styling with accents and exterior styling

Piano black interior trim

Engine

Engine noise insulation cover

Entertainment

10.5" Toyota smart connect multimedia with wireless smartphone integration incl apple car play and cloud Navigation

6 speakers

DAB radio

Front USB-C connector and charger

Road events

Exterior Body Features

Black surround on lower front grille

Body colour door handles

Bumper and grille garnish paint

Dark chrome lower meshed front grille

Doors lower back, back door garnish

Exhaust tailpipe and diffuser

Gloss black door belt moulding

Gloss black upper front grille

GR sport scuff plates

Meshed shape upper front grille

Rear side wing doors

Shark fin antenna

Standard roof

Exterior Lights

Auto high beam [AHB] with on/off switch

Automatic headlight cut-off

Automatic headlights

Follow me home headlights

Headlight side turn indicators

LED daytime running light guide

LED front fog lights

LED front light guide

LED Headlights

LED High mounted stop lamp

LED Indicators

LED rear combination lights

LED rear light guide

Manual headlight levelling

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air ventilation system

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Gloss black insert on side air vents

Gunmetal side air vents

Nanoe-X air purifier

Pollen filter

Remote control air conditioning

Interior Features

2x Rear coat hooks

3 spoke perforated leather steering wheel

Adjustable boot height

Black interior door handles

Black roof lining

Boot underfloor storage

Chrome surround on air conditioning buttons

Cup holders (2 front & door)

Door pockets

Dual level deckboard

Fabric door trim

Front centre armrest

Front/rear assist grips

Hard tonneau cover

Leather gearshift

Light remind warning buzzer

Map pockets on the backs of the front seats

Overhead console

Red stitching on gear shift boot

Red stitching on steering wheel

Satin chrome insert on gear shift

Shopping bag hooks

Single compartment slow opening glovebox

Steering wheel mounted switch for audio, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, multi-info, speed limiter, voice recognition

Suede upholstery

Tilt/telescopic steering column

USB-C Cable

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting on front interior door handles

Front personal map light

White ambient lighting on front doors, centre console, footwell

Safety

3 point seatbelts on all rear seats

Driver and passenger central airbag, front airbag, side airbag and SRS curtain shield airbags

Front passenger airbag on/off switch

Front seatbelt reminder

Occupant detection, passenger and rear seat sensor

Pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist detection

Rear child proof door locks

Rear seat belt reminder

Tyre pressure warning system

Seats

3 adjustable rear headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

60/40 split folding rear seat

Electrically adjustable lumbar support for driver

Front headrests

Front sports seats

GR embossed in headrests

ISOFIX child restraint system

Manual height adjustable front passenger seat

Manually height adjustable driver seat

Manually sliding front seats

Single front passenger seat

Security

2x Master key

Digital key

Door lock - Remote, power

Immobiliser

Intrusion alarm

Keyless smart entry with push button start

Towing

Pre wiring for towing hook

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/front passenger sunvisors with vanity mirror

Wheels

Spare wheel cover

Wheel caps

Wheels - Alloy

18" 10 spoke matte black machined face alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 0.7

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Emissions - ICE

CO: 0.096

HC: 0.015

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): 67

NOx: 0.007

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 99

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 1490

Compression Ratio: 14.0:1

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 3

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 80.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 97.6

Engine Code: M15A-FXE

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Gears: 1 SPEED

Number of Valves: 12

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 4.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 3.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 3.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 3.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 67.3

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 51.4

WLTP - MPG - High: 74.3

WLTP - MPG - Low: 83.1

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 85.6

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Badge Power: 130

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: Hybrid 130

Coin Series: GR Sport [Bi-tone]

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 4

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 15E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 72

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 84

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 83

NCAP Safety Assist %: 72

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.2

Engine Power - BHP: 130

Engine Power - KW: 96

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 89

Engine Torque - MKG: 12.2

Engine Torque - NM: 120

Engine Torque - RPM: 3600

Top Speed: 109

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 215/40 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 215/40 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: 10 SPOKE

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1500

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 3950

Wheelbase: 2560

Width: 1745

Width (including mirrors): N

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 36

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1615

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 947

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 286

Max. Loading Weight: 525

Max. Roof Load: N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 450

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 450

Minimum Kerbweight: 1090

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Exterior Body Features

Premium Bi-tone paint

Packs

Essential protection package - Yaris GR Sport

GR Sport carbon pack - Yaris

Protection + pack - Yaris GR Sport

Paint - Two Tone

Metallic Bi-tone - Juniper Blue/Eclipse black

Metallic Bi-tone - Persian salt/Eclipse black

Metallic Bi-tone - Storm grey/Eclipse black

Premium Bi-tone - Platinum white pearl/Eclipse black

Premium Bi-tone - Scarlet flare/Eclipse black

Trim - Leather

Suede - Black