The Toyota Yaris - A Short History

Published Date: 7th Jun 2023

Image of a Toyota Yaris The Toyota Yaris is a supermini car that has been sold in the UK since 1999. It is one of the most popular cars in its class and has won numerous awards, including the European Car of the Year in 2000.

The Yaris is a small car, but it is surprisingly spacious inside. It has a comfortable ride and good handling, making it a great car for both city driving and long journeys. The Yaris is also very fuel-efficient, making it a good choice for those looking to save money on fuel costs.

The Yaris is available in a variety of trim levels, so there is a Yaris to suit every budget. The entry-level Yaris is well-equipped, but you can upgrade to a higher trim level if you want more features.

The Yaris is a popular car with UK buyers, and it is easy to see why. It is a small, practical, affordable car that is also fun to drive. The Toyota Yaris is a great option if you are looking for a new supermini.

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Here are some of the reasons why customers have really accepted the car as soon as it arrived in the UK car market:

Affordability: The Yaris is a very affordable car, making it a great option for first-time buyers and those on a budget.
Reliability: Toyota has a reputation for building reliable cars, and the Yaris is no exception. The Yaris is one of the most reliable cars on the market, making it a great choice for those who want a car that will last.
Fuel efficiency: The Yaris is a very fuel-efficient car, making it a good choice for those who want to save money on fuel costs.
Space: The Yaris is surprisingly spacious inside for a small car, making it a great choice for families or those needing a car carrying a lot of luggage.
Driving dynamics: The Yaris is a fun car to drive, and it handles well for a small car.

The Toyota Yaris is a great option if you are looking for a small, practical, affordable and reliable car.

Image of a Toyota Yaris in Gold

First generation (1999-2005)

The first generation Yaris was launched in 1999. It was available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines and was praised for its fuel efficiency and reliability. It was also one of the safest cars in its class and was awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP.

The Yaris was well-received by UK buyers and quickly became one of the most popular cars on the market. In 2000, it was named European Car of the Year, beating off competition from the likes of the Ford Focus and the Volkswagen Golf.

Second generation (2005-2011)

The second generation Yaris was launched in 2005. It was larger and more spacious than the first generation and offered a wider range of features. It was also available with a hybrid powertrain, which was a first for the Yaris.

The second-generation Yaris was also well-received by UK buyers and continued to be one of the most popular cars on the market. In 2010, it was named What Car? Car of the Year.

Third generation (2011-2020)

The third-generation Yaris was launched in 2011. It was the first Yaris to be available with a hybrid powertrain as standard. It was also more stylish and more refined than previous generations.

The third-generation Yaris was again well-received by UK buyers and continued to be one of the most popular cars on the market. In 2012, it was named What Car? Car of the Year for the second time.

Image of a Toyota Yaris in White

Fourth generation (2020-present)

The fourth generation Yaris was launched in 2020. It is the most advanced Yaris yet and features a range of new technologies, including a head-up display and a wireless charging pad. It is also available with a hybrid powertrain, which makes it one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market.

The fourth-generation Yaris has been well-received by UK buyers and has already won several awards, including the What Car? Car of the Year award for 2021.

Why each version ended up more successful than the last

There are a number of reasons why each version of the Yaris has been more successful than the last. These include:

Improved fuel efficiency: Toyota has consistently improved the fuel efficiency of the Yaris over the years. This has made the Yaris an increasingly attractive option for buyers who are looking to save money on fuel costs.
Increased safety: Toyota has also made the Yaris increasingly safe over the years. The Yaris has consistently received high safety ratings from independent organizations like Euro NCAP.
More features: Toyota has added more features to the Yaris over the years. This has made the Yaris more attractive to buyers who are looking for a car with a high level of equipment.
More stylish design: Toyota has given the Yaris a more stylish design over the years. This has made the Yaris more appealing to buyers who are looking for a car that looks good.

As a result of these factors, the Yaris has become one of the most popular cars in the UK. It is a small, practical, affordable and reliable car that is also fun to drive. The Toyota Yaris is a great option if you are looking for a new supermini.

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Key Events

1999: First generation Yaris launched in the UK. The first generation Yaris was launched in the UK in 1999. It was available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines and was praised for its fuel efficiency and reliability. It was also one of the safest cars in its class and was awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP.
2000: Yaris wins European Car of the Year award. In 2000, the Yaris was named European Car of the Year, beating off competition from the likes of the Ford Focus and the Volkswagen Golf. This was a major coup for Toyota and helped to raise the Yaris' profile in the UK market.
2005: Second generation Yaris launched in the UK. The second generation Yaris was launched in the UK in 2005. It was larger and more spacious than the first generation and offered a wider range of features. It was also available with a hybrid powertrain, which was a first for the Yaris.
2011: Third-generation Yaris launched in the UK. The third-generation Yaris was launched in the UK in 2011. It was the first Yaris to be available with a hybrid powertrain as standard. It was also more stylish and more refined than previous generations.
2020: Fourth generation Yaris launched in the UK. The fourth generation Yaris was launched in the UK in 2020. It is the most advanced Yaris yet and features a range of new technologies, including a head-up display and a wireless charging pad. It is also available with a hybrid powertrain, which makes it one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market.

As you can see, the Yaris has a long and successful history in the UK. It is a popular car with buyers of all ages and is praised for its fuel efficiency, reliability, safety and stylish design. The Toyota Yaris is a great option if you are looking for a new cutting-edge supermini.

Sales Data

First generation (1999-2005): The first generation Yaris sold over 250,000 units in the UK. The most popular trim level was the T Sport, which was praised for its sporty handling and stylish looks.
Second generation (2005-2011): The second generation Yaris sold over 300,000 units in the UK. The most popular trim level was the Icon, which offered a good balance of features and value for money.
Third generation (2011-2020): The third generation Yaris sold over 400,000 units in the UK. The most popular trim level was the Active, which offered a more rugged look and feel than other trim levels.
Fourth generation (2020-present): The fourth generation Yaris is still relatively new but has already sold over 100,000 units in the UK. The most popular trim level is the Icon, which offers a good balance of features and value for money.

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Standout Trim Levels

Image of a Toyota Supra in White

T Sport: The T Sport trim level was popular with buyers who wanted a sporty Yaris. It was available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines and had a more aggressive body kit than other trim levels.
Icon: The Icon trim level was popular with buyers who wanted a Yaris with a good balance of features and value for money. It was available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, and it came standard with features such as air conditioning, a CD player and alloy wheels.
Active: The Active trim level was popular with buyers who wanted a Yaris with a more rugged look and feel. It was available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, and it came standard with features such as body cladding, roof rails and fog lights.

Why these trim levels achieved good UK sales

The T Sport, Icon and Active trim levels achieved good UK sales because they offered a good balance of features, performance and value for money. The T Sport was popular with buyers who wanted a sporty Yaris, the Icon was popular with buyers who wanted a Yaris with a good balance of features and value for money, and the Active was popular with buyers who wanted a Yaris with a more rugged look and feel.

As you can see, the Yaris has been a very successful car in the UK. It has sold over 1 million units since its launch in 1999, and it is consistently one of the top-selling cars in the UK market. The Yaris' success is due to a number of factors, including its fuel efficiency, reliability, safety and stylish design.

Various Versions

The Toyota Yaris is available in various versions, each with its unique set of features and benefits.

Hatchback: The hatchback is the most popular version of the Yaris. It is available with a choice of petrol or hybrid engines and offers a good balance of space, practicality and fuel efficiency. The hatchback has a relatively small footprint, making it easy to park in tight spaces. It also has a spacious interior that can comfortably seat four adults. The hatchback's cargo area is also relatively large, making it easy to carry groceries or luggage.
Estate: The estate version of the Yaris is available with a choice of petrol or hybrid engines. It offers more space than the hatchback, making it a good option for families or those needing a car carrying a lot of luggage. The estate has a longer wheelbase and a taller roof than the hatchback, which gives it more interior and cargo space. The estate also has a more spacious rear passenger area, making it more comfortable for passengers to travel in.
Hybrid: The hybrid version of the Yaris is powered by a combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor. It is more fuel-efficient than the petrol version, and it offers the same level of performance. The hybrid system uses a petrol engine to power the car at high speeds and an electric motor to power the car at low speeds. This helps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The hybrid system also provides a smooth and quiet ride.
GR Yaris: The GR Yaris is a high-performance version of the Yaris. A 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine powers it, and it has a more aggressive body kit than other Yaris models. The GR Yaris is designed for drivers who want a fun and engaging driving experience. It has a sporty suspension that provides good handling and a powerful engine that delivers plenty of acceleration. The GR Yaris is also available with a manual transmission, which gives drivers more control over the car.

New Car Warranty

Image of a New Car Warranty Toyota offers a comprehensive warranty to all new Toyota cars sold in the UK. The warranty covers all parts and labour for three years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This means that if a part for your Toyota car fails within three years or 60,000 miles, Toyota will repair or replace it at no cost to you. (review conditions and exceptions on the Toyota website)

Toyota buyers like the warranty because it gives them peace of mind knowing that their car is covered for a period of time. This can be especially important if you are buying a new car and you are not sure how reliable it will be.

The Toyota warranty also includes roadside assistance for 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. This means that if you break down, Toyota will send a mechanic to help you get back on the road.

Here are some of the benefits of the Toyota UK Warranty:

Peace of mind: Knowing that your car is covered for a period of time can give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your driving experience without worry.
Cost savings: The Toyota warranty can save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Convenience: The Toyota warranty can make getting your car repaired or maintained easier, as you can take it to any Toyota dealer.

If you are considering buying a new Toyota car, be sure to ask about the Toyota UK Warranty. It will be a valuable benefit that helps you make an informed decision about your purchase.

No matter which version of the Yaris you choose, you can be sure that you are getting a reliable, fuel-efficient and stylish car.

Conclusion

The Toyota Yaris is an amazing car. It is reliable, fuel-efficient, stylish, and available in a variety of versions to suit different needs. New car buyers should take the Yaris seriously, especially with the discounts on the www.uk-car-discount.co.uk website. On this website, you can buy a Yaris and pay for it after it's been delivered. This is a great option for those who are looking for a new car but don't have the money upfront.

The Yaris is also a great value-for-money car. It comes standard with a number of features that are typically optional on other cars, such as air conditioning, Bluetooth and alloy wheels. This makes the Yaris a great option for those who are looking for a car that is both reliable and affordable.

The Toyota Yaris is a great option if you are looking for a new car. It is reliable, fuel-efficient, stylish, and available in a variety of versions to suit different needs. You can also buy it on the www.uk-car-discount.co.uk website and pay for it after it's been delivered. This is a great option for those who are looking for a new car but don't have the money upfront.

Main Competition to the Toyota Yaris:

Vauxhall Corsa: The Vauxhall Corsa is another popular supermini that is known for its affordable price and wide range of features. It is available with a variety of engines, so you can choose one that fits your driving style.
Peugeot 208: The Peugeot 208 is a stylish and French-designed supermini that is known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. It is available with a variety of engines and features, so you can find one that fits your needs.
Mazda 2: The Mazda 2 is a fun and stylish supermini that is known for its good handling and fuel efficiency. It is available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines.
Renault Clio: The Renault Clio is a practical and affordable supermini that is known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It is available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines.
Kia Ceed: The Kia Ceed is a stylish and well-equipped supermini that is known for its long warranty and low running costs. It is available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines.

Discover the exceptional benefits of purchasing a Toyota Yaris from www.uk-car-discount.co.uk:

Flexible Payment: Buy now and pay following delivery.
Amazing Discounts: Save up to £1,600 on a new Toyota Yaris. Discounts are available on almost all models and trim levels so that you can find the perfect Yaris for your budget.
Extensive Model Selection: Choose from a wide range of Toyota Yaris models and trim levels. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect Yaris for your needs.
Convenient Home Delivery: Have your new Toyota Yaris delivered directly to your home. This saves you the hassle of picking up the car from a dealership.
Flexible Financing Solutions: Get approved for finance. With a variety of financing options available, you're sure to find a plan that fits your budget.

Make the most of these outstanding advantages and make your Toyota Yaris purchase a seamless and rewarding experience with www.uk-car-discount.co.uk.

Our sales team is readily available to offer comprehensive advice on your chosen vehicle; call us today at 0161 946 3500 to discuss how we can guide you with your New Toyota Yaris.

**Please note vehicle specifications, trim levels, options, and engines are subject to change anytime. Therefore, confirming the vehicle specifications you are interested in when you purchase is essential. Vehicle manufacturers also reserve the right to change specifications without notice.