Yaris Secures Car of the Year 2021 Title in Europe
The all-new Toyota Yaris has been named the Car of the Year 2021 in Europe, beating 29 other candidates in the 58th edition of the prestigious award.
The Yaris's victory comes after a one-year delay from its original target launch in 2019. The delay was due to the decision to incorporate a new hybrid system on a much lighter body, which has resulted in the current model weighing 50 kilograms less than its predecessor.
Akio, who was involved in the Yaris's development, expressed his gratitude for the Car of the Year award in Europe. He was particularly happy that the normal Yaris, not the sporty GR Yaris, received the accolade.
The Car of the Year award is hosted by nine automotive magazines from nine countries in Europe. The Yaris won mainly because of its advanced 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain, offering excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions combined with practical city car characteristics, improved design, quality, and driving experience compared to previous generations. Its hybrid technology and overall refinement marked a significant step forward that previous Yaris models lacked.
Toyota has continued its work to lower emissions without compromising the car, specifically with the Yaris's 3-cylinder hybrid. The Yaris now offers top-of-class safety features and is considered fun to drive.
Akio also expressed appreciation to various teams and customers involved in the development, launch, and driving of Yaris, GR Yaris, and Yaris Cross. He was pleased that the hybrid Yaris was recognized, reflecting Toyota's focus on vehicle electrification.
Interestingly, the majority of the shortlisted cars for the award were BEVs and PHEVs by European automakers. Despite this, the Yaris stood out as a strong contender, with specific comments about the Yaris available on The Car of the Year website.
Toyota has a full lineup of HEVs, PHEVs, FCEVs, and BEVs, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. The delayed all-new Yaris, with its improved full-hybrid system, making it more efficient and easier to use, is a testament to this commitment.
For those interested in a test drive account of the Shimoyama Development Model (Yaris), it is available under "Renewing the 'Starting Point of Making Ever-Better Cars'-an Account of a Test Drive of the Shimoyama Development Model (Yaris)" on Toyota Times.
Akio expressed encouragement that a hybrid received the Car of the Year in Europe, boosting efforts towards carbon neutrality. With the Yaris's success, Toyota continues to set the benchmark for hybrid technology and sustainable mobility solutions.
