The 2017 Geneva Auto Show had plenty of supercar action, but the Toyota booth had quite the nice surprise for performance enthusiasts, in the shape of the new Yaris GRMN. Based on the WRC-spec rally car, the GRMN is the Polo GTi and Fiesta ST competitor we've been asking about for years, but it wasn't the only Yaris show in Switzerland. Alongside the performance version, Toyota also displayed the regular Yaris, which just received a mid-cycle update.

Now sporting a revised front fascia with more angular lines and a sportier bumper and larger taillights around back, the Yaris has taken a more aggressive stance against the competition. The fresh design is backed by a revised interior with new technology and an enhanced safety package, while the drivetrain department has news to share too. On top of the new GRMN model with the supercharged 1.8-liter engine and a mild update to the hybrid version, the Yaris also ditched the 1.3-liter unit in favor of a brand-new, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Powerful yet more efficient, the new unit also makes the Yaris quicker, which is a big plus with so many nippy options on the market right now.

All told, the Yaris gained quite the comprehensive update and it's now one of the most modern and advanced propositions in this crowded niche. Find out how it compares with the competition in the my review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Toyota Yaris.

2017 Toyota Yaris

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Toyota Yaris
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

To say that the revised Yaris is a significant departure from the outgoing model would be an overstatement, but the facelift brings just enough new features to make it stand out.

Up front, Toyota kept things familiar, but the grille is now wider at the top and gained a new honeycomb-like mesh. The foglamp sockets were also redesigned, with the upper section being significantly narrower and extending closer to the headlamps. The foglamps are also new. Above the new bumper we can see a reshaped nose with a bulkier, bullet like center section. The area is now completely finished in body color, missing the black element of the previous model. Finally, Toyota revised the headlamps, which now sport a more angular design and a new cluster layout with LED strips.

Moving onto the sides, there aren't many changes to talk about outside the revised side skirts and the new trim below the doors. However, the trim and the black roof that comes with the Bi-Tone model give the Yaris a more upscale appearance. Toward the back, the redesigned taillights add a sense of extra length to the car's profile. Toyota also crafted three new wheel designs. There's a 15-inch silver wheel cover for the Mid grade, a multi-spoke 15-inch alloy for Mid+ models, and a new 16-inch wheel with a machined face finish for the Chic hybrid model.

Bigger modifications are visible around back, starting with the taillights, which are larger and longer, extending from the rear fenders into the tailgate. Not only that, but the new taillights have a distinctive signature lighting and LED technology. With the redesigned taillights also comes a revised tailgate, now shaped to mimic the front grille. The bumper also has more muscular lines, giving the rear end a sporty look. The fake triangular vents at the corners are a nice touch for such a small car.

Finally, Toyota added two new exterior colors to the range, Hydro Blue and Tokyo Red, taking the total to 10 different shades.

Exterior comparison: outgoing vs new Yaris

Interior

Much like the exterior, the Yaris' interior is of the facelift variety with minor changes here and there, but it's pretty obvious that Toyota aimed to make the cabin seem fresh and modern. There's new upholstery, new colors, and trim, upgraded instrumentation and a redesigned center console.

One of the main highlights is the new 4.2-inch TFT screen in the instrument cluster. Optional on the base model but standard on the Mid grade, the new display provides additional information to the driver right between the speedo and rev counter, making navigating through car data easier and safer. In front of the dash there's a revised three-spoke steering wheel with buttons on both arms. What's more, the Mid grades and higher models get piano black trim. Granted, you don't see that on other cars in this segment.

The facelift also added new propeller-style air vents, blue instrument illumination and a more streamlined design of the multimedia screen and controls in the centre console, including new switches that not only look better, but are also easier to operate.

The upholstery was also revised according to trim. Entry-level models come with a grey instrument panel insert and black cloth upholstery with houndstooth check design for the center seatback and cushion. The Mid grade gets a neat black/gray gradation pattern and dashboard in dark gray, while the Mid+ variants get black dashboard and door trim. Finally, the Bi-Tone versions gained a dedicated interior treatment for each exterior color choice. There's blue with blue/black, burgundy with red/black, warm grey with bronze/black and black with white/black. The color detailing covers the instrument panel insert and door trim, plus inserts in the seatbacks and edging to the seatback and cushion bolsters.

Toyota also says that the hybrid model now has a quieter cabin thanks to redesigned engine mounts, a larger engine roll restrictor, new front driveshafts and front subframe, a modified air box intake system, and a new sub-silencer.

Interior comparison: outgoing model vs new model

Drivetrain

The biggest news comes from under the hood, where the familiar 1.33-liter four-cylinder engine has been replaced by a 1.5-liter unit. Developed in anticipation to the upcoming Euro 6C emissions standards and RDE (Real Driving Emission) homologation requirements, the new unit is manufactured in Poland and promises to bring a 12-percent fuel economy improvement over the outgoing powerplant.

The 1.5-liter is rated at 110 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm and makes the revised Yaris 0.8 seconds quicker from 0 to 62 mph compared to the outgoing model. Specifically, the new hatchback needs 11 seconds to hit the benchmark, which isn't all that bad for a car in this niche.

Not only more powerful, the new engine is also more efficient with Toyota claiming it achieved a 38.5-percent thermal efficiency value by using a high, 13.5:1 compression ratio, a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, and by extending the variable valve timing operation so that the engine can switch from the Otto to the Atkinson cycle.

Although specific fuel economy figures aren't yet available, Toyota says that the 1.5-liter unit is significantly more efficient thanks to its water-cooled exhaust manifold. A first for the company, the new manifold avoids the need for mixture enrichment to reduce combustion temperature at driving speed, thus reducing both fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

The naturally aspirated engine mates to either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT.

The drivetrain lineup is completed by the familiar 1.0-liter three-cylinder, which uses a five-speed manual, and the hybrid drivetrain based on the 1.5-liter engine paired to the CVT automatic.

Toyota also launched the GRMN, the first-ever peformance-oriented version of the Yaris, but you can find out more about that in our full review here.

Safety

Toyota also made big improvements in the safety department and made Toyota Safety Sense a standard feature on the upgraded Yaris. The package includes a Pre-Collision System with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Alert and, on models higher than entry grade, Road Sign Assist. The latter helps ensure drivers are kept informed about key road warnings and commands, even if they have driven past a road sign without noticing it. The system recognizes signs such as speed limits and no overtaking restrictions and shows them on the colour TFT multi-information display. If the driver exceeds the speed limit, the system will activate a warning light and buzzer. In addition to the tech above, the new Yaris comes with force limiters and pretensioners for the rear seatbelts and redesigned head restraints for better protection against whiplash injury. Finally, the shape of the side curtain airbags has been redesigned.

Prices

Pricing for the Yaris starts from £12,495 in the U.K. For this amount, you get the base Active model with the 1.0-liter engine. Upgrade to the hybrid drivetrain and the sticker jumps to £15,995. The Icon version retails from £14,495, while the Icon Tech starts from £15,045. Go for the Design model, which comes standard with the 1.5-liter engine, and it'll set you back £15,845. The same model with the hybrid powertrain retails from £18,145. If you're a fan of the two-tone design, the Bi-Tone trim comes in at £17,595 before options. Finally, the Yaris Excel starts off at £17,495.

GRADE

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

OTR PRICE

Active

1.0 VVT-i 5MT

£12,495

Active

1.5 Hybrid CVT auto

£15,995

Icon

1.0 VVT-i 5MT

£14,495

Icon

1.5 VVT-i 6MT

£15,295

Icon

1.5 VVT-i CVT auto

£16,295

Icon

1.5 Hybrid CVT auto

£17,595

Icon Tech

1.0 VVT-i 5MT

£15,045

Icon Tech

1.5 VVT-i 6MT

£15,845

Icon Tech

1.5 VVT-i CVT auto

£16,845

Icon Tech

1.5 Hybrid CVT auto

£18,145

Design

1.5 VVT-i 6MT

£15,845

Design

1.5 VVT-i CVT auto

£16,845

Design

1.5 Hybrid CVT auto

£18,145

Bi-Tone

1.5 VVT-i 6MT

£17,595

Bi-Tone

1.5 Hybrid CVT auto

£19,845

Excel

1.5 VVT-i 6MT

£17,495

Excel

1.5 Hybrid CVT auto

£19,295


Competition

Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo is arguably one of the most popular small hatchbacks in Europe and the Yaris' main competitor in most markets. Although it's almost eight years old as of 2017, the German hatch is still competitive, although styling is somewhat dated compared to the newer designs you can buy now. The cabin is well equipped and includes most of the company's recent tech, while the engine lineup is pretty diverse. Although there's no hybrid, Volkswagen offers a 1.4-liter diesel that generates 89 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline range begins with the 1.0-liter three-cylinder rated at only 59 horsepower and 70 pound-feet, but the German brand also offers a 148-horsepower 1.4-liter TSI is you're looking for some extra oomph. Pricing starts from £11,970 and goes up to £19,500 for the GTi model.

Find out more about the Volkswagen Polo here.

Ford Fiesta

The Fiesta is yet another popular choice in this niche, and unlike the Polo, it has just been redesigned for 2017. Styling-wise, it's not a massive departure from the previous model, but it does look a bit funky thanks to a redesigned front grille and new headlamps. The taillights are now larger and the bumpers have a sportier stance, but the new Fiesta remained quite familiar overall. The redesigned interior looks fresh and modern and includes high-tech features you'd expect to find in a new vehicle. Highlights include a 4.2-inch TFT display in the instrument cluster, SYNC3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. There are less buttons, better materials, and enhanced roominess all around (although the rear seats are pretty cramped). Drivetrains include the familiar 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost rated at 98, 123 or 138 horsepower, as well as a 1.5-liter diesel that delivers 82 or 118 horses. Pricing is not available as of April 2017, but expect the new Fiesta to retail from around £13,000.

Learn more about the new Ford Fiesta here.

Honda Jazz

Also known as the Fit in North America and Japan, the Jazz is a relatively new nameplate on the market, being launched in 2001. The third-generation model was introduced in 2013 with heavily revised styling, a new interior with Honda’s Magic Seats, and various four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines. In Europe, however, most markets only get the 1.3-liter gasoline four-banger that cranks out 101 horsepower 91 pound-feet of torque. It mates to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed semi-automatic and returns up to 61.4 mpg on the British cycle. Pricing starts from £13,495, which makes it one of the most expensive superminis on the market, but the Jazz comes with numerous standard features, including Idle Stop, cruise control with speed limiter, Magic Seats, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera.

Read more about the Honda Jazz here.

Conclusion

Although this mid-cycle facelift is far from being a major departure from the outgoing model, the Yaris gained more features that you'd normally expect from an update and proves that Toyota is indeed working on bringing more exciting, youthful designs to the market. Granted, the GRMN is by far the most interesting addition to the lineup, but the fact that the facelifted Yaris is on par with the redesigned Fiesta and above the Polo in terms of technology is a major breakthrough for the Japanese brand.