There is a lot of GR spirit in the new generation of the Toyota Yaris and in particular in the 130 HP 1.5 hybrid version which will debut in the next few days (17-18 February) in Italian dealerships at a price which - promotions and incentives excluded - ranges from 29,400 euros of the Lounge and reaches 31,700 of the Premiere and GR Sport.
Photo story Yaris Hybrid 130, all Toyota's know-how in hybrids - Photos - Ansa.it
A mood that arises from the great competitive successes obtained with the Yaris that Gazoo Racing (GR precisely) created to participate in the world rally championship, i.e. the manufacturers' title - together with the drivers' and co-drivers' - in 2021 and 2022, Toyota has correctly improved the character of its flagship B Segment. As emerged from the test in the Sitges area (Barcelona), the Yaris Hybrid 130 does not only prove to be more advanced in terms of the propulsion system compared to the Hubryd 115 (which remains in the range for the Active and Trend trims ) but also more precise and pleasant to drive, so much so that it brings it closer to the world of small sports cars.
The presence of Bridgestone 205/45 R 17 tires mounted on 17-inch rims, and a series of improvements to the suspension and steering system, make driving at speeds - where the road and the limits allow it - truly safe and emotionally satisfying. more dynamic.
Compared to the previous generation, the increase in performance is linked to the introduction of a new integrated hybrid 'transaxle' unit with a more powerful electric motor-generator.
The output rises from 59 to 62 kW (i.e. from 80 to 84 HP) and this - together with changes to the software and hardware of the power control unit (PCU) - has increased the system power by 12%. .
We therefore go from 116 to 130 HP and, above all, we obtain greater thrust (+30%) thanks to the increase in the maximum torque delivered by the electric motor, which has gone from 141 to 185 Nm, a value which is available throughout the entire rpm range. .
In the Yaris Hybrid 130 this translates into faster acceleration (the 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 9.2 seconds) and above all the performance is quicker in the recovery phase, as demonstrated by the fact that a typical maneuver overtaking from 80 to 120 km/h is achieved in 7.5 seconds.
However, it cannot be forgotten that the Yaris Hybrid 130 can travel frequently and for long periods in 100% electric mode.
Toyota has also chosen to intervene on the battery which is lithium ion (previously it was nickel-metal hydride) with a weight saving of around 27% and above all better efficiency and a greater capacity to store and recover energy.
The increase in displacement resulted in a slight increase in C02 emissions (95-96 g/km, the best figure in the category) but which still remain within the range to obtain - where available - the incentives and to be able to access the Areas C of many cities.
Consumption remains interesting, given that for the combined WLTP cycle it is equal to 4.2-4.3 litres/100 km.
It should be noted that the hybrid powertrain management system takes into account the state of charge (Soc) of the battery, driving conditions, downhill sections and the traffic situation.
Using the combination of data from the navigation system, the digital 'heart' of the Yaris Hybrid ensures that the battery - based on route, traffic and slope - maximizes 100% electric driving.
The innovations, as announced in May 2023 at the time of the reveal of this new Yaris generation, are not limited to the behavior and characteristics of the hybrid system.
The transformation of the user experience has become even more engaging thanks to innovations in digital technology, driver information, entertainment and on-board connectivity.
For example, the 7 or 12.3 inch digital display - depending on the 115 or 130 versions - for the instruments stands out.
In particular, the Lounge, GR Sport and Premiere Edition trim levels offer customization with 12 viewing options and multi-information displays on the left, center and right.
The safety and driving assistance functions of the Toyota T-Mate 'package' have also been expanded, thanks also to the adoption of a new camera and a new radar which can scan wider and deeper than in the past.
It follows, for example, that the Pre-Collision System (PCS) can now recognize a wider range of obstacles in the car's path, including pedestrians, cyclists and, for the first time, motorcycles.
And the Smart Digital Key function makes its debut on request in the Premiere and GR Sport which - connected to the Toyota MyT application - allows up to five users to access and start the vehicle using their smartphone.
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