TEST Toyota Yaris Hybrid 130: is it cheap?

You wouldn’t give it away, but the Yaris has been with us for 25 years and over 10 million Yaris have been sold worldwide. Most of the band was based in Valenciennes, France. In 2020, Toyota Yaris was even the most built car in France. In 2022, that role was taken over by the Toyota Yaris Cross. Most hoteliers would agree with that Renault in Peugeot still hurt…

The current, fourth-generation Yaris has been on the market for four years and is being updated. This covers the dashboard, multimedia system and improved security systems, but the most important information is under the hood.

Yaris drivers place great importance on economy

According to Toyota’s Dutch importer, Yaris buyers place great importance on economy. About 90 percent choose a hybrid. And while the Yaris without electric support is 1,455 euros cheaper. The reason: the hybrid uses less gasoline, although the standard automatic transmission can also play a role.

From now on, all those rude people can also opt for the Hybrid 130. Despite the extra 15 hp and 44 newton meters, it only drinks 0.4 liters more per 100 km than the Hybrid 115. That’s as much petrol as there is beer in the whistle two. . Even with a bar crawl that spans less than 100 km, that’s not enough for anyone.

New hybrid powertrain in Yaris 130

The extra power of the Hybrid 130 comes entirely from a new, more efficient hybrid powertrain that Toyota only installs in the more powerful version. Importer Louwman expects that a quarter of all Yaris customers will choose the Hybrid 130, despite the €7,200 extra price compared to the Hybrid 115.

Double 0.5 second gain

With its extra power, the Yaris Hybrid 130 does not immediately become the dream of the road builders’ party. It needs 9.2 seconds for a hundred runs, compared to 9.7 for the Hybrid 115. Most importantly, the newcomer has a more relaxed driving habit. The roaring three-cylinder engine is less likely to be stressed when connected to the highway. The additional 44 newton meters also ensure smooth intermediate sprints, if desired. From 80 to 120 km / h goes half a second faster and now takes 7.5 seconds. The powertrain responds more strongly in power mode.

In the city often pure electricity

Especially in city traffic, you see that the hybrid train often switches to electric and brakes completely ‘on the engine’. You can increase this effect by moving the selector lever to position B. This is also a good option during hill stages, as it ensures that you have to press the brake pedal less. At that time you will see in the containers that the hybrid battery is added.

Large infotainment screen

Speaking of the dashboard, it has been revised for all the facelifted versions. The infotainment screen is large and of all the buttons around it, only one central volume button remains. The instruments no longer have two ‘clocks’ with an information display in the middle, but instead include one large screen that you can turn to suit your own taste.

Yaris GR Sport is sportier and more stable

The new powertrain has no noticeable effect on the comfort, handling or handling of the Yaris. The chassis is still decent for such a tough car. Sure you’ll get bumps, but they’ll never bother you. Those who want more steering feel can opt for the GR Sport for an additional 500 euros.

It has 18-inch wheels instead of 16-inch (Executive) or 17-inch (Launch Edition) and feels stiffer thanks to the steering and suspension adjustments. On the other hand, the chassis reacts more aggressively to short bumps. Whether you appreciate the extra sound of the GR Sport’s exhaust is a matter of personal taste.

Effortless storage

Because the GR Sport invites you to experience a comfortable driving style, we pressed the accelerator harder. In Spain we averaged 4.8 liters per 100 km (1 in 20.8) with the Hybrid 130 Executive, we exceeded 5 liters with the GR Sport. We think that in the Netherlands you can easily come close to the manufacturer’s specifications (4.2 l/100 km). That weak economy remains a strong buying argument. Just like the 10-year manufacturer’s warranty, by the way.

Back seat for babies and dachshunds

Maybe that’s why potential buyers are also satisfied with the average space available in the back. As long as the front occupants are not taller than about 1.75 meters, there is nothing to worry about. But if the driver and co-driver are both about 1.90 tall, there is only room behind the babies, dachshunds and Yorkshire terriers.

The IQ ‘smart’ voice control is disappointing

As mentioned, Toyota has also revised the infotainment system with a facelift. It is more responsive and can be updated over the air. In addition, it will be more convenient for the user. Partly because of the excellent volume control that Toyota proudly touts. But we have an opinion on the alleged spying.

Sometimes we were able to verbally change the climate control setting. More often than not, however, it seemed as if the Toyota woman would like to swap the Yaris dashboard for the Journaal studio where Willemijn Hoebert shares the weather forecast and tube updates to watch. A weather report was shot and displayed on the main screen. Fortunately, you can also operate the climate control with traditional buttons …

Is the Yaris 130 worth the extra cost?

We started this story by asking if the Yaris Hybrid 130 is worth the extra 7,200 euros compared to the Hybrid 115. If it’s just the extra power, we’d put that money in our pockets.

But while the Hybrid 115 comes standard in the modest Comfort suit, Toyota mounts a more powerful Hybrid in at least the Executive suit. You can recognize this from the outside by its 17-inch alloy wheels and gloss black accents. With the Comfort you have to work with 15-inch alloy wheels and wheels, which give the car a Zeeland look.

Pampering Toyota Yaris 130 Executive

For the real Executive treatment you have to go to the interior. Dual-zone climate control, electric front and rear side windows with folding, heated mirrors are standard. The driver and co-driver also sit in heated sports seats. These are fine for people with short legs, but tall people will get enough support from the seat.

There’s also a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on board, along with a 10.3-inch instead of 9-inch infotainment screen, a wireless phone charger and a heated steering wheel – with a discreetly hidden control button.

And then we haven’t even talked about the safety features. Every Yaris Hybrid has adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera and automatic high beams. Executive adds blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

Yaris 130 hybrid or would you like an electric car?

Especially when you know you can get a compact EV for 33 grand, the Yaris Hybrid 130 is nothing but a bargain. But for those who are not yet ready for full electric power, the Yaris Hybrid 130 is a great option. The car is smooth, very economical and fully equipped. The question is whether you need all that luxury and the Yaris is certainly no wonder of space. In that case, – also of the price – Honda Jazz The best alternative hybrid.