Toyota Yaris named Euro Car of the Year 03 | 03 | 2021
THE TOYOTA YARIS has been crowned the 2021 European Car of Year. The latest version of the Japanese carmaker’s supermini beat six other shortlisted models to claim the prestigious title, 21 years after the first generation also claimed the prize. (Related: Review — Toyota Yaris 2021)
The Yaris beat stiff competition from others on the shortlist, including the Land Rover Defender, VW ID.3, Skoda Octavia, Fiat 500, Citroen C4 and Cupra Formentor.
In addition to its hybrid technology, the judges praised the Yaris’s affordable pricing and “class-leading” safety. (Related: Scot Rory Butcher to lead Toyota BTCC assault)
"Yaris keeps on being more compact than other B-segment models, but has matured and refined in every aspect: looks, perceived quality, safety and comfort equipment, performance and handling too,” the judging panel said.
“The main feature about the new Yaris, despite the almost marginal existence of other petrol engines, is its efficient hybrid system. It is in urban areas where a hybrid vehicle excels in fuel consumption and emissions cleanness. Hence the special suitability of an efficient hybrid small car such as Yaris."
Not surprisingly, the judges also praised the GR Yaris all-wheel drive hot hatch for raising the image of the Yaris with its award-winning performance. (Related: New 2020 Toyota Hilux)
“This is a great honour for Toyota and I thank the jury for their consideration and recognition,” Matt Harrison, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Europe, said. “I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the passion of our development teams in Europe and Japan. This the best ever Yaris and, just as Toyota President Akio Toyoda intended, it is already putting a smile on the faces of our customers.”
The latest award to Yaris came on the same day the Toyota was named Best Supermini at the UK Car of the Year Awards, and days after it was revealed to be Europe’s best-selling car.
Related: New entry-level Toyota GR Supra 2.0
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Jim McGill