Yaris i
John Mahoney13 Jan 2017
NEWS

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Toyota reveals Yaris hot hatch

Japanese car-maker reveals its WRC-inspired Fiesta ST rival. Sadly it won't be sold Down Under

Toyota has released pictures of a new high-performance version of its Yaris supermini ahead of its official launch at the Geneva motor show.

Set to be the firm's first small hot hatchback in more than a decade, the potent new Yaris will produce more than 155kW, allowing the Japanese car-maker to outgun all of its rivals.

Toyota hasn't revealed what engine will power the sporty Yaris but it's likely it will be a new 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

Claimed to have been inspired by the car-maker's Yaris WRC car, which is set to get its first outing at this month's Monte Carlo Rally, the unnamed Yaris is based on the three-door version of the small hatchback that's sold in other markets but no longer in Australia.

From the two images posted late last night the fast Yaris appears to feature redesigned front and rear bumpers, a new tailgate spoiler and a rear diffuser that incorporates a centrally-mounted exhaust.

It's thought the new Yaris hot hatch is the work of Toyota's newly-formed Gazoo Racing performance division that was created to help align the car-maker's fast road cars with its investment in racing.

Set to go head-to-head the Ford Fiesta ST, Peugeot 208 GTi, Renault Clio RS200 and Volkswagen Polo GTI, sadly, Toyota Australia has already announced that it has no plans to introduce its hot hatch Australian buyers.

Share this article
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.