MUMBAI, India (CU)_The latest fourth generation Toyota Yaris has been named the 2021 European Car of the Year. To win the trophy, the new Yaris, which debuted in late 2019, earned 266 points and 14 individual first-place votes. The automobile was nominated for the award by a panel of 59 automotive journalists from across Europe. Previously, 21 years back, the groundbreaking first-generation Toyota was named as the European Car of the Year in 2000. Every generation of the Yaris has also been recognized by the Car of the Year jury, with its model making the shortlist for the award.
The jury appreciated the hybrid technology of Yaris mentioning its smooth ride, low emissions, and affordable price, demonstrating the reasons behind over 80% of Yaris customers opting for the hybrid powertrain. The design, dynamic performance, and class-leading safety features of the Yaris were also recognized for its nomination. Furthermore, the European Car of the Year jury lauded Toyota for re-igniting demand for the hot hatch market in Europe with the release of the GR Yaris.
Matt Harrison, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Europe, welcomed the decision, describing it as an honour. He said: “This is a great honor for Toyota and I’d like to thank the jury for their consideration and recognition. I’d also like to take this opportunity to recognize the passion of our development teams in Europe and Japan. This is the best-ever Yaris, and just as Akio Toyoda intended, it is already putting a smile on the face of our customers.”
The 2021 European Car of the Year award comes just days after the new Yaris was named Europe’s best-selling car for the first time, indicating that European customers support the Car of the Year jury. Three times Toyota has been named European Car of the Year. Yaris won in 2000; Prius won in 2005; and now Yaris has won the award once more in 2021.
