Toyota Yaris named 2021 European Car of the Year

The all-new Toyota Yaris has been named the 2021 European Car of Year.

Selected by a jury of 59 automotive journalists from across Europe, the fourth generation Yaris receives the award 21 years after the innovative first generation model was given the honour, in 2000. Since then, Yaris has been consistently recognised by the Car of Year judges, with each new generation of the car making the award’s shortlist.

This year the jury praised Yaris’s hybrid electric technology for its smooth driving, low emissions and accessible price point, illustrating why more than 80 per cent of European Yaris customers choose the hybrid powertrain. In the UK, Yaris is an all-hybrid model range.

Yaris was also recognised for its design, dynamic performance and class-leading safety.

Furthermore, the jury particularly appreciated Toyota’s success in re-igniting passion for the hot hatch market across Europe with the launch of the GR Yaris.

The 2021 European Car of the Year award comes just a few days after new Yaris became the best-selling car in Europe for the first time, a clear sign that customers agree with the jury’s opinion.

Matt Harrison, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Europe, commented: “This is a great honour for Toyota and I thank the jury for their consideration and recognition. 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.”

Toyota has won the European Car of the Year award three times: the first generation Yaris in 2000; the second generation Prius in 2005; and now the fourth generation Yaris in 2021.