I’ve been driving the brand new Toyota Yaris Hybrid Excel and honestly? I didn’t expect to like it this much, this little queen is serving ‘main character energy’.
It’s a full hybrid (so no plugging in), runs on petrol, and comes with an automatic transmission—which basically means less stress and more chill driving. I’d never considered a Yaris before, but its cute design, smooth ride, and efficiency won me over. I’m 21 years old and I’m genuinely thinking about getting one. I want a car that’s easy to handle, stylish, and practical—this checks all the boxes.
Exterior Design
First off, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid Excel looks way better in person than I expected, it’s sporty and sleek, compact but not boxy, with a smooth, sporty shape that actually turns heads. My test car in Forest Green (standard metallic paint) stood out beautifully—teal’s my favourite, so it felt personal and in my opinion, it’s far nicer than the greys and whites I tend to see everywhere, plus the 17-inch black with silver machined alloy wheels add a sharp edge without being too flashy. The Toyota Yaris Hybrid Excel is 3,940mm long and 1,745mm wide making parking a breeze, even for someone like me who finds tight spots tricky and the Rear privacy glass adds a premium touch.
Interior & Comfort
The inside of the Yaris Hybrid honestly surprised me—it feels premium for a small car. Everything looks really tidy and modern, and the 12.3-inch digital combimeter and 10.5-inch multimedia screen really stand out. The materials don’t feel cheap or plasticky. I loved how techy it felt without being overwhelming. The seats are comfy, and there’s decent space in the front and back, I was surprised that my dad who’s 6ft2 was able to sit comfortably in the back while I was driving, plus my 2-year-old nephew rode happily in his car seat in the back. Dual-zone air conditioning with nanoe-X keeps the cabin fresh and the 286-litre boot easily fits two suitcases, perfect for trips. Everyone who came in the car with me commented on how nice the interior was, so it definitely gave a good first impression.
Tech & Features
Tech-wise, the Yaris shines. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make Spotify and Waze seamless, if you rely on your phone for everything, although the screen tilts slightly toward the passenger which I found a bit strange as this isn’t ideal when you’re driving, however, it was good for my friends who kept changing songs on my Spotify. The 6-speaker audio system sounds crisp and a wireless smartphone charger is a nice touch.
The digital dashboard displays speed limits, updating as you drive—not always perfect, but handy as it gives you a little beep when you go over the speed limit, which definitely keeps you in check. I loved the reverse camera feature which made parking stress-free, boosting my confidence. The Blind Spot Monitor and Safe Exit Assist add safety and the multi-information display shows EV usage, helping you track efficiency.
Driving Experience
Driving the Yaris Hybrid is pretty much effortless. It starts silently, gliding smoothly, especially in EV mode at low speeds. With 130bhp and 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds, it’s responsive without feeling sluggish. The light steering and responsive pedals make driving in a busy city a joy, while motorway cruising at 70mph feels stable and calm. Late-night drives with chill music and open windows were pure bliss. It boosted my confidence, making every trip—whether to Topgolf or just vibing with friends—feel special.
Light steering and responsive pedals make city driving a joy, while motorway cruising at 70mph feels stable and calm. No clutch or gears meant zero stress, even in traffic. Late-night drives with chill music and open windows were pure bliss. It boosted my confidence, making every trip—whether to Topgolf or just vibing with friends—feel special. I’d be singing along and thinking, “I cannot wait to get my own car.” And honestly? I hope it feels just like this one.
The Yaris Hybrid’s 67.3mpg (WLTP combined) and 96g/km CO2 emissions are impressive. I drove city and motorway routes, and the fuel gauge barely budged. It switches between petrol and electric power automatically, and you don’t even notice when it’s doing it. Ideal for short trips, the regenerative braking recharges the battery during gentle stops. In traffic, it runs on electric a lot of the time, which saves fuel and makes it super quiet. If you’re someone who’s not quite ready to go fully electric, this is such a good in-between. You get that eco-friendly vibe without worrying about charging or range anxiety.
The 36-litre fuel tank stretches far, thanks to hybrid efficiency. I drove friends to Westfield and Topgolf and loved every trip. One evening, I drove to my sister’s just because I wasn’t ready to stop—it’s that fun.
Safety
Safety features like Toyota Safety Sense (pre-collision system, lane trace assist, intelligent adaptive cruise control) made me feel protected. The dashboard shows speed limits, beeping if you exceed them. Blind Spot Monitor lights up on mirrors, alerting you to nearby cars. Seatbelt reminders cover all seats, great for my nephews. Adaptive cruise control kept safe distances on motorways, making long drives relaxed. These features gave me confidence, especially as a younger driver.
Price & Running Costs
At £27,210, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid Excel offers great value with premium tech, safety, and efficiency. Low fuel use slashed running costs—I barely refilled over days of driving. The hybrid system cuts maintenance needs, and a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty (extendable to 10 years/100,000 miles with servicing) adds peace of mind. For a 21-year-old, it’s an affordable, fun, and practical step up from basic cars. The Yaris Hybrid wasn’t on my radar, but now I’m sold. It’s stylish, easy to drive, and packed with tech and comfort. From confident parking to chill motorway cruises, it made driving a joy. For young drivers wanting a grown-up yet fun car that’s efficient and compact, this is a winner. I’m already dreaming of owning one.
For more info visit toyota.co.uk now
Written by Indianna Foster
