[7][8] During its development, Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda in 2015 decided to delay the planned launch of the vehicle by one year to revise the GA-B platform, which was initially larger, heavier, and more expensive than targeted, since it shared many parts with other larger TNGA platforms.

The rebrand was attributed to a sharp drop in sales, and as an effort to expand its middle-aged customer base.

[17] The other reasons of the name change is its WRC popularity and the unification of Toyota sales network in Japan.

[18] The Japanese-built XP210 series Yaris retained the 1,695 mm (66.7 in) width of the previous generation Vitz in order to stay in the "compact car" classification of Japanese government dimension regulations.

Sourced from Japan, the Yaris for these markets received the 1.5-litre petrol engine both in conventional and hybrid configuration, with the latter being positioned as the replacement to the Prius c. The Australian line-up consists of three trim levels, which are Ascent Sport, SX and ZR.

[28] This includes revised suspension tunings, increased body rigidity, and electric power steering readjustment.

[29][30] The Yaris Hybrid-based Mazda2 Hybrid is produced from December 2021 and went on sale in 2022 alongside the older Mazda-built, regular petrol-powered DJ model.