Updated Toyota Yaris to debut in October with new Y20 trim level

The Toyota Yaris turns 20 this year, and the Japanese brand will mark the occasion with a new Y20 trim level, to debut as part of an updated Yaris range on 2 October.

While it wasn't the first Ford Fiesta rival from Toyota – the Starlet, produced from 1973 to 1999, takes that title – the Toyota Yaris can be credited with broadening the brand's appeal to the audience it enjoys today. The current model is an economical and reliable alternative to the Vauxhall Corsa, Nissan Micra and Volkswagen Polo, with a dash of style that helps it compete with the SEAT Ibiza, Renault Clio and Peugeot 208, too.

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Now, as a tribute to what the Yaris has contributed to Toyota over two decades, a new Y20 trim level version has been announced. It'll debut as part of the updated Yaris range at the Paris Motor Show on 2 October, with special 16-inch wheels in machined alloy with grey details that match its grey door mirrors, front grille and chrome-detailed foglight surrounds. Dark-tinted rear privacy glass is standard.

Inside, the grey theme continues with special trim applied to the centre console and steering wheel and satin chrome surrounds to the dials, air vents, speakers and gearknob. The seats are finished in a chequered pattern, while silver-edged carpet floor mats and Y20 emblems on the instrument panel and seats complete the look.

The Y20 is offered in white, black or silver, each having a contrasting grey roof, but Toyota says that between 50 and 100 special examples will be offered in a similar shade of gold to that seen on the original Yaris in 1998.

Prices for the Toyota Yaris Y20 have yet to be confirmed, but we expect the limited-availability gold version to command a small premium.