Entry-level additions to three of SA’s most popular vehicle
ranges across the B, C, and D segments make for three very compelling
propositions.
The ToyotaYaris
1,0 XS
It seems Toyota trades heavily on the
popularity of its brand." This is but one of many blows administered to
the Toyota Yaris 1.3 XS when we tested it in the February 2012 issue. In the
nine-car B-segment hatch comparative that followed in November, it came joint-second-last. Toyota wasn't happy with our
findings, but the simple fact was the Yaris was overpriced and under-delivered.
Fast-forward six months to the middle
of 2013 and the range was pared down from 15 models to five, and prices were
slashed on the ones that survived the cull, including this entry-level
1.0-litre five - door model in XS specification grade. At R 141 000 (R 11 000
lower than the pre-realignment 1,0XS). It's the cheapest B-segment hatch inour market (discounting budget hatches such as Toyota's
own Etios and the VW Polo Vivo) and promises to
provide greater value in a section of the market overrun with talent.
On the safety front, the Yaris has a
5-star rating with driver and front passenger airbags as standard, as well as
ABS, EBD and VSC (vehicle stability control)
Toyota wisely didn't touch the
standard specification on the XS, which remains as generous as ever considering
the price.Air-conditioning, front electric windows
and mirrors, audio with USB, multifunction steering and 15-inch alloy wheels
remain part of the package.
Extensive colour-coding
is used on the exterior to alleviatethe Yaris's
somewhat bland, featureless lines, while the cabinboasts
a light-grey soft-touch strip that spans the facia
and door tops. But it remains a hit-and-miss interior. The controls are
straightforward to use on the move and, at 1 008 dm3, utility space is one of
the mostvoluminous in the class. However, perceived
quality is nowhere nearthat of a Volkswagen Polo's,
with too many grades of plastic vying for attention.
Once you’re inside, the Yaris starts to
shine as it has one of the nicest, user-friendly cabins in its class
However, this model is quite
affordable, so a lack of cabin flair can be excused.
What's more concerning- at any price -
is the engine's dearth of useable performance. We'd forgive it had it been
punchy in city-driving conditions, but the three-cylinder has to dig deep at
all speeds to make any meaningful progress. It took awoeful
15.83 seconds to reach 100 km/h and overtaking is, well, not a term that
applies to a Yaris 1 ,0. At least the engine soundsenthusiastic as it thrums its way to the 6 200 r/min
red line.
Owing to its low mass of 1 011 kg and
short, snappy gearshift action, all is (almost)forgiven
once the Yaris is up to speed. It's great fun in cut – and thrust-driving, and
because the engine is so weak, maintaining momentum becomes the object of the
game. Use the five-speedmanual transmission to keep
on top of the revs and it becomes a game you can win.
The Toyota Yaris 1.0 XS offers decent
looks, combined with reasonable specification as well as the good old Toyota
reliability
The range realignment hasn't fixed all
of the Yaris's flaws. The cabin still isn't great and this 1.0-litre is
underpowered. But, it has made a good vehicle far more attainable. Give it a
test drive, ascertain whether you'd be able to live with the lack of
performance and thendecide how much more you're
willing to spend on one of its competitors, some of which aren't improvements
in any objectivesense. At R 141 000, this model
provides superb value for money.
