Cheaper to run and nicer inside, but
still some way off rivals
The Toyota Yaris has always been one of
those ‘could do better’ cars. It was too noisy, too uncomfortable and too cheap
feeling to cut it at the top of a seriously competitive class.
Further
bolstered by Toyota's solid reputation for low ownership costs and stellar
long-term reliability, the latest Yaris should prove appealing to those looking
for practical and economical transportation.
That is what this $115 million face-lift is
all about – taking the Yaris from mid-table mediocrity to the top instead.
The engine line-up, while in some cases
cleaner and more efficient than before, remains unchanged. There’s a three
cylinder 1.0-litre or four-cylinder 1.3-litre petrol, a 1.4 diesel and a
range-topping hybrid model with emissions down to 75g/km.
This makes the Yaris hybrid the only
non-plug-in hybrid car to qualify for the 5% rate for company car tax, so it
costs just $21 a month in tax. The cheapest Fiesta diesel is $60 a month.
What’s it like to drive?
The entry-level 1.0-litre struggles to get
going, so the 1.3 is the better bet; its extra power makes it easier to live
with. The 1.4 diesel is even stronger, although you won’t feel its full punch
until 1900rpm. The hybrid certainly feels brisk enough, but can feel a little
short of breath on the motorway.
The
SE provides a sporty feel with its quicker steering and additional grip.
However, its ride quality isn't as good, and its turning circle is noticeably
wider as well.
Unfortunately, all four engines are
extremely noisy, and the manual gearbox is notchy. The retuned steering still
feels vague, and the Yaris’s body tends to roll a bit too much in corners.
While the Yaris now deals with large bumps better than before, it still fidgets
at higher speeds. On the motorway the Yaris manages to keep road noise to a
minimum, but there’s too much engine and wind noise.
What’s it like inside?
The dashboard is now more appealing,
although the plastics lower down still feel cheap. Toyota’s new ‘Touch 2’
system – standard on icon trim and higher – includes a 7.0-inch touch-screen
through which you control the radio, your phone, and view the reversing camera.
It’s simple and responsive and one of the best systems in class.
There’s plenty of room and seat adjustment
to help two adults to stretch out in the front, while the low window line makes
the car easy to see out of. In the back, there’s room for two adults or three
children, although taller passengers will find their knees touching the front
seatbacks.
There’s less boot space than in a Ford
Fiesta or Renault Clio, but it’s still decent. The rear seats split 60/40, but
don’t fold fat. Entry-level active cars come with electric front windows, seven
airbags and a tyre pressure monitor as standard. We’d go for icon trim, though,
which adds 15-inch alloys, a leather steering wheel, and the Touch 2 system.
All
these Yaris models were powered by a 1.5-liter, 106-hp four-cylinder engine
that drove the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or an optional
four-speed automatic. Either way, the Yaris delivered excellent fuel economy.
Apart from air-conditioning, standard equipment was fairly sparse. Option
highlights included a Sport package that added styling tweaks, 15-inch wheels,
foglights, iPod integration and sport seats.
Should I buy one?
The Yaris is now cheaper to run, nicer
inside, better equipped, and has a slightly more forgiving ride. The 1.3 petrol
five-door in icon trim strikes the best balance between performance, economy
and value for money.
However, it still fails to meet the high
standards set by Volkswagen’s new class-leading Polo, which is considerably
better to drive, is nicer inside, and is similarly spacious.
