We suspect the age demographic of the common Yaris purchaser will likely be sliced in half with the launch of Toyota’s newest mannequin – one of many massive automotive surprises of the final yr.
The Japanese large’s best-selling supermini has been remodeled for its fourth technology, with cool appears, prime tech, intelligent packaging and an environment friendly petrol-electric hybrid system.
However then, it’s up towards the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, Volkswagen Polo, Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa, so it must be good.
The Yaris is simply obtainable as a self-charging hybrid (ie no have to plug it in) and its petrol and electrical motors produce a mixed 114bhp, leading to a 0-62mph time of 9.7 seconds and a prime velocity of 109mph (it might even run on electrical as much as 80mph).
Extra importantly for some, on paper it’s able to as much as 68.8mpg and CO2 emissions are a low 92g/km.
We’ll speak in regards to the intelligent hybrid system later – for now, let’s deal with first impressions…
The brand new Yaris has been redesigned from the bottom up and it now has a way more athletic look with a large grille mixed with brief overhangs and bulging wheel arches.
Not like most new-generation vehicles, the Yaris has really shrunk barely in size and peak (5mm and 40mm respectively), although it’s 50mm wider.
Crucially, it’s greater inside due to an extended wheelbase, permitting you to sit down decrease and additional again within the automotive.
The dashboard format is fairly typical and there’s a excessive centre-mounted infotainment show.
The inside options a mixture of soft-touch supplies and sturdy plastics and it’s surprisingly spacious within the rear with sufficient house for a few adults.
At 286 litres, boot capability is on the modest dimension (although superminis don’t get a lot shorter), increasing to 947 litres with the again seats flipped.
Priced from £19,910, there are 4 properly outfitted trim grades (Icon, Design, Dynamic and Excel).
Normal options embody Toyota Security Sense, which incorporates autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure alert, adaptive cruise management and automated headlights, serving to the Yaris obtain a most five-star Euro NCAP security ranking.
Different normal goodies embody air-con, a reversing digital camera and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration through a 7.0-inch touchscreen.
We’d advocate choosing the Design or above since you get the larger 8.0-inch touchscreen, privateness glass, snazzier alloys and LED headlights, however bizarrely no built-in sat nav so that you’ll must mirror your telephone.
The outgoing Yaris bought properly, nevertheless it was hardly probably the most thrilling automotive to drive. The excellent news is that the brand new mannequin is a big enchancment.
You’ll in all probability slip away in near-silent electrical mode with the engine kicking in shortly after. It’s a three-cylinder 1.5-litre unit, however in contrast to many rivals, there’s solely a faint thrum.
On the transfer, it switches between pure electrical and petrol engine seamlessly and feels swifter than the official figures point out.
Due to regenerative braking (harvesting power in any other case misplaced in braking), it runs on electrical energy as a lot as doable.
It’s particularly rewarding and relaxed in city driving the place it spends a lot of its time in EV mode. The truth is, mild steering and compact dimensions make it a positive companion on the town.
You’ll be able to have enjoyable with the Yaris out on the open street too, the place it feels agile, grippy and handles surprisingly properly.
The trip isn’t probably the most subtle in its class, however completely acceptable and simply forgiven given the engine’s refinement.
Additionally, a particular point out for the CVT gearbox, which in contrast to many, stays comparatively calm below acceleration. In different phrases, you actually must flooring it for the revs to rise dramatically.
And the icing on the cake is that 60-plus MPG may be very achievable, making this one of the economical superminis available on the market. Add Toyota’s five-year guarantee, and it’s up there with one of the best at school.
Verdict: The all-new Toyota Yaris is a little bit of a revelation. Sporty, trendy, protected and surprisingly dynamic on the street, it ought to positively be in your small automotive shortlist.
Toyota UK
