After seeing the all-new Toyota Yaris at the 2011 Johannesburg Motor Show, I was rather excited at the prospect of getting behind the wheel. I can hear you saying, But its just a Yaris. Yes, but theres always something interesting about brand new small A and B-segment cars.
Toyota Yaris introduction
Toyotas little Yaris has been a popular vehicle in the South African market. It offers decent looks, combined with reasonable specification as well as the good old Toyota reliability. However the Toyota Yaris was up against some stiff competition in the form of Volkswagens Polo and the Ford Fiesta. Both of which appeared to offer more car and more fun to a segment where cars are regarded as simple runabouts. This particular portion of the market has grown considerably though and the Yaris is up against numerous competitors. In a way, this new Yaris simply HAS to deliver.
The new Toyota Yaris is here and has grown up considerably with the emphasis on increasing the space. Toyota has left the little city car market to its Aygo so the Yaris will now be tackling the Polo and Fiesta brigade head on. Looks-wise, the Yaris is not unpleasant. It is of a simple design and looks modern. Its amazing how a car can change with just a simple nip and tuck here and there. The design still has Yaris about it, in just a more mature and sophisticated manner.
Toyota Yaris interior and equipment
Once youre inside, the Yaris starts to shine as it has one of the nicest, user-friendly cabins in its class. Everything falls to hand perfectly and you just know where everything is. It also is a lot bigger than you think and can comfortably seat four adults.
Specification wise, the Yaris is well sorted. USB/iPod connectivity is standard across the range, multi-function steering wheel, a height-adjustable drivers seat, colour-coded bumpers and remote central locking. This particular XS trim has air conditioning, electric windows in the front, electrically adjustable mirrors inside and 15-inch alloys. Safety-wise, the Yaris comes with ABS and EBD as well as four airbags. In terms of standard equipment, the Yaris is pretty unbeatable.
Toyota Yaris engine
The Yaris also has a decent engine. I had the 1.3-litre petrol engine which has 73kW and125Nm which is just fine for city cruising. Overtaking on a highway does require you to change down a gear though. Also available is a three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine which offers adequate performance and excellent fuel consumption. Speaking of fuel consumption, my Yaris sat comfortably at the 6.4L/100km mark. Driving the Yaris on a variety of Cape roads has underlined the fact that Toyota designed the car to be comfortable. Its not sporty in any way, nor is it intended to be. Toyota has promised the introduction of a hybrid version sometime this year which will add a nice green touch to the range.
Toyota Yaris conclusion and South African pricing
That said you pay for what you get. The Yaris range starts at R127,800 and ends at a steep R206,700 with my 1.3 XS five-door retailing at R183,000. Heres the problem though. While I actually cannot physically fault the Yaris at all, there are some Korean offerings that may tempt you out of the Toyota dealership.
When compared to something like a Kia Rio or a Hyundai Accent, the Toyota Yaris suddenly seems to be a smaller car offering less value. Yet the little Yaris will still sell in sufficient numbers and coupled with the Toyota brand/reputation, is still worthy of a look if youre hunting for a small urban car with a bit of funkiness.
We like:
· Solid
· Good engine
· Decent specification
· Reasonably light on fuel
We dont like:
· Some cheap materials in the interior
Toyota Yaris 1.3 XS specifications
Engine: 1.3-litre, four-cylinder, petrol
Power: 73 kW @ 6 000 rpm
Torque: 125 N.m @ 4 000 rpm
Transmission: six-speed manual
Wheels: 15-inch
0-100 km/h: 11.7 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy: 5.6l/100km (claimed combined cycle)
Also consider:
Ford Figo
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Hyundai i10
Renault Sandero
