Toyota Yaris Car Review

Toyota Yaris YRS 5dr Hatch Review

Replacing the Echo a few years ago, the Yaris is built incorporating Toyota’s reputation for quality, reliability, durability and safety, and is a stylish and economical vehicle that should not be dismissed without serious consideration.

The Yaris is the leader of the light-car class and has been since it went on sale in November 2005. It comes in a choice of hatchback and sedan, with a 1.3ltr or 1.5ltr engine. There is also a sports alternative, the YRX Hatchback, that puts it in contention with the Suzuki Swift.

Categorised as a light car, the Yaris is an ideal choice for someone that wants to save money commuting as it is extremely frugal when it comes to petrol consumption and scored five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests.

On the safety front, ABS/EBD and ESP/TCS stability control are standard in all models, as are driver and front passenger air bags. The Enhanced Safety Pack option is available on all models, which includes driver and front passenger side air-bags, side curtain shield airbags and driver knee air-bag.

Also as standard come air-conditioning, power steering, power windows front and rear, and power mirrors.

Standard audio features include Bluetooth connectivity for mobile ‘phones, a single in-dash CD/MP3 compatible player, AM/FM tuner and four speaker sound system, USB auxiliary jacks and steering wheel audio controls.

Pros:                  Comfortable ride; simple interior/dash layout; lots of storage; great fuel economy; good value for money.

Cons:                 Lack of passenger space in rear; slightly over-sensitive accelerator; noisy engine

Models: 1.3ltr and 1.5ltr engines; Hatchback and Sedan; YR, YRS, YRX (Sports) and Edge Hatchback.

Competitors:     Honda Jazz; Hyundai Getz; Mazda 2; Suzuki Swift