Toyota Yaris: Is it worth the money?

Over the past few years, we have seen hatchbacks grow and develop into much more modern, advanced, feature-laden, and safer cars. Gone are the days when they were used to be the most affordable vehicles in the market. Of course, inflation is one of the reasons for the higher prices of these cars but the fact that they have improved in so many ways has also given a push to the costs.

Today, prices of some of the hatchbacks are similar to that of the entry-level SUVs. The Toyota Yaris price starts at Php 880,000 for its base model and reaches as high as Php 1.04 million for the range-topping variant. So, what exactly are you getting for all those Pesos? Is the Yaris worth the money? Let’s find out.

There is a lot of brainstorming and calculations done before decided the price of a product. One of the many factors that are taken into consideration while doing so is the brand value. Yes, there’s a price that we pay just to have that brand logo. Toyota is a world-renowned brand and it has its own brand value. But paying a little extra to get Toyota’s badge would be a wise choice because this Japanese firm is known for reliability, durability, and great customer service. So, Toyota Yaris is all that and then a bit more.

In terms of design, the Yaris shows off its much popular large headlamps which have become a signature element of this car. The front bumper is quite sporty and looks great. The rear end of the Yaris has a pair of large taillamps that match the dimensions of the headlamps as to keep the proportions in check. This design might not be that welcoming for some people but we think that the young generation loves it. Then there is the roof-mounted rear spoiler which looks super cool and adds a bit of sportiness to the car.

One of the entry on the Toyota Yaris specs sheet that would take you by surprise is its cabin space. There is an ample amount of room for each occupant. If not the best, it’s definitely one of the best in its class. The seats provide good comfort and support. The quality of the materials used is decent.

There are certain features that you would appreciate, like the 4.3-inch Optitron instrument cluster, electrochromic rearview mirror, automatic air conditioning, etc. The 7-inch touch screen infotainment system comes as standard across all the variants and supports Bluetooth, USB, AUX, and weblink for Android and iOS.

Powering the Yaris is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 107 PS of maximum power at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 140 Nm at 4,200 rpm. This engine is mated to a CVT unit. There is also a slightly less powerful 1.3-litre engine that has got 99 PS of maximum power and 123 Nm of peak torque. This also comes with a CVT unit, however, you can also have it with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Toyota is one of the brands that are very serious about the safety of their customers. This is the reason why its cars get high safety ratings. The Yaris is no exception. It might not have a whole lot of advanced safety measures but it still boasts about its safety aspect. It comes with seven SRS airbags, which are standard across the lineup. We also have vehicle stability control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, etc.

As we mentioned earlier, hatchbacks have become expensive, but if you are looking to buy a car that would last you for a long time, then you would have to pay for the quality. There are many other good hatchbacks in the same price range as of Yaris. For example, the Mazda 2 Hatchback kills it with its ‘KODO - Soul of Motion’ design language. It’s totally different. You can even get the entry-level Toyota Rush at a price of Php 958,000. But do you really need it?

It all comes down to your own personal needs. Chances are that there would always be a better alternative to something that you want. But maybe that something is what’s best for you. Toyota Yaris is a brilliant hatchback. Yes, there are certain things that it misses out on, but no car is perfect.

There will always be room for improvement. The Yaris offers good design, spacious interior, reliable and refined engine, and great safety. And if we were to bet our money on it, we would have certainly done so without any hesitation.

Also Read:- Toyota Yaris gets a new engine and styling upgrade