Toyota Yaris

Overview

As is the case with most of the cars from Toyota, its premium hatchback, the Toyota Yaris too is classified under the reliable species. While it is not a hot seller like its smaller brother, Wigo, the Yaris hatchback still brings in the mayo for Toyota. It is the only choice Toyota offers as a B-segment offering. The car competes with the Honda Jazz as well as the Suzuki Baleno. The vehicle you see on these pages got a facelift earlier this year but looks significantly revamped. There is a choice of five colours - Freedom White, Gray Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Orange Metallic, and Citrus Mica Metallic. All youthful colors there. So, without further ado, here is the Toyota Yaris review.

Interior & Features

The design flourish continues on the inside too. The Vios-inspired instrument cluster has given way to an Optitron meter from the Corolla Altis. The seats have a new fabric while the touchscreen infotainment has been retained from the outgoing version. The new Toyota Yaris’ music interface is a bit laggy and could have done with better graphics as well. The automatic climate control system works well and cools the cabin within seconds. Space at the front is good enough, however, the steering wheel has limited adjustment. There is no telescopic functionality and this might prove to be a problem for shorter drivers.

The back seats too are comfortable for three. However, the seat back is a bit too relaxed and the sloping roofline eats into headroom. If you’re above 6ft in height, then you will find yourself cooped in the car. Boot space is good and if you tumble the second-row bench, it becomes even better. After all, the wheelbase of 2,550 mm is more than the aforementioned competition.

Build quality is typical Toyota - taut. We like the way the controls are all laid out logically. We also wish Toyota could have added more buttons on the steering console to make things easier for the driver.

Exterior

The 2018 Toyota Yaris looks like an all-new model. Compared to the pre-facelift model, this one has a bolder air dam and a small grille. The peeled headlights nearly touch the Toyota badge in the centre. Toyota has made use of projector headlights which is pretty much the norm for all the cars in this category. Move over to the side and you will notice the new 15-inch alloys as well as floating roof mockup at the rear. The tail lights look like the one from the Corolla Altis. Overall, the Toyota Yaris facelift is a mini Corolla than the mini-Vios it should be. Isn’t that a good thing though? In terms of dimensions, Toyota Yaris measures 4,145 x 1,730 x 1,500 mm in the length, width and height department. Unfortunately, there is no TRD version available as of now. Did we also mention that the facelift brought along fresh bumpers at the front and back.

Ride & Handling

The Toyota Yaris rides on MacPherson strut with stabiliser in the front and a torsion beam type with stabiliser at the back. The chassis has been tuned for ride comfort more than handling. If you check it, you will realise that the 2018 Yaris facelift, has dropped some of the harshness off its ride quality. It still rides firm but is far better in compliance when it comes to the potholes or road irregularities. We also like the handling. It is not exciting but is safe enough. You can take corners at wee bit better speeds than you would in the pre-facelift model. The steering is a bit heavy but maintains its heaviness at high speeds as well. The turning radius of 5.2 meters is conservative by large hatchback standards.

Ground clearance of 160 mm is more than enough to tackle what the everyday Manila road will throw at you. However, load the car up and the suspension sags a bit. You got to be a tad slower on speed humps if the car has a full complement of passengers and their luggage.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Like in other regions, in PH, Toyota offers two engine choices with its B-segment contender. The 1.3-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is codenamed 1NR FE. It makes 99 PS of power at 6,000 rpm and 123 Nm at 4,400 rpm. The bigger 1.5-litre petrol motor makes only 107 PS but has a significantly more 140 Nm of torque. While the smaller motor can be had with a 5-speed manual and CVT, the latter is the sole choice for the 1.5-litre engine. The fuel tank capacity for both is 42 litres.

Both the engines just about seem adequate for the job. They aren’t rev happy. However, the facelift has got in a bit more of refinement to both. It seems as if Toyota has put in more sound deadening materials under the hood. We also hear that the laminated glass used in the vehicle is also sound absorbing. It also acts as a heat repellent.

For the efficiency factor, the Toyota Yaris facelift will deliver around 15 kmpl if you are light footed with the 1.3 engine. The CVT trim will give slightly less mileage though. The 1.5 engine claims around 14 kmpl.

Braking & Safety

Safety has always been a highlight for Toyota vehicles and the Yaris hatchback is no different. Seven airbags including one for the driver’s knee are standard across the range. There is also Vehicle Stability Control on offer. ABS with EBD and Brake Assist are also part of the standard fare. Toyota also gives ISOFIX child seat mounts with the Yaris. The Euro NCAP has given the Yaris four stars out of five as far as crash tests are concerned.

We like the fact that everything is standard if you check the Toyota Yaris specifications as far as safety is concerned.

Verdict

If you are on the lookout for a safe point A to point B car which can also do the occasional highway run, then don’t look beyond the Toyota Yaris. It will do everything you ask out of it without a fuss. Except perhaps competing on the race track. It has good efficiency to boot as well and the Toyota service quality too is top notch. What however is a bummer is the price tag. The Toyota Yaris price in the Philippines starts from Php 875,000. That’s a bit steep considering the competition has something to offer right from 600,000. If you can afford it, go for the Toyota or else there are cheaper options available in the market.