The B-segment is a burgeoning one in the South African car market, and while everyone has been moving ahead with good looking, well specced models that appeal to all the needs of this particular target market, Toyota has remained somewhat static with its Yaris. Until now. Toyota has launched the refreshed Yaris in four different models – 1,0, 1,3, 1,3 CVT and HSD hybrid – in the hope that it can get a bigger piece of the pie.
Exterior
Toyota calls it a “minor change Yaris” because it’s more of a facelift than anything else. But when you think of a facelift, you think of small changes that are barely noticeable to the eye. In this instance, however, the change is a little more than minor.
At the front, there’s a new a cross-shaped arrangement, bolder headlamp units with daytime running lights as standard and a new bumper. It’s a drastic change in appearance, and I quite like it. It injects some sportiness into the model and makes it one of the more interesting B-segment hatchbacks currently on offer. At the back you may not notice the changes, but if you look carefully you will spot a new faux diffuser and a change to the taillamps.
Interior
The biggest change to the Toyota Yaris, however, is the interior. It has been completely reworked to be a lot more mature, feature better quality materials and offer standard specification that can rival even the best in this segment.
Toyota has made various changes to upgrade the interior. This includes a thinner instrument panel, restyled instrument binnacle, redesigned door panels, a raised centre console and new finishes for various interior surfaces. The overall effect is a cabin that feels classy, solid and well put together. It’s neat and well laid out and, to be honest, gives the Volkswagen Polo a run for its money when it comes to quality.
The Japanese manufacturer has kitted out the Yaris with a touch-screen media interface with Bluetooth hands-free and the ability to send and receive text on the seven inch screen as standard across the range. This system also allows for iPod, MP3 and USB connectivity. Other standard features include central locking, air-conditioning, electric mirrors, power steering, dual front and side airbags and ABD with EBD and brake assist. The 1,3 Multidrive S Yaris comes with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, while the HSD gains automatic climate control, a combination of leather and cloth upholstery, a reverse camera, 7 airbags, traction and stability control, front fog lights and LED daytime running lights.
On the road
Unfortunately, the upgraded 1,0-litre unit was not available to drive at the local launch (you can read the international impression here), but I was able to spend some time in the 1,3-litre unit with 73 kW and 125 N.m of torque. This unit is sprightly and thanks to short gearing in the six-speed manual ‘box, feels adequately quick and up to the task of keeping up with traffic.
The changes to the platform of the Yaris has resulted in a reduction in NVH and a more rigid structure. And to be honest, I could notice the difference. The Yaris was quiet and composed on the road and the redesigned suspension provided ample insulation from road imperfections. This reworked suspension also helps the Yaris reign in understeer, while the light steering makes the Yaris easy to manoeuvre.
Overall
This reworked Yaris could mark Toyota’s resurgence in the B-segment. It’s far better to look at over the outgoing version, has a neater and more technologically plugged-in interior than most of its competitors and while it’s not what I’d call exciting to drive, it’s not a complete bore either. When it comes to value for money, an important consideration in this segment, pricing is on par with others in the market while standard specification is slightly better in some instances. This refreshed Yaris is a solid effort from Toyota.
Prices for the range
1,0 – R167 900
1,3 – R194 300
1,3 Multidrive S – R206 500
Hybrid – R276 900
Petrol models come standard with a three-year/45 000 km service plan. For the Hybrid version, it’s a standard four-year/60 000 km service plan. The Hybrid has an additional eight-year/195 000km warranty on the battery in addition to the standard Toyota warranty of 3 years/100 000km.
