Toyota has invested 85 million Euros, engineered 1 000 new parts and spent 576 000 man hours refining the new Yaris. The result is a visually refreshed car or what Toyota call “a minor change Yaris.” Toyota has adopted upmarket cabin textures and materials, as well as a host of under-the-skin modifications to make the new Yaris a whole lot more desirable.
The new Yaris has some interesting design features. The narrow upper and large trapezoidal grilles, a hallmark of Toyota’s current design, are present but the design twist is that they now merge at the point of the Toyota emblem to form a powerful cross shape. Another recurring design trait is the chrome trim bar which runs through the length of the upper grille into new headlamp clusters, tying the frontal elements together in a powerful, horizontal emphasis of the car’s width. In profile, Yaris displays a new door belt moulding and door mirrors -“ the look is rounded off by standard 15-inch alloys across the range. Toyota may call it a minor facelift but I don’t agree. I have never really given the Yaris’s looks much thought until now. I like this new, somewhat sporty look!
Step in to the cabin and you will really start to notice the changes. The upper instrument panel has been made thinner, giving the dashboard a stronger horizontal line, and the upper surface of the driver’s instrument binnacle has been restyled to give a slimmer appearance. In conjunction with these changes, the door panel has also been redesigned with a more fluid look, a larger soft-touch area and greater functionality. Overall, the cabin feels more mature and even sophisticated.
The new Toyota Yaris benefits from an updated version of Toyota’s touchscreen multimedia system. It comes with a new higher resolution seven-inch screen that uses four times as many pixels as the original system, for bright, sharp images with a deeper 3D effect. The package includes Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls, sending and receipt of text messages; a rear-view camera (Hybrid only); vehicle information, including trip data and climate control profile. There is also a new lay-out to show the operation of the hybrid system.
It also enables simple connection of iPods and MP3 players via USB or Bluetooth, and, where available, will display album, artist and track information. Audio system options can also be controlled using the screen.
The new Yaris is available with three engine choices -“ two petrol, and a hybrid. The full hybrid system, a first for this segment, benefits from adjustments which have brought its CO2 emissions down further, from 88g to 82g/km. The fuel consumption comes out at 3,6 litres in the combined cycle.
I drove the both the hybrid and the 1,3 models and what stood out for me was the smooth ride and quiet cabin. Both my driving partner and I both mentioned it. The 1,3 is powerful enough and I didn’t find myself down shifting too often to gain power. But bear in mind, it is a 1,3 so don’t think you can overtake on a steep incline without some extra effort. This car is ideal for around town. It is easy and comfortable to drive and with the light steering you can manoeuver the Yaris in and out of small roads and tint parking spaces with ease.
The B-segment is a competitive one and Volkswagen’s Polo is often a firm favourite, but I think Toyota have really stepped it up with this new Yaris. Especially if you consider the price and standard specification that sets the Yaris above many in this segment. It may not be the most exciting of cars but it is most certainly worth considering if you are looking for a B-Segment vehicle.
Pricing, service plans and warranties:
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 000km service plan. For the Hybrid version, it’s a standard four-year / 60 000 km service plan. Please note that 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.