Toyota Yaris Review
Introduced to Australia in 2005 the Toyota Yaris has always been a leader in its class. The Toyota Yaris replaced the Toyota Echo and has gone from strength to strength winning Drive’s Car of the Year award for Light vehicles in 2006.
However, in 2007 with the introduction of the new Mazda 2 the Toyota Yaris has experienced increased competition in the light car class.
The current model was released in 2005 and comprises either a 3 or 5 door hatchback or a 4 door sedan. The Toyota Yaris has 4 main models namely the YR, YRS, YRX and the Rush LE.
The base model Toyota Yaris YR which is available in either a 3 or 5 door option has a recommended retail price of $15,190 (plus ORC) for the three door manual option. An automatic will cost an additional $1,500.
This model comes with a 1.3 litre 4 cylinder DOHC 4v engine generating 63 kilowatts of power and 121 NM of torque.
A 1.5 litre 4 cylinder DOHC 4v engine generating 80 kilowatts of power and 141 NM of torque is also available at an additional $1,800 and in the YRS model.
Standard features to the Toyota Yaris include power windows, single in dash CD player and central locking and vehicle immobiliser.
Standard safety features include ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Driver and Front Passenger air bags while side and curtain air bags are an optional extra and on the base model will cost an additional $750 which is extremely affordable and strongly recommended. Stability control is not yet available on the Toyota Yaris. With the optional airbags and safety pack the Yaris was awarded a 5 star Ancap rating.
Luggage capaity in the Toyota Yarris is a reported 272 litres in the rear hatch with rear seat upright and increases to 363 litres with rear seats folded.
Interior wise the Toyota Yaris has a modern interior and provides ample storage areas including drink holders, dual glove box and side pockets.
The Toyota Yaris also has a central dash cluster which takes a bit of getting used to when driving. The gauges are all digital displays rather than analogue. The climate control system is easily operated via three dials and the stereo system is located within easy reach. Like many other cars in this class the Toyota Yaris also offers an MP3 audio jack so that the lack of a multiple CD player is not of great inconvenience.
An advantage of the Toyota Yaris is its servicing costs which tend to be fixed at $120 per service, significantly less than the competition. Servicing intervals are also every 10,000 kilometres or 6 months which is the same as the majority of the competition.
Other models range in price from $15,190 (plus ORC) through to $22,290 (plus ORC) for the 5 door YRX Hatchback. The YRX which is the top of the line for the Toyota Yaris has larger wheels, superior stereo, fog lights and sportier body kit although the safety options are still an optional extra.
The fuel economy on the 1.3 litre engine is a reported 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres for the manual and 6.5 litres for the automatic and on the larger 1.5 litre engine is a reported 6.1 litres for the manual and 6.7 litres for the automatic.
Category: Reviews
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