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TOYOTA
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Toyota Yaris Hatchback 1.0 VVT-i Ion

For:
The Toyota Yaris has a roomy and versatile interior with plenty of stowage. Fuel economy is good too.

Against:
The Yaris has a bouncy ride and vocal engines. There is only modest safety kit on the entry-level car.



Performance

Four engines are offered: a 1.0-litre petrol also found in Toyota's baby Aygo; a 1.3-litre petrol; a 1.4-litre diesel, offering a claimed 62.8mpg average; and a peppy 131bhp 1.8 petrol in the range-topping SR.

Ride & handling

While the ride isn't too uncomfortable, it's jittery at times and the car never feels truly settled. The handling is predictable and safe, but the Yaris isn't as assured or grippy as the best cars in this class. The sporty SR isn't especially fun to drive, either, and its steering is short of feedback.

Refinement

Refinement is another area where the Yaris isn't quite as accomplished as the class leaders - there's much more road and, particularly, wind noise than you would find in a Renault Clio's cabin at speed. The engines - particularly the three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol - are also vocal when pressed.

Buying & owning

The Yaris looks pricey compared with many of its rivals, although it does hold its value better than most. Running costs are low for most models: the 1.0 and 1.3 petrols return over 50mpg, and the diesel tops 60mpg. Insurance and servicing costs are also cheap.

Quality & reliability

The Yaris has been a byword for reliability in the past - the old model was rated very highly in JD Power customer satisfaction surveys - so that bodes well. Quality inside is good, although the hard, dimpled plastics across the dash look nice but don't have the quality feel of the softer-touch plastics in some rivals.

Safety & security

The Yaris received a full five-star occupant safety rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, and is one of a handful of cars to get three stars for pedestrian safety. All cars have two front airbags, and all but the base trim feature side and curtain airbags, plus one to protect the driver's knees. Stability control is optional. There's lots of security kit.

Behind the wheel

The Yaris's dashboard is funky and individual, but it's not to all tastes. The centrally-mounted digital instruments can be tricky to read at a glance, while the heater controls are set very low on the centre console. The high-set driving position won't suit everyone, either, and the base model misses out on driver's seat height adjustment. The steering wheel adjusts for height but not reach.

Space & practicality

The Yaris remains one of the shortest cars in this class, but it's well packaged, so you're not aware of this in the cabin. There's decent headroom all round and all models have a system that allows you to fold the rear seats flat at the tug of a lever. The rear seats slide to provide excellent legroom in their rearmost position, but this means sacrificing a lot of the well-sized boot's space.

Equipment

Every trim level comes with remote locking, electric windows and a CD player. Mid-spec T3 models add air-conditioning and an upgraded stereo, while T Spirits have alloys, climate control and a keyless entry and start system - no more than expected, really, at these steep prices. SR models add a touch-screen removable sat-nav system, 16-inch alloy wheels, lowered suspension and a spoiler and other sports styling details.

Running Costs

Town mpg

44.1

Out of Town mpg

57.6

Average mpg

52.3

Tank Capacity (gallons)

9.2

CO2 Rating (g/km)

127

Insurance Group

1

Typical Insurance Quote

£273

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

48

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£0

Pence Per Mile

0

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£0

Servicing Intervals

10k

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 12yr Perforation + 1yr/RAC Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Hatchback

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

998/3

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

67/6000

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Front

Length (mm)

3750

Width (mm)

1695

Height (mm)

1530

Boot Space (min ltr)

272

Boot Space (max ltr)

1086

Turning Circle (m)

N/A

Towing Weight(kg)

750

Kerb Weight (kg)

1035

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