CAR REVIEW: The new Toyota Yaris.

The new Toyota Yaris 

The third generation Yaris is a sharply and sleek styled car with a grown up feeling. The first generation has created a solid and reliable reputation on its class yet was lacking comfort and refinement. The second generation managed to sort those niggles out but the Yaris still had the looks of a car driven by an old lady. Hence the latest version is a closer bet to catch a much younger generation. You can see this attempt to sportiveness on the deep cut headlights and arrow-shaped wing mirrors. The profile has a robust shoulder line and the sculpted tailgate and rear bumper complete the aggressive looks. All this package is still kept in a relatively compact size of only 3.89m. The interior is also completely new with the instruments now located in front of the driver opposed to the previous Yaris which had a centre binnacle and digital readouts. I personally disliked the centred instruments and I believe some potential buyers of the previous generations did at the time. The centre console houses the ventilation controls and, on selected models, the Toyota "Touch & Go". This high-tech device has a full touch screen combining sat nav, rear-view parking camera, Google® Local Search and superb Bluetooth® connectivity. It also connects to your iPod or MP3 player so you can stream your music through the car speakers. All this gadgetry sounds great for a young person but at the same it won't scare the older audience as the touch screen is very intutive to use. The Yaris is available in two petrol engines, 1.0 and 1.33ltr and 1.4ltr diesel and a choice of 5 or 6 speed manual and a 7 speed automatic. Running costs are kept low by an average fuel consumption of 54-67mpg and emission range of 109-120g/km of CO2 depending on the engine. Road tax will cost between £20 and £30 per year which is also very reasonable. There is a an Hybrid version returns 89mpg and 79g/km of CO2 which makes it exempt from road tax. Every version of the new Yaris will also come with Stability Control as standard and features a 5 Star EuroNCAP rating. It's obvious to think that the new Yaris will be the default choice of the people who have already enjoyed the superb reliability record of the Toyota brand. However, with 9 smart body colours, anthracite alloy wheels and darkened windows for a sportier look, the new Yaris is certain to lure away the younger clientele from the plethora of european cars. MG