Toyota Yaris 1.3 16V SR Reviews

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Good Points: Economy, reliability, good resale values, build quality, good mpg and insurance costs. Modern funky design with well thought out interior (made the ford fiesta look like the revamped late 80's relic that it was)

Bad Points: Lightweight body leads to lack of grip in the wet and bounciness on poorly surfaced roads and motorways. SR version with sportier exhaust can become boomy on the motorway (perhaps improved sound insulation would help) Engine lacks torque lower down the rev range (although i am used to cars with larger engines). Some parts of interior feel a bit cheap but i am fussy. Dealer quality patchy, some cant do enough, others couldn't care less.

General comments: Value.

All yaris models enjoy good residuals and rightly so. The SR version is well equipped with smart alloys, rear spoiler, ABS, CD player, deadlocks and air con as standard. The Yaris can cost more to buy than its rivals, but few if any of the Yaris rivals are as well made or as reliable. By all means save some cash and buy a 'trendy' 206 or Clio, but don't complain when the french offerings leave you stranded or with huge repair bills with engine and electrical issues, the yaris will not. Remember quality is never cheap.


Costs.

Toyota dealers offer fixed price menu servicing which is good. Insurance on all models is very affordable. The Yaris in all versions offers superb economy. Personally I see no point in spending extra for a diesel version for fuel economy as the petrols are so good, it would take years to get back the extra outlay from purchasing a diesel.


Driving.

Not really a true 'driver's' car or a GTi, but can be fun and cheeky to drive. A touch boomy at motorway speeds with a bouncy ride over poor surfaces and body roll in tight corners. Light clutch and slick gear change easy to use and slick. Purchase the 1.5 t-sport version for decent performance and improved handling as in 1.3 SR form the Yaris is nippy rather than fast certainly not a hot hatch. The engine lacks torque from rest, but the sweet VVTi engine revs well. Once on the move the SR can be surprisingly peppy it just takes while to get there. I would say the Yaris most makes sense for darting about town.


Reliability.

In a word, bulletproof.


Image.

A sound purchase that your folks and grandma would approve of, so lacks some cred, but looks smart in SR trim with alloys, rear spoiler and sporty exhaust trim. Choose metallic paint over plain colours. The non metallic red can fade with age.


Comfort.

Roomy cabin is better quality than some magazines suggest. The controls are logical and easy to use, but the seats lack lateral support in the corners and the seating position is too high to be truely comfortable. Stowage is impressive with 5 cups holders and 7 storage areas and clever sliding back seats to increase boot space if required. The stereo controls are a stretch but easy to understand.


Security .

Remote locking, unique stereo, security stickers, locking wheelnuts and deadlocks good for the class. No alarm as standard though


Ownership.

The lightweight doors are prone to parking dings due to there being no protective strip. People bully you on motorways but let you out in town (go figure) In my experience Toyota dealer customer care can vary. Some dealers don't wash your car when serviced and charge for extras you don't need, others very helpful and courteous so shop around. Seats not comfortable for longer trips.


Summary.

The Yaris is a sound and ultra reliable purchase for anybody who requires a modern well made classless reliable small car that will not let you down. It's competitors are considered by some to be trendier and more fun, but i see no fun in constant breakdowns and unreliability all for the sake of so called 'image'. The Yaris regulary acheives the number 1 small car position in the UK JD Power customer satisfaction survey which says it all.

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