Toyota Yaris 1.0 16V GS Review

Good Points
Very economical
Surprisingly spacious
Extremely reliable

Bad Points
Lacks a bit of power
No air con

General Comments
Before I bought the Toyota Yaris I test drove the S model and was mesmerised by the telescopic digital speedometer which looked like it was being projected from somewhere in the middle of the engine. As well as being really cool, this is also a safety feature since you don't have to adjust your focus so much from the road to see your speed. In this day and age of speed cameras, a digital speedo is essential.



After test-driving the S I searched hard for a GS since it would be a pain not to have power steering, electric windows and central locking. You might also want to try for one with air con since global warming appears to be getting worse. You'll be helping reduce the global problem by getting this instead of a gas guzzler.



The other brilliant thing about this car is it's incredible reliability. In 4 years of ownership, driving about 10,000 miles a year, nothing has ever gone wrong with this car and it feels to me like it never will.



The Toyota slogan "bigsmall" is really true. I once fitted a dining table and 4 dining chairs in the back, and still managed to shut the back door!



Negative points:



It lacks a bit of power for overtaking and if this is a problem for you, then get the 1.3. I find it cruises nicely on the motorway and it is quite nippy in the 0-30 range around town.



It is a bit noisy on the motorway, but if you only go on the motorway occasionally then it's bearable.



Other plus points: Very comfortable seats. Sliding rear seat means choice of larger boot or more rear leg room. Lots of little cubby holes for storage. Low servicing costs.