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Toyota Yaris 1.0

Entry-level petrol version of new supermini aims to keep running costs to a minimum - we try it out on UK roads

Toyota Yaris 1.0 front tracking

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Nathan Morgan

October 2011

The new Toyota Yaris didn’t really impress us when we tested the 1.33-litre petrol version, so is it any better in 1.0-litre form?

The smaller engine is even more efficient and cheaper to run, returning almost 60mpg and emitting 111g/km of CO2, compared to 52mpg and 123g/km for the 1.33. That makes it one of the most efficient cars in its class – entry-level VW Polo and Ford Fiesta petrol models only manage to return around 50mpg and emit 128g/km of CO2.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Toyota Yaris

 
So the Yaris saves you money at the pumps and on road tax, but what’s it like to drive? The 68bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine will be familiar to anyone who has driven the smaller Aygo city car. It’s a great little engine that has plenty of character, with an enjoyable and distinctive soundtrack. It likes to be revved – and that’s just as well.

With only 92Nm of torque available at 3,600rpm, you need to keep the little engine on the boil. Around town, that’s not a problem – it’s peppy and responsive, and the five-speed manual gearbox is precise.

But a 0-60mph time of around 15 seconds tells its own story, and out on the open road the car can feel a bit underpowered. Cruising on the motorway at 70mph is reasonably quiet, but acceleration is poor. The rest of the driving experience is good, but not class-leading. Look past the numb steering and firm ride, and the Yaris is surprisingly poised and grippy in corners.

Our test car came in flagship TR specification – a trim level Toyota expects to be the most popular. There’s lots of standard equipment, including a reversing camera, Bluetooth and connectivity for iPods and other MP3 players, plus smart alloys. That goes a long way to justifying the high £12,700 price.
   
There may be no shortage of kit, but there are some letdowns inside. The dashboard is made of a strangely textured plastic that should look classy, but instead feels cheap, while the steering wheel only adjusts for height, too.

That said, as it’s 100mm longer than the old car, the latest Yaris is spacious, with decent room in the back for adults and a boot that’s about as big as a Fiesta’s. However, it’s hard to get excited about the Yaris, whatever petrol engine it has.

For an alternative review of the latest Toyota Yaris visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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3 Comments

Almost 60mpg - is that all?

I used to understand cars, but not any more. Once upon a time, life was simple -

Fast = poor mpg
Big = poor mpg

But not now.

This Yaris - 0 -60 in 15secs and 'almost' 60 mpg

The new BMW 3 series - 0-62mph in 8.0 seconds and 68.9mpg

Yes, yes, I know the BMW costs around double the price, but surely something as small and light as the Yaris (and Polo, and Fiesta) should be able to show it a clean pair of heels where mpg is concerned?

Why aren't small cars economical any more?

By quintilian on 18 October, 2011, 4:58pm

Back to The Future, Surely?

My 1999 Yaris GLS three door was a 1.0VVTI four cylinder engine, which was economical and offered a fair turn of speed, so this engine will probably be comparable. As for small engines being less economical, the problem might be that you've to thrash them to keep up on motorways, for example. In the Aygo, this engine needs to be revved and with the Yaris's heavier body, it will need a heavier foot. Perhaps they'll manage to get emissions down below 110g/km, making it £20 a year instead of £30. I know it's not a lot, but every little does help!

By n50pap on 19 October, 2011, 12:33pm

Small cars used to be simple...

Now everyone expects small cars to have all the gadgets they have in big cars. The Yaris' Touch'n'Go system wouldn't have been out of place in a Merc S class 10 years ago yet we moan about the £12000 price tag? I'm sure like previous Yaris it will be solid, tediously reliable and tread a nice compromise between comfort and decent handling.

They sell a lot of cars at Toyota, I would imagine they know what they are doing.

Look at a 10yr old Fiesta next to a 10yr old Yaris... The Ford took all the plaudits when new but you know which you would buy today?

By Wheelerdealer on 20 October, 2011, 7:11pm

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Pictures

Toyota Yaris 1.0 front tracking
Toyota Yaris 1.0 rear tracking
Toyota Yaris 1.0 dash
Toyota Yaris 1.0 badge
Toyota Yaris 1.0 boot
Toyota Yaris 1.0 front cornering
Toyota Yaris 1.0 rear seats
Toyota Yaris 1.0 dash

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FIRST OPINION

    This entry-level 1.0-litre engine won’t cost you much to run – but unless you spend most of your time in town, the more powerful 1.33-litre engine is a better all-rounder. The problem with the Yaris is not its power source, though. While there is nothing bad about it, it just can’t match the likes of the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo. With strong used values, excellent dealers and a five-year warranty, the car’s biggest draws will be peace of mind and a stress-free ownership experience.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £12,760
    Engine: 1.0-litre 3cyl petrol
    Power: 68bhp
    Transmission: Front-wheel drive, five-speed manual
    0-62mph: 15.3 seconds
    Top speed: 96mph
    Economy: 58.9mpg
    CO2: 111g/km
    Equipment: Bluetooth connectivity, air-con, MP3 player connectivity, reversing camera, alloy wheels
    On sale: Now
     
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