Toyota Yaris 2008 review

Downsizing. Everyone’s at it. And there’s no denying that moving to a Toyota Yaris from a Peugeot 407 Coupé, as I did, offers many benefits – particularly lower bills.

But there was one particular worry when I was told the little Japanese car would be my next set of wheels… and it’s a concern I know a lot of other drivers share. Would I get my golf clubs in the back? Now, don’t laugh. I’m not one of those people who is too bothered about the kudos attached to the badge on my car in the golf club car park. And my game isn’t so good that I wanted to throw a strop when Nick Faldo chose not to give me a wildcard pick for the Ryder Cup. But if a car’s boot can’t take my golf bag, it’s no use to me. So, does the Yaris shape up? Well, yes… just.

Admittedly, it needs to go in at a certain angle, and involves a degree of fiddling. And it’s also just as well that Mrs Hope isn’t a budding Tiger – or should that be Tigress? – Woods, as the Yaris is a complete non-starter if there are two golfers in the family.

But for one it does just fine, which is a relief as there are few other blots in its copybook to report. On the road, it’s an ideal city car. It’s easily manoeuvrable and nippy enough away from the lights. Longer trips have shown it to be fairly relaxing to drive, too. And fuel economy continues to impress. With diesel costs still high, its 46.3mpg is saving me pounds at the pumps. This has been achieved mainly in town – motorway runs will bump it up further.

Problems? There has been none of the Yaris’s own making, although a scrape on the rear passenger side wheelarch when a Renault Kangoo driver got too close was especially irritating.

We’ve been quoted £115 plus VAT for the repair. Unfortunately, what should have been a simple patch-up job has turned into a battle of USA vs Europe proportions, and we’ve had to issue legal proceedings to recover the money. On the whole, though, life with the Yaris is proving very stress-free. In fact, you could say it’s got its role with us off to a tee...

Second Opinion

The one thing that really helps the Yaris stand out is its bright red paintwork. However, I can’t help but think that white would be a more appropriate shade for the little Toyota. Why? Well, it’s the motoring equivalent of a domestic appliance. Simply fill it up, turn the key, and it gets you from A to B without any fuss and not much expense. If that’s all you are after from a car, the diesel Yaris is absolutely perfect.

Dean Gibson
Senior sub-editor