TOYOTA YARIS HATCHBACK REVIEW

Performance

2 out of 5 stars

The entry-level 68bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol is very slow indeed, even when you rev it hard. It doesn't cost much to upgrade to the 98bhp 1.33, which is much more flexible and has a decent turn of pace when you work it. The 89bhp 1.4-litre diesel gives decent performance, but it's expensive.
Ride & Handling

2 out of 5 stars

The Yaris isn't the smoothest-riding supermini, feeling decidedly jittery over scruffy surfaces. The sports suspension on SR cars makes things even less comfortable. With small dimensions, a tight turning circle and light, responsive steering, the Yaris is easy to manoeuvre in town. However, the steering doesn't get much weightier at higher speeds, so the car can feel a little twitchy.
Refinement

1 out of 5 stars

All the engines sound decidedly raucous when you rev them, and the smaller petrol and the diesel unit are noisy even when you don't. You feel plenty of vibration coming through the seat and pedals, too. The 1.33 is by far the smoothest of the bunch. Road noise is pretty well contained, but there's lots of wind noise at motorway speeds.

Buying & Owning

3 out of 5 stars

The Yaris costs a similar amount to most other mainstream models, and residual values are about average for the class. The Yaris is reasonably easy on CO2 and fuel than many rivals, so it'll be affordable to run. Plus, the Yaris comes with Toyota's generous five-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Quality & Reliability

2 out of 5 stars

Toyota's reliability record is the envy of the motor industry, so you'll have few worries that your car will ever let you down. However, the cabin is woefully drab at the same time. Most of it is made from hard, scratchy plastic, and compared with most rivals, it’s desperately unappealing.
Safety & Security

5 out of 5 stars

Every Yaris model comes with the same impressive safety kit as standard. There are no fewer than seven airbags to help you avoid injury in a smash, and stability control and sophisticated brakes to help you avoid having one in the first place. Deadlocks and an engine immobiliser are also on hand to deter thieves.

Behind The Wheel

3 out of 5 stars

All versions come with a height-adjustable driver's seat, plus rake and reach steering adjustment. However, taller testers found the range of reach adjustment too limited, making it impossible for them to get comfortable. Three of the four trims come with an easy-to-use touch-screen infotainment system, which reduces the number of buttons on the dash, but it can be hard to see the screen in bright sunlight.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

The Yaris caters pretty well for its passengers – there's lots of room up front, and although rear headroom is a little on the tight side, there's an impressive amount of rear legroom. The 286-litre boot is about par for the course where superminis are concerned, and all versions come with a split-folding rear seat to boost capacity.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

The entry-level T2 model is pretty sparse, but the other three trims come with the touch-screen stereo system that also incorporates Bluetooth and a reversing camera. For a small fee, the system can also be upgraded to support sat-nav. TR trim is best, providing alloys and air-con for a reasonable price. SR trim gets sports suspension and part-leather trim, while T Spirit models have climate control, keyless entry and automatic lights and wipers.