2017 Toyota Yaris priced from £12,495
Upgraded version of Toyota's Ford Fiesta rival gets new equipment and a new engine...
The current Toyota Yaris has been around since 2011, and while we've praised its spacious interior, generous standard equipment and Toyota's exemplary reliability record, the fact is that other small car rivals such as the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo are more fun to drive and easier to live with.
This generation of Yaris isn't due to be replaced until around 2019, so Toyota needs to update its small hatchback in order to stay competitive. Enter this facelifted version.
What's new on the 2017 Toyota Yaris?
The upgraded Yaris receives new front and rear bumpers and a new mesh grille, designed to give it a more aggressive appearance, as well as redesigned headlights and new 15in and 16in alloy wheels.
Changes made to the facelifted Yaris's interior are equally light, and focus around a new 4.2in driver's information screen between the instrument dials, which will be fitted as standard on Mid-trim cars and above. There are also small detail changes elsewhere, including a wider variety of interior trim and material options, but much of the interior is unchanged.
We've had mixed feelings in the past - because while the Yaris offers a good amount of space inside, buyers struggle to find a perfect driving position thanks to a low-mounted steering wheel, and its touchscreen infotainment system can be dim-witted.
What engines will the 2017 Toyota Yaris come with?
Our recommended engine choice in the current Yaris, the 1.33-litre petrol, is being replaced by a new 1.5-litre engine that's designed to be even more fuel efficient. This new engine produces 110bhp and can accelerate the Yaris from 0-62mph in 11.0sec - 0.8sec faster than the old engine. Toyota hasn't revealed other technical specifications for this engine, but says the most efficient hybrid Yaris will emit just 75g/km of CO2.
The 1.5-litre hybrid borrowed from the Prius, meanwhile has been made quieter under acceleration. There will be no diesel option.
Ride comfort is a particular concern in the current Yaris, and Toyota claims to have improved it for this facelifted model.
What equipment will the 2017 Toyota Yaris get?
Even the most basic versions of the Yaris, dubbed Active, receive Toyota's Safety Sense package as standard, which includes automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning and automatic high beam assistance.
Other equipment on Active models includes automatic wipers, power front windows, Bluetooth connectivity, and climate control on Hybrid versions. Icon cars additionally receive 15in alloys, cruise control, air conditioning, a rear-view camera, the touchscreen infotainment system and a 4.2in driver's information screen.
Icon Tech cars expand that equipment list with satellite navigation and front parking sensors, while Design cars get larger 16in alloys, a new grille and rear privacy glass.
At the top of the range, Excel cars feature LED front and rear lights, automatic lights, climate control and part leather, part-Alcantara seat trim. A panoramic roof is also on the options list.
How much will the 2017 Toyota Yaris cost?
The facelifted Yaris range starts at £12,495, which is a full £1000 more expensive than the old car. That means the Yaris is now substantially more expensive than the class-leading Skoda Fabia (which will cost you £11,155) but is slightly cheaper than the new Ford Fiesta which is priced from £12,715.
Icon versions of the Yaris, likely to be among the best-selling models in the UK, cost from £14,495, while for a range-topping hybrid Yaris with Excel trim you'll need to pay £19,295.
See more of the current Toyota Yaris in our video review, below.
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