Rhymes with Paris, gives a good time
There’s lots to like about Toyota’s smallest sedan, the Yaris.
Toyota Yaris Sedan
Trivia: This is the replacement for the Echo sedan. Most people pronounce the new name "Yah-ris", but Toyota's PR machine is trying to get people to make it sound like "Paris" to give it a more European feel.
Toyota says: All of Toyota's big ideas in one small car. The revolutionary Toyota Yaris combines the comfort and clever features you might find in a large car.
What they mean: This car isn't much smaller than the Corolla, and has more safety features than the Corolla, which is near the end of its model life.
Who's buying it: Mums, young ones and retirees. Toyota and the Yaris have broad appeal.
Why you'd buy it: Fuss-free, economical motoring. Good quality and reliability and strong resale value. Roomy for this class of car. Big boot.
Why you wouldn't: You can't quite make the stretch of a few grand to buy this model. The South Korean cars in this class are slightly cheaper, but our experience shows the Yaris will be worth more - and be more reliable - in the long run.
Standard equipment: Air-conditioning, CD player, remote entry, power windows and mirrors. The usual bells and whistles.
Safety: Dual air bags and anti-lock brakes are standard and side curtain air bags are a $750 option. For some reason the driver's knee air bag is available only in the hatchback, not the sedan.
Cabin: Roomy, plenty of cubbies, good quality materials. Looks modern. The mobile-phone-style satin finish on some surfaces is a nice touch. The hatch gets a digital speedo, the sedan gets a regular analogue speedo dial because the sedan is likely to appeal to, um, more mature buyers.
Seating: There are enough three-point lap-sash seatbelts for five, and you could fit three adults in the back bench at a squeeze, but it's better suited to carrying four in comfort. Good headroom and leg room.
Engine: The Yaris hatch is available with 1.3-litre or 1.5-litre four-cylinder power but the 1.5 (80 kilowatts) is the only option in the sedan. Frugal yet zippy and reasonably refined for this class of car.
Transmission: The four-speed automatic in the test car shifted smoothly and predictably. No complaints.
Steering: Light, precise. Good road feel, and a sturdy-feeling rim. Turning circle is good by class standards (9.8 metres). Audio controls on the wheel would be handy.
Handling: It's no race car but the Yaris feels sure-footed in corners and soaks up bumps and thumps well. This is an easy, fuss-free car to drive.
Brakes: Anti-lock brakes are standard. Good pedal feel.
Build: Top marks. I can't believe Toyota can build this level of quality for the money. This is one of the few made-in-Japan cars in this class.
Warranty: The industry average: three years/100,000 kilometres.
Audio: Above average sound from AM/FM CD player.
Cost: The Yaris hatch range starts at $14,990 but the sedan is from $17,690. The auto model, tested, is $19,190. Supply is limited so don't expect a huge discount. You'll be lucky to trim off $1000.
Verdict: Toyota has done such a good job with the Yaris sedan it may have created a reason not to buy a Corolla. It's roomy, has good economy, a good safety profile and is well made. Well worth a look.