Has The Toyota Yaris Had It’s Day Or is Still The Perfect City Car?

Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris has been available for nearly 17 years now. It’s an iconic name in the city car category. But, because of its longevity has the Yaris had it’s day or is it still just as good as the day it launched all those years ago?

The Toyota Yaris went on sale on the 8th April 1999. It made motoring history that year by becoming both European and Japanese Car of the year. It’s gone on to achieve many accolades. Including the concept cabrio version, which never made production, and hybrid models. I wanted to look at the Toyota Yaris in more detail and see whether it still packs a punch to make waves in the automotive world.

Toyota Yaris Interior

Engine

When the Toyota Yaris was launched, there was a range of engines with petrol and diesel alternatives. These days, as times have moved on you now have more options available. The Toyota Yaris is the only supermini to offer drivers both a fuel-saving hybrid engine and more conventional petrol and diesel options. The hybrid engine qualifies for free road tax and emits one of the lowest co2 emission ratings. Making the new Yaris one of the greenest cars in it’s class. It’s also extremely cheap to run.

The engine sizes are small, so whether you opt for the hybrid or the more conventional fuel type, then you are going to find that the MPG you receive is good. A 1.0 and 1.3-litre petrol engine and a 1.4 diesel engine can give you a good scope of choice.The Yaris engines suits city type driving.

The Size

The Yaris has gotten a little bigger over the years. But it’s still classed as a supermini. It has grown by 27cm in length since 1999. The cargo area has become more workable to allow two large and two small suitcases fitting in quite compact. This would be to appeal to the market of families showcasing a lot more useable space in the boot area for things like pushchairs and prams. The cabin also has a feel of spaciousness. Allowing the back seats to accommodate car seats and boosters more effectively.

The Yaris is still available in it’s most popular 3 door version, but a 5 door is more readily available on the market today than it was all those years ago.

The Yaris may have begun to appeal to families, but is also worth considering through the Motability scheme. With extra space for additional comfort and safety. Wider doors on the 3 door version for ease of getting in and out, and a larger boot capacity for things such as walking aids, wheelchairs and such like. It could be the perfect choice for you. For more information on the availability Contact RRG Motability.

White Toyota Yaris

Safety

The Yaris boasts a 5 star NCAP safety rating. Showcasing reliability and practical elements you have grown accustomed to throughout the Toyota range. The Yaris also comes as standard with a 5-year warranty allowing you the comfort of worry free motoring.

Design

There have been a few changes over the years on the design but I would say the shape and look has remained true to it’s original release. A slick compact car, but now with the added benefits of privacy glass and Alloy wheels as standard on the hybrid model.

The Yaris boasts LED Daylight running lights and a bold exterior lighting. Finishing off the look to make sure that the new Yaris stands out amongst it’s competitors.

With keyless entry and smart start there is no reason to mess around with keys anymore. Leave them in your pocket or your bag. All you need to do is approach the car and it will unlock, press the start button and you are ready to go.

There are also more extras to specify your Yaris to your liking. Such as an upgrade of alloy wheels, chrome trims and door sills.

The interior upholstery choice is slick and dark with a designer look. Comfortable and neutral so appealing to the masses. I also find that a darker interior appeals to more people for a resale value come the time you want to exchange for a newer vehicle.

Interior Specification

All the Yaris range, apart from the active model, come as standard with a multimedia dash display with 7-inch screen and navigation system. Bluetooth connectivity for your mobile phone, mp3 and iPod connections via Bluetooth or USB port all bring a modern touch to the Yaris. A far cry from it’s launch model all those years ago.  There’s also a reversing camera too, which is perfect for city parking in tight spaces. All as standard on the Icon model and above.

Drivers can now also add a dazzling panoramic roof as an added extra. Creating a light, airy cabin space for up to 5 adults.

With rain sensing wipers and evening sensing lights. Air conditioning and cruise control. All help to take any stress out of the driving experience. Allowing you to be comfortable in your drive and enjoy it.

You can also add things like a wireless Internet hotspot, DAB Digital radio and parking sensors.

The drive

The Yaris is quick and easy to manoeuvre with its tight turning circle and additional drive features covered earlier. The engines still have a degree of quickness to them. Allowing this car to be the perfect city drive.

The interior offers comfort. The driver has additional extras not seen on the Yaris before and engine capacities and mpg’s reports speak volumes.

So back to my original question, has the Yaris had it’s day or is it still the perfect city car? Well, let’s do a quick summary. It has all the key drivability features to be classed as a city car. It emits very low CO2 ratings enabling the hybrid model to be free road tax. It has all the designer looks to be a worthy match amongst the many competitor cars out there. Yes, the Yaris has been around for over 16 years, but it’s safe to say that I don’t think we’ll be seeing the last of this little supermini.

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