Toyota Yaris 2020 UK review

Опубликованно 19.08.2020 02:03

What is it?

Yaris lore won’t be a specialist topic for too many petrolheads, but it’s a relatively interesting story and worth recounting now that the almost entirely new fourth-generation model is upon us.

The original Yaris arrived in 1999 with an almost comically curvaceous body and an instrument binnacle playfully skewed towards the centre of the dashboard. It was fun to look at, but it was also roomy and carefree to drive, and because of this, it sold so well that even Toyota was surprised. Young people especially liked it, and it duly reshaped the supermini class. What's it like?

Our test drive was brief and our left-hand-drive test car is Belgian-spec, so its equipment doesn’t tally with what we’ll be offered here. What you’re essentially looking at is mid-ranking Design trim but with 17in (rather than 16in) wheels, plus some extras such as the colour head-up display and wireless phone charging.  

Fundamentally, this is the most interesting Yaris cabin since the original. As with the new Corolla, perceived quality has taken a leap forward, while there are useful ledges and storage cubbies alongside convincing textures, including firm rubber mouldings and fabric coverings. Add in the supportive seats, racy steering wheel and widely adjustable steering column and you have an environment that feels mature but not dull. Back-row passenger space is better than good. Should I buy one?

The Yaris, then, is now better than before in the areas that matter and probably more characterful than at any time since its inception. Plus, the stage seems very nicely set for the one we really care about: the mighty GR.  

Категория: Автоновости