Displaying items by tag: Toyota Yaris

Tuesday, 20 September 2022 02:58

Test: Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-i Sol

We couldn't even dream that the Yaris would become the best-handling car in its class. Even with the weakest engine, it easily copes with city traffic, with low consumption and extremely rich safety equipment.

It really impressed us with its great performance and low consumption. Of course, there is also a hybrid variant on offer, which is by far the best-selling in Western Europe.

It is a combination of the already mentioned 1.5 atmospheric engine and an electric motor, with even lower consumption and great savings on fees and taxes.

The new issue of Auto magazine is on sale, read the driving impressions of the latest car models.

We also have subsidies, but they are such that there are still many customers who will prefer to look for a more acceptable solution for their wallet, even though it is also quite expensive. You guessed it, it's a Yaris with a 1.0 engine.

Its price starts from 16,390 euros. That's how much the basic, "luna" equipment package costs.

Don't worry, it's not a "clot". It may not have aluminum wheels, but that's why it has a system for automatic braking, prevention of unintentional lane departure, reading traffic signs, automatic activation of high beams, adaptive cruise control that automatically maintains a distance from the vehicle in front...

It doesn't have navigation, but that's why it has a seven-inch multimedia with Android Auto and Apple Car Play applications, so you can use maps from your phone without any problems.

The car that we present to you has the third "salt" equipment package in a row. The list of standard equipment also includes alloy wheels, electric rear windows, additionally tinted rear windows and a larger eight-inch multimedia system.

A reversing camera is standard, as are a rain sensor and headlights.

It is interesting that the standard of the second equipment package is a special acoustically insulated windshield, which is very noticeable on the highway.

Noise is really kept to a minimum, making the Yaris one of the quietest in its class.

However, the 1.0 engine is not designed for high road speeds. It reaches the maximum at 160 km/h, but anything over 130 is already an effort, especially since at that speed it "spins" at around 4100 revolutions, just like the old atmospheric cars.

The problem isn't that it doesn't have a sixth gear, it's just that it doesn't have enough power, so intermediate accelerations at speeds above 100 km/h require patience.

On the other hand, it does not prevent him from being a moderate consumer. The trip computer at 130 km/h shows about 6.5 l/100 km, which is the same result we recorded in city driving.

The city is already an environment that is incomparably more pleasing to him. The engine is very flexible, considering that it has 72 horse power, so there is no need to "spin" it in high revs for faster driving.

Simply, with it you will not feel inferior in the city, which is the essence of Yaris with this machine.

The constructors made an effort to ensure that the engine is well balanced in the sense that there are no vibrations on the back and while driving. Moreover, the sound is also muted.

Speaking of comfort, the Yaris can really boast of comfort. We are not only referring to the suspension that gently absorbs small bumps, but also to ergonomics.

You sit in a semi-reclined position at the front, just enough so that you don't feel tired from an overly erect spine during long periods of sitting behind the wheel, and yet visibility is not impaired.

All controls are very soft and precise; the shift lever is close, and the steering wheel has a great ergonomic profile. Even less experienced drivers will feel safe behind the wheel of the Yaris, given that the car is driven without the slightest effort.

Compared to the Yaris 1.5 we already tested, there are no attractive digital instruments here.

The classic is not bad at all, and there is a large display between the speedometer and tachometer, through which many settings can be made, including security systems.

As during the last test, this time the Yaris left a very positive impression with a large number of compartments and shelves on the dashboard.

For example, you can put the phone away, in several places, below and above the "climate" controls.

In both cases, the USB connector is at the same distance, so you can also use one of the short cables to connect to the car.

The materials for lining the cabin are not like the Corolla, but we have to praise the soft dashboard and the interesting material in the upholstery of the doors.

By its texture and structure, it reminds us of the material used for the inner lining of the roof.

We also liked the ergonomically interesting solution of the handle for opening the door, which is somehow tucked into the handle itself.

It may seem oddly placed at first glance, but it is absolutely in the right place, right at your fingertips.

The high position of the window regulator buttons is also specific, but they are also exactly where they should be - right under the fingers.

The rear seats are a separate story. They are by far the most comfortable in the class, with a specially profiled backrest that really rests the back, especially if you are on a long drive.

Compared to other competitors in the B segment, the Yaris offers more than decent comfort for the legs and head. A person of average height has five more fingers of space up to the "sky".

Unfortunately, the "salt" equipment package does not include pockets in the seat backs, nor a spare wheel.

If you are seriously considering buying a new Yaris, we recommend the 1.5 engine versions.

The price is slightly higher and the difference in performance is really big, especially if you plan to drive outside the city. Yaris with "Stella" equipment package is currently on sale, which costs 16,990 euros including VAT.

Compared to the tested "salt", it does not have alloy rims, electric rear windows and has a smaller multimedia display, but that's why all the safety systems are there.

Whatever gear you decide on, you won't go wrong. You will definitely get one of the most technically and ergonomically advanced city cars, where safety and driving characteristics were in the first place.

And the design? Neither male nor female. This is a car that just appeals to everyone.

Navigation from the phone

The fact that navigation is not part of the standard equipment is not a problem. You can always connect your mobile phone via the Apple Car Play and Android Auto apps and use the software and map of your choice.

At the same time, you can listen to one of the internet radio stations, as well as use other services.

Semi-autonomous driving

Every Yaris, even the cheapest, has top security systems. In addition to automatic braking with recognition of pedestrians day and night, cyclists during the day and reacting at the intersection when turning, a semi-autonomous driving system is also standard.

It consists of radar cruise control and a camera, so that in addition to maintaining a distance from the vehicle in front, the Yaris keeps the center of the traffic lane. The car practically steers itself, even in curves.

It is only up to the driver to keep his hands on the wheel because he is responsible for driving. If you do not return your hands to the rim after a few seconds of not holding the steering wheel, the lane keeping system will turn off, with a light and sound warning.

If you really want, you can turn off the security systems individually.

Just a few extras

The list of additional equipment is very short at Toyota. Apart from the color, you can pay extra for the automatic (CVT) transmission, which costs 1300 euros and is only available with the 1.5 engine, and of course, the hybrid.

The remaining two surcharges refer to the panoramic roof and additional safety systems in the form of blind spot control and head-up display.

They can only be ordered with the two highest packages.

Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-i Sol: Specifications

Engine: 3 cyl., volume 998 ccm, power 53 kW (72 hp) at 6000 rpm, max. about. torque 93 Nm at 4400 rpm, gearbox manual, 5 degrees

Dimensions: L/W/H 3940/1745/1500 mm, intermediate axle. distance 2560 mm, trunk 286 l, tank 42 l, weight 1040 kg, tires 195/55 R16

Performance: max. speed 160 km/h, acceleration 0-100 km/h 14.6 s, consumption (WLTP) 4.8-6.6 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 126 g/km

Published in Toyota
Monday, 28 June 2021 04:33

Toyota Yaris Cross first drive

Latest small SUV is good to drive and economical

Is the Toyota Yaris Cross any good?

If you're in the market for a small SUV, you're never going to complain that there isn't enough choice out there. With models from Audi to Volvo on offer, there really is something for everyone. And yet, into this mosh pit of new car activity, Toyota has entered the fray, giving us the hybrid-powered Yaris Cross, a funky new offering based on, yes, the Yaris supermini.

It gets Toyota's new, fourth generation hybrid powertrain, and should appeal to those looking for an economical and fun-to-drive small family car that offers lots of room and a family-friendly interior. The firm says it's a genuine SUV, benefiting from all the experience it has amassed with the RAV4, with two models in the range benefitting from AWD-i intelligent four-wheel drive.

However, it's up against a herd of rivals, and it needs to be good to stand out. Top of your shopping list will be the 2021 Parkers New Car of The Year-winning Ford Puma. But the Peugeot 2008, Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Skoda Kamiq and Volkswagen T-Cross are all highly-talented alternatives.

The good news is that it has the looks and the hardware to impress in this crowd – as our early drive of a pre-production prototype here in the UK demonstrates.

What's it like inside?

Two words comes to mind after spending time in the Yaris Cross: grown up. It might be closely related to a big-selling small car, but thanks to the high seating position and roomy cabin, it feels like a car from the market sector above. The dashboard, which is similar to its namesake, is fully featured and dominated by a high-set central infotainment screen above digital climate controls (with physical temperature control knobs – yes!)

Features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both tested wirelessly), with an optional head-up display, adaptive cruise control and a fully digital instrument panel also on offer.

It's solid and well laid-out, with plenty of storage space for your smartphones (room and charging for two), as well as a roomy central cubby hole between the seats and spacious door bins. Our test car was marked down for extensive use of black plastics and dark materials, which means it doesn’t feel as bright and airy inside as some rivals. Having said that, for families, a dark interior is easier to keep clean.

It's 240mm longer than the Yaris hatchback, which allows more room inside. There's plenty of space up front and in the rear, with a pair of tall back-seat passengers being able to make themselves comfortable without too much difficulty. The 40:20:40 split folding rear seat, electric tailgate and split-level boot floor are all positive points. The boot floor panel can be divided in two and the luggage compartment has a flex belt system to keep items securely in place when driving.

What's it like to drive?

The Yaris Cross comes in only one guise and pairs a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. The total power output of the two is 116hp, which compares well with its rivals. It's based on on the 2.0- and 2.5-litre powertrains in the Corolla, C-HR, RAV4 and Camry, and is good for a WLTP combined fuel economy figure of 65.9mpg and CO2 figures of less than 120g/km (135g/km for the four-wheel drive model).

Maximum speed is 105mph and the 0-62mph time is 11.2 seconds (11.8 for the four-wheel drive version). Although those performance figures don't promise an exciting drive, it feels quick off the mark and smooth in general driving when underway, with the three-cylinder engine humming away quietly in the background. It's best suited to town work, although it's quiet and refined on the motorway, too.

As a conventional hybrid (you don't plug it in), the battery and motor are there to assist the car in certain situations, but a dashboard indictor lets you know how much time it's spent in pure EV mode, and it can be surprising just how much that is. On our mainly urban test route, it reported we were in EV mode for anywhere between 60-75% of the time. We saw it running on battery comfortably up to motorway speeds. Impressive.

Handling is very good, too, with accurate and well-weighted steering, little bodyroll and a feeling of precision that's quite unusual in this market sector. We wouldn't describe it as sporty, but it's certainly keen and will keep you entertained on B-roads if you're cracking on. Despite this emphasis on roadholding, the ride quality is actually above average – it's firm, but well-damped, which means you'll feel the lumps and bumps, but they don't come crashing through uncomfortably. Overall, a very good effort.

What models and trims are available?

There are four models to choose from, plus a fully-featured Premiere Edition version, available for one year only. The entry-level Icon model comes well-equipped, but then it should, as it's not as cheap as many of its small SUV rivals.

It comes with 16-inc alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment set-up with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reversing camera and automatic headlights and wipers. Next model up is the Design, which adds larger wheels, LED headlights, aluminium roof rails and rear privacy glass.

Toyota expects the Yaris Cross Excel model to be its biggest seller, and with that, in addition to the above you also get 18-inch wheels, power-asssted tailgate with kick sensor, a larger 9.0-inch infotainment scren, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with auto brake, heated steering wheel and front seats and dual-zone automatic air conditioning.

The top-of-the range Dynamic model adds even more features, listed below:

Bi-tone paint finish with black roof
Door mirrors with auto-retracting function
Power lumbar adjustment on driver’s seat
Optional intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i)
The limited-edition Yaris Cross Premiere Edition gains black leather interior, a JBL eight-speaker sound system, and 10-inch head-up display.

What else should I know?

All models feature Toyota Safety Sense and driver assistance systems as standard. It can warn the driver of an upcoming collision and help steer and brake it out of trouble, or at least lessen the effects of a collision. It also has pedestrian and cyclist recognition, Lane Departure Alert and Road Sign Assist.

Toyota Yaris Cross verdict

Should you buy one?

Based on the pre-production prototype we've driven so far, it's looking very good for the Toyota Yaris Cross. It's good to drive, practical, roomy for passengers and luggage and in our hands on a fairly congested test route, very economical on petrol. We'll reserve judgement on just how good it is compared with the class-leading Ford Puma and Skoda Kamiq until we've spent more time with it.

Against the popular Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur, the Yaris Cross looks very good – it's well made and well-equipped although that's reflected in the fact there are no low-priced entry-level models to tempt you into the showroom. But it's a Toyota, so the reliability is a given, the dealer support is excellent, and the warranty cover is now an unprecedented 10 years if you keep it in the dealer network.

It's looking like a safe and sound choice, which might lack the excitement and interest of some of its rivals, but it's looking good for pain-free long-term ownership.

What we like

Despite the bits of camouflage tape on our test car, we can see that it's a good-looking thing, perhaps more so than the Yaris hatchback it's based on. We like the fuel consumption and low emissions, and the fact it's available as a four-wheel drive in the top-of-the-range version.

Handling and ride are definite plus points, as its refinement and smoothness in town. The driving position is good, the controls and features are all easily managed, and there isn't an over-reliance on the touchscreen for basic functions that you'll find in certain rivals.

What we don't like

It's a shame that in offering an all-hybrid line-up in the UK (good), as it comes at a cost (bad). With a starting price well above £20,000, there will be buyers who will be put off going for a Yaris Cross, despite it offering good value for money at a higher price point.

(parkers.co.uk)

Published in Toyota

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