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Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-i: A little Growler

Top safety in the city runabout and an economic, but somewhat noisy 3-cylinder engine.



Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-i Front
Picture by Toyota

After the Yaris was released by Aygo as the smallest in the Toyota range, the Japanese car that is at home in the sector including VW Polo, Skoda Fabia, Peugeot 206 and Renault Clio can devote itself to new tasks, for example the field of coiling up. The Yaris, with a length of 3.75 metres (although it has grown by 11 cm) and a maximum unloaded weight of 980 kilos, is the smallest and lightest in the range, which brings it a comparatively better acceleration value and a good turning circle (9.4 m).

Toyota has placed a lot of value on its outrider-roll in matters of safety. And so the new Yaris shines because of its exceptional assessment values – 5 NCAP-stars with 35 points are at the top of the sector with Polo and Co – this vehicle is likely to be used in particular as a city and mother/child car. In addition, you even get a knee-airbag for the driver in the (tested) top version "Sol".

Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-i Cockpit
Picture by Toyota

Also, the well thought-out Big Concept should above all help make the 5-door Yaris a success: at 3.75 m, it is the smallest in the B sector, yet with its good headroom offers ample space for four adults if you contract the boot thanks to an easily removable back shelf. The alternative is well known: large boot space, back seats just for small children. In any event, if you are looking for more, pick the Combi.

The basic motorisation does not present itself in such an inspiring manner, despite economic consumption: although on paper the 3-cylinders show almost 70 HP, they actually are louder than they are speedy (despite newer, lighter sound-proofing) when accelerating, something that is probably mainly due to the weak sound insulation. The power you actually feel is more like 60HP.

In other respects: the asymmetrical digital speedometer can only be seen by the driver. The rear windscreen wipers are quite tiny and the material impression could be better. To compensate the tested model pleases with a soundwise very neat CD-Radio (6 speakers). In addition in the Sol series: ABS with EBD, 7 airbags, air conditioning, leather steering wheel. As an extra and only for the top version: stability control (VSC), rear disc-brakes (instead of drum brakes), side wipers.

The 3-door introductory model ("Terra") costs 11,781 Euros and includes a CD-Radio, 2 Airbags, ABS with EBD, braking assistance, multi-function trip computer and a steering wheel that can be adjusted in height. The 5-door version costs 1764 Euros more (prices for Austria).


Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-i rear
Picture by Toyota
The Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-i "Sol" in motion br>
Engine/Powertrain * * *
We liked: Almost 70 HP and a low normal consumption from a 1-litre-engine are trend-setting for city cars.
We didn't like: ill-tempered, small buddy that is actually louder than it is fast during acceleration because of the insubstantial noise insulation.

Comfort * * * *
We liked: Front seats offer ample side foot holds and very spacious head room. Lots of storage and compartments (even for the driver).
We didn't like: Unfortunately, in none of the storage areas or compartments is there a half-decent non-slip lining (only shiny hard plastic) The glove compartments (also on the drivers side) are short-lived.

Driving Characteristics * * * *
We liked: Exquisitely small turning circle (9.4 m), a pleasure in the car park. A well-balanced city-car structure, high safety standards (specific to the fittings in the model "Sol").
We didn't like: wind noise at high speeds

Space/Variability * * * * *
We liked: Space is naturally limited in favour of very parking-friendly external dimensions. Adults travel well in the back too, if you remove the stowable divided back shelf. The back seat can also be stored in the flat loading area. The seats move forwards and underneath in the foot area. <

Performance * * * * *
Top speed: 155 km/h. Acceleration: from 0 to 100 km/h in 15.7 seconds. Fuel consumption during test drive: 7.1 liter on 100 km. Price (Yaris 1.0 VVT-i Sol): 14.427 Euros (in Austria, incl. taxes)

Data from the manufacturer

Engine
3 cylinder in line, 998 cc, 51 kW/69 HP at 6000 RPM, 93 Nm at 3600 RPM, four valves per cylinder, 2 overhead camshafts, aluminium cylinder heads and -cylinder blocks

Powertrain
on the front wheels, 5-gear-manual transmission

Chassis and Body
self-supporting body; front Mc-Pherson struts and wishbone; twist-beam rear axle, coil springs, front and back sway bay and telescopic shock absorbers.

Tyres, Brakes and Steering
4-wheel-disc-brakes, ABS; Handbrake on the back wheels; power-assisted electronic rack and pinion steering, fuel tank 45.0 litres, tyres 185/60 R 15, rims 5.5 J.

Dimensions and Weights
Wheelbase 2460 mm, length 3750 mm, width 1695 mm, height 1530 mm, from 980 kg 9.4 metres turning circle.

Fuel Consumption
in 100 km (according to manufacturer): urban 6.3, extra-urban 4.9, mixed 5.4 litres. 95 Octane.

Other engines

PETROL: 1.3 VVT-i: 4 Cylinder in line, 16 valves, 1296 cc, 64 kW/87 HP at 6000 RPM, 121 Nm at 4200 RPM, 170 km/h, 0 - 100 km/h in 11.5 sec., consumption urban/extra-urban/mixed: 7.2/5.3/6.0 litres (95 Octane)
DIESEL: 1.4 D-4D: 4 cylinders in line, common rail with turbo charger and intercooler, 1364 cc, 66 kW/90 HP at 3800 RPM, 190 Nm at 1800 RPM, 175 km/h, 0 - 100 km/h in 10.7 sec., consumption urban/extra-urban/mixed: 5.4/4.0/4.5 litres


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© A test drive by Car Testreport (14-03-06)

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