CAR REVIEW: Does Toyota's Yaris deliver big surprise in small package?

 

Some say that the Yaris four-cylinder engine has enough ponies under the hood for urban duties and it is an economy car. Definitely, it’s not the FT-86 – Toyota’s rear-wheel-drive sports car. 

 

This is Toyota’s small and second most affordable sub-compact. It has been in the market for years, with major upgrades realized in 2012. 

 

Yet, the Yaris has been pulling in the numbers for Toyota Motor Philippines Inc. (TMPI) and largely contributing to the 13th Triple Crown of the Japanese carmaker in the Philippine market.

 

An annual recognition given by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), a Triple Crown means besting other carmakers in terms of sales in three categories. In this case: Vios and Yaris in the subcompact category, Fortuner in the SUV category, and Innova in the AUV category.

 

Compared with previous models, the latest Yaris has matured in size and design – 315 millimeters (mm) longer with a wheelbase stretched by as much as 90 mm. Unfortunately, the test car from TMPI is a 1300cc version with a TRD bodykit that compromised its fuel efficiency. 

 

It looks good aesthetically. The performance? I would rather go for the 1500cc. 

 

Its interior makes up for what the 1300cc lacks in terms of power, efficiency and performance: soft touch panels with stitching on the edges of the dashboard. The plump, triple-spoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel – a blend of leather and aluminum – exude a top class ambiance. 

 

The gauge clusters are easy to read.  The well-appointed center console is within reach of the average Filipino. The cabin is roomy for a small car. With a generous height and legroom, four people easily seats and can have a comfortable travel within the city. 

 

An audio system with iPOD, Bluetooth and USB port capabilities, and a keyless entry system are standard features for the Yaris.



Good NVH

 

However, the exterior elicits a bit of mixed reactions. Some people hate it, while car guys and gals fall in love with the front handle bar grille design. 

 

Bold and eye-catching, the design leads the eye down to the bumper edges that compliment the arrow shaped headlight clusters. 

 

The design engineers blacked out the window pillars to give the roofline a floating effect – visually – from the sides. The design flows toward the rear that reflects the handle bar effect flanked by two, distinct shaped tail lamps. 

 

With a drivetrain taken from the more popular Vios, the 1300cc engine is espoused to a four-speed automatic transmission. In rush hour traffic, mileage boils down to 9 kilometers per liter, with highway runs faring better at 12 kms per liter. 

 

The car was initially designed for urban use. What seems out of logic is why Toyota had to clamp a TRD bodykit onto a 1300cc subcompact. 

According to TMPI, the price of a Yaris ranges from P720,000 to P845,000 per unit.

 

As a car intended for city driving, the Yaris is easy to drive with enough power to sputter about town. 

 

The longer wheelbase and improved suspension system make this subcompact a ride comfortable enough to transport a crate of eggs without cracking one. Thanks to the good NVH (noise, vibration and harness) levels, considering the prevalent noise pollution in Metro Manila. 

 

Yes. Some good things do come in small packages. – VS, GMA News