I had been looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the fourth generation – new Toyota Yaris because it has not only been voted European Car Of The Year 2021 but at the time of writing this blog, Toyota have just won the Le Mans 24 Hour Race!! I have noticed quite a few driving around the Cotswolds and whilst I know that doesn’t represent the whole of the UK,  when driving past my local Toyota dealership they look as if they are “making hay while the sun is shining”(they currently have quite a few on their forecourt in different colours).

I don’t know about you? But rightly or wrongly I initially judge a car by its looks and this Yaris looks super aggressive with compact proportions and swollen wheel arches (which are most noticeable when viewing the car from its rear).

  

The new Yaris is a petrol Hybrid and uses a 1.5 litre three cylinder engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion batteries.

An interesting fact is that the Yaris can drive on its own electric power which in turn lowers its emissions and helps its fuel economy. Unlike current electric vehicles, the new Yaris doesn’t need to be plugged in to recharge as it charges itself whilst you drive. 

Inside, everything feels and looks very “Toyota” familiar. All the buttons and switches are well placed and very easy to read. The driver seat position feels lower than the previous models and my only criticism is how big the steering wheel looks. 

This is a car that is well suited for town driving (especially when I first set off under silent battery power alone).

When the petrol engine takes over it is a pretty seamless affair, engine noise only makes its way into the interior cabin when I pushed hard on the accelerator pedal and the engine revs rise. This (I believe) is because of the e-CVT transmission. I was driving it on a private test track so could put my foot down..  but when I drove it (the way most Yaris drivers drive theirs – within the speed limits) the engine noise in the cabin was minimal. 

The steering is light and the suspension ride is impressive. It drives with the least amount of fuss.  

If you are looking for an involving drive… this isn’t the car for you. You would be better test driving the Yaris GR.      

Toyota know how to make a dependable,  solid car and they have gone and done it again with this new one! 

We Blog Any Car stats:

  • Toyota Yaris Hybrid Dynamic grade
  • 1.5 litre 3 cylinder engine
  • Hybrid
  • Electric CVT automatic transmission
  • 114 bhp
  • 9.7 seconds 0 to 62 mph
  • 65.6 mpg (combined WLTP)
  • 98 CO2 emissions (combined WLTP)
  • 5-year/1000,000 mile warranty
  • £21,920.00 on the road price

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