Toyota Yaris: buying guide | notice | price | from 17,750 euros

Which version to choose?

Presented as a hybrid, the Yaris has since declined in VVT-i of 70 ch (from 17,750 €), in VVT-i 120 hp (from € 18,950) as well as in GR Yaris, brilliant and sassy version with four-wheel drive of 261 hp (35,600 € minimum).

We will prefer the more pragmatic 116 hp hybrid variant, easy to sell and capable of traveling a few hundred meters in electric mode, and of which the base rate is set at € 21,450 (with automatic air conditioning, “hands-free” access-start, active lane keeping, cruise control / speed limiter, 7 ”touch screen with Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, etc.).

Better to select, at a minimum, the Design finish (22,950 €) : it adds to the equipment the digital instrumentation, the fog lights, the reversing camera, the electric windows at the rear and the 16-inch alloy wheels.

Qualities

Four million: that’s the number of Yaris manufactured at the Valenciennes plant, opened at the end of January 2001, which will host the Yaris Cross assembly line in summer 2021 and should reach an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles.

French pride of the Japanese firm, this industrial success also demonstrates the qualities of the Yaris, whose fourth version was launched in summer 2020. Remained under the bar of four meters long, this potential rival of the Clio and 208 was noticed in 2012 with the appearance of a hybrid version.

More pleasant than ever, easy to handle and precise

It is this pleasant variation that now achieves the (very) bulk of sales, in particular thanks to remarkable softness and sobriety in the city. Based on a new variant of the TNGA platform, the Japanese “ch’tite” is more pleasant than ever, easy to handle, precise, more dynamic and much less placid than before.

Under its little hood, the 3-cylinder hybrid engine developing 116 hp gives it remarkable versatility. On board, the Yaris does not make a false note: the front seats, located lower than on previous versions, benefit the driving position.

The presentation remains young and jovial, accommodates plenty of storage and a security endowment provided. It even integrates a front central airbag having the function of preventing the heads of the front passengers from colliding in the event of an impact.

Defaults

The Yaris is more generous in legroom at the rear than a Clio, however more imposing. But she offers less roof guard. Another (small) detail: the plastics that make up the cabin are hard to the touch, even on the dashboard. Fortunately, this does not really affect the perceived quality.

Driving side, small and compact hybrids badged Toyota have always opted for a transmission by planetary gear.

It may seem expensive but remains well equipped …

Son operation, close to that of a continuously variable gearbox, has always generated an increase in engine speed during relaunching and acceleration, and therefore in sound volume. This effect gradually fades over generations, but still exists.

Finally, the Yaris may seem expensive. However, it compensates with rather generous equipment and very, very reasonable consumption.

Notice

Without constraint related to its technology (just fill the gas tank!), Practical, livable and become very pleasant to drive, the Yaris is one of the most recommendable models in the segment.