2018 Toyota Yaris Petrol Review, First Drive

2018 Toyota Yaris Review: We tell you how the only engine, which is a petrol powered unit with an automatic and manual gearbox feels like on the road

Enchanting –

• Good looking c-segment sedan
• Smooth and refined petrol motor
• Comfortable and spacious
• Loaded with features and safety kit

Unsatisfying –

• No diesel engine or diesel automatic
• Interior quality could be better
• No sporty to drive, engine low on power

Toyota recently made a statement that they do not make boring cars anymore. The response was 50-50. While some agreed, some did not. That is the legacy that the brand has worldwide. In India, that actually works. All bigs cars sold here are bought with so much enthusiasm because it’s considered as a premium brand. Toyota continues to bank its success on two products and tried multiplying that to four with Etios twins. Something that didn’t work and went into the fleet market. In fact all five cars are in the fleet market in one way or the other.

Toyota wants to change that by introducing the Yaris in India. Given the history, this is its second shot. Toyota isn’t fully dedicated to this idea as it doesn’t plan to offer diesel or diesel automatic but everything else. Doesn’t make sense right? Because C-Segment car buyers want diesel and diesel automatic. Anyways, that doesn’t stop Toyota and they gave us a chance to sample their car which is to be launched shortly. The Yaris Petrol automatic and manual. As of now this is fuel option you will get. How is it? Let’s find out.

Inside and Outside

The design is a big highlight and should help it gain most customers. Angular front-end, well-done side profile with bland alloy wheels and sharp-end rear end design make it stand out. Similar is the case with the interior. It does look good at first glance, but the quality of materials (low) and odd/cheap look steering wheel robs of the premium-ness.

Space in the back is really good with almost 7-inches of knee room, ample legroom, decent shoulder and headroom on offer. Boot space is on par with segment rivals at 500 litres. There is a lot of storage inside the cabin which makes it practical. The A/C controls mounted on the top librates room at the rear which is a great introduction. Let’s look at the features list variant by variant.

Toyota Yaris J Features
Halogen projector headlamps, Body coloured ORVMs and door handles,Electric adjustment for ORVMs, Shark Fin Antenna, HSEA glass (IR cut), Keyless entry, Manual AC, Driver seat height adjust, Power windows (front and rear),Day & night IRVM,Optitron Meter with LCD MID,Cooled glove box,60:40 split seats,Audio system with 4 speakers,Room lamp/map lamp,Rear armrest with cupholder, Power steering with tilt adjustment,7 airbags,ABS with EBD and BA and Central locking.

Toyota Yaris G Features (In addition to above)
Chrome grille, Electrically adjustable and retractable ORVMs with integrated turn indicator,Acoustic & vibration control glass,Smart entry,Optitron Meter with TFT MID,Auto AC, Push-button start,Steering audio controls,7-inch AVX infotainment system with four speakers, Roof-mounted air vent with ambient lighting, Rear parking sensors (two),Front fog lamps, Rear fog lamps,Rear defogger,Speed sensing auto door lock and Impact sensing door unlock.

Toyota Yaris V Features (In addition to above) 15-inch alloy wheels ,Auto headlamps with Follow-Me Home function, Rain sensing wipers, LED rear combination lamps with line guide ,7-inch AVX infotainment system with 6 speakers,Cruise control ,Front parking sensors (two),Rear parking sensors (four) and All wheel disc brakes.

Toyota Yaris VX Features (In addition to above)
LED DRLs, Chrome door handles, Paddle shifters, 7-inch AVN infotainment system with 6 speakers, Leather seats, 8-way power adjustment for driver’s seat, Rear sunshade, VSC, HAC
and TPMS

The Drive:

First 100 kilometers on the Yaris petrol automatic and manual included tell us that the motor is very refined but traditional whining of the CVT gearbox continues and it can be heard inside the cabin. The manual is the way to go if you are a keen driver as the clutch is light and gearbox is smooth enough for daily duties. Driveability is good and performance is brisk All because the motor only makes 107 BHP of power and 140 Nm of torque.

The only engine on offer which comes with segment lowest power and torque rating doesn’t shout much. Hoping the petrol hybrid in the future makes more power and torque. When it comes to dynamics, steering feedback is poor, but its light and precise for daily duties. Stopping power is excellent. Body roll in the car is well controlled. Ride quality is mature and excellent for our roads.

2018 Toyota Yaris Review, Verdict

Segment lowest power and torque figures from the engine, a not so great CVT gearbox, but a good manual gearbox is what the Yaris has to offer. Yaris also offers every possible feature and safety kit to its customers. We told you earlier in Yaris stories that safety and design is the highlight and in our testing, it still remains the same. The lack of enthusiasm in the drive train area is a sore point for Toyota India.

This is something which a regular joe now looks forward to as the market now is much smarter and well informed, ask any dealer. In the end, pricing decides its fate in India, we hope they get it right and put up a good fight against its well-established rivals. God Speed Toyota India.!