Toyota Yaris 2005 Review

This week the company released the Echo replacement, the Yaris, with the option of seven airbags, including for the first time in the small-car segment, a driver's knee airbag. Toyota Australia executive director for sales and marketing Dave Buttner says market demand forced the about-face.

"Safety is what the market place is looking for now," he says.

Buttner expects almost half of Yaris buyers will choose the $750 enhanced safety pack (ESP) option, which incorporates five airbags (side, curtain and a driver's knee airbag) in addition to the standard driver and front passenger airbags.

The new Yaris comes in 12 models, two body styles, two transmission and two engine types and three specification levels -- YR, YRS and YRX. The Yaris sedan will arrive early next year and is expected to make up 25 per cent of Yaris sales. The entry-level YR only comes with the 1.3-litre engine. Standard equipment includes airconditioning, electronic throttle, power windows, mirrors and steering, single disc CD player, driver's glove box, 14-inch steel wheels and a full-size spare.

The mid-level YRS adds 15-inch wheels, telescopic leather-bound steering wheel with audio controls, leather-bound shift lever and knob, and front passenger vanity mirror with cover. The top-level YRX adds 15-inch alloys, a six-disc in-dash CD player, driver and passenger seat front map pockets, storage tray under the passenger seat, front foglights and unique interior trim. Both engines have better fuel economy than their predecessors, as well as lower emissions.

Toyota claims the 1.3-litre engine uses six litres of fuel per 100km (manual) and 6.1 litres per 100km for the 1.5-litre engine.

In terms of ride, handling and quality, it is clear that the new Yaris will be a tough competitor in the small car market. It gives a sporty ride without compromising comfort.

There is very little noise intrusion from either the road or the engine, compared to some of the competitors. On launch, both the 1.3-litre and the 1.5-litre engines were tested. The automatic 1.3-litre entry level YR is spritely around town and comfortable at higher speeds. The continually variable automatic took a little getting used to. I needed to constantly feather the accelerator to maintain a constant speed.

The Yaris was styled at Toyota's European design studio in France and has a funky exterior. The new car still hints at its Echo heritage but the fresh design gives the car a more sporty appearance. The front grille also connects the car to the Corolla and Avensis Verso models. Inside, the car retains the unusual centre-mounted digital dash and slim-line dials of the Echo but had been given a slight freshen-up.

It was surprisingly easy to adjust to the new concept of the speed, fuel and rpm being to the left rather than the traditional placement of the dials behind the wheel. A quick glance to the left is all that is needed to take in the relevant information.

With 80kW of power, the 1.5-litre engine is quite zippy, especially when mated to the five-speed gearbox. The 1.5 tested was the range-topping YRX which features a reach-adjustable steering wheel with audio controls.

The clutch has a low take-up point and the gearbox is smooth and more refined than most in the class.

The Yaris has the most storage compartments of any of its competitors, but you need it with a pretty small boot when the back seat is occupied.

Move the back seat forward and luggage space jumps to 363 litres. The Yaris gets the thumbs up for a full-size spare.