Toyota Yaris Hybrid review
The latest Yaris Hybrid is a major step forward from its predecessor and should be more of a worry for its rivals
Pros
- Handles very well
- Great potential fuel economy
- Improved interior and infotainment
Cons
- Uninvolving to drive
- Firm ride on rough roads
- Rear seats tight for adults
| Car type | Fuel economy | CO2 emissions | 0-62mph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 57-69mpg | 92-112g/km | 9.7 seconds |
The previous-generation Toyota Yaris was available with "self-charging" hybrid technology as far back as 2012, following the success of the larger Toyota Prius hatchback. The Yaris was one of the first superminis offered with the fuel-saving and emissions-reducing hardware, but fast-forward to today and rivals including the Renault Clio E-TECH and Honda Jazz also demand attention.
If you don't think a hybrid is for you, the Yaris also has to beat petrol models such as the Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 208, Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Polo and Hyundai i20. Unlike most new cars these days, this Yaris is slightly more compact than the one that went before, but there's a 50mm longer gap between its axles, boosting interior space and giving it a more athletic look.
It certainly looks sportier than any previous Yaris. This is backed up by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, producing a peppy 114bhp in total. The battery has also been upgraded from nickel-hydride in the old model, to lithium-ion here, which benefits from the latest electric-car technology.
The Yaris feels most at home in the city, with direct steering and a drivetrain that's more than willing to operate under electric power for much of the time when in 'Eco' mode. It's great to drive on the open road, too, with a crisp, responsive feel through corners, but motorways can make the powertrain feel strained.
Elsewhere, the car's interior is well made and functional, but stops short of being exciting. Infotainment is better than before, but still not class-leading, although proper smartphone integration is welcome indeed.
Overall, this feels like the most relevant and impressive Toyota supermini we've seen for many years. Unlike some of its rivals, it's not concerned with eye-catching interior technology or particularly swish exterior design. Rather, it gets the basics that buyers want right, foremost among them low running costs and hassle-free ownership. For a more detailed look at the Yaris Hybrid, read on for the rest of our in-depth review...
