The Toyota Yaris is an affordable model that has rightfully gained the reputation of an economical and reliable runaround car – and with the updated 2019 version it aims to challenge the best in class.
With the exception of the limited run Yaris GRMN, Toyota’s compact city car has been deemed as an unremarkable drive throughout the years, lacking the spirit of rivals like the Ford Fiesta.
And while it still is the segment’s only model that can be had with a hybrid powertrain that’s offering great fuel econom-, the petrol-powered models in the range felt slow against their rivals.
The latest iteration of the Euro-spec Yaris tries to change that with the adoption of a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit that offers lower emissions, better fuel economy and faster acceleration than the old 1.33-liter engine. It produces 110hp and 100lb-ft (136Nm) and is paired to a six-speed manual transmission, making the Yaris capable of a 0-62mph (100km/h) in 11 seconds.
The exterior carries on the styling changes first introduced in the 2017 facelift, meaning a more dynamic presence than before and more vibrant color options, while the interior remains a mixed bag. That’s because the cabin offers great room for its class, but the design and ergonomics make it feel less competitive against newer rivals.
Still, can the reliable commuter turn into a genuine star in such a competitive segment? Let’s see what Carwow has to say about that on the video that follows.