Insurance Group: 11
MPG: 72.4
CO2: 104
0-62 Mph: 10.8 secs
BHP: 89 BHP
Range: 669 miles
PROS: Remarkable fuel economy. Sharp attractive design.
CONS: Handling is not great and the manual gearbox needs to be worked hard. The interior is of a poor quality.
Compared to the other superminis on the market, the Toyota Yaris TR 1.4 D-4D 5dr doesn’t offer the same level of driving pleasure. The new model is 20 kg lighter than its predecessor which should improve dynamics, however this isn’t the case and the end result is in fact a little disappointing. The Yaris seems to struggle with any sudden change of direction and the suspension does little to smooth bumps on the road. This makes the car fine for leisurely city driving but unsuitable for more demanding motoring.
Despite the handling problems, the 1.4 litre diesel engine in this model delivers a moderate power output of 89 bhp at 3800 rpm. The Yaris has a top speed of 109 mph and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 10.8 seconds.
The Toyota Yaris TR 1.4 D-4D has a striking exterior, with angular headlights, a sculpted bonnet and double grille, and attractive chrome trim.
The new Yaris is lengthier than its predecessor by 100mm and this allows for a longer wheelbase and a deeper boot. This permits ample room for both the rear and front passengers as well as cargo.
Despite the handsome exterior, buyers are likely to be left disappointed by the interior which feels low-grade and cheap. Thinly padded seats also make long journeys uncomfortable.
This Yaris is offered with a decent amount of standard equipment. Standard features include power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, rear parking camera, Bluetooth connectivity and an advanced stereo with CD player and MP3 connectivity. A built-in sat nav is also available as a chargeable extra, costing £500.
Toyota are known for building safe cars and this trend continues in the Yaris TR 1.4 D-4D which achieved a five star overall safety rating in the NCAP crash tests. This is thanks to an advanced safety kit which has driver, passenger and front side airbags all fitted as standard.
There is also an immobiliser fitted to deter thieves but the car does not come with the option of an alarm.
In terms of practicality, you will find an impressive amount of space in this city car as well as an assortment of gadgets.
Even though it lacks quality, the interior dashboard has been cleverly designed and offers an array of well thought out features which include an easy to use touchscreen control system that ingeniously doubles up as a satnav and reversing camera screen display (providing these options are selected).
The seats have been designed to maximise space and are cleverly placed to ensure rear-seated passengers are well catered for. The Yaris’s boot has also increased in size, now measuring 347 litres with the seats up and 768 litres with the seats folded down.
The car also comes with a fairly impressive five year/100,000 mile warranty, which is reassuring.
The Toyota Yaris 1.4 D-4D 5dr is priced at £14,760 and, considering the amount of equipment that is included in this price, this is good value for money.
An impressive fuel economy figure of 72.4 mpg should ensure that the Yaris is cheap to own. The environmental benefits of the car's low carbon emissions also lead to low road tax costs under VED band B. Insurance should also be cheap, witht the D-4D falling under insurance group 9.
This means that, for those willing to compromise on the quality of the interior, the Toyota Yaris 1.4 D-4D could be the ideal city car.
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