
The new Yaris looks cool. Large wheelbase and track width make it look like something more than a "granny express". I was curious about the driving characteristics and whether the hybrid solution has become less fussy.
Do you remember the very first Yaris?
It was a breath of fresh air from Toyota. Not just a small car, but one cool car. The design caused a stir when it was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1998. The Yaris was not the biggest in its class, but won on other qualities. After several laps, the Yaris fell under "it ensure - but alas boring«. Boring to look at and boring to drive. The new Yaris, on the other hand, looks good. But how is it to drive?
The vital goals
It is not difficult to see that the Yaris has been given a wider track width and a longer wheelbase. These are the vital measurements that can make small cars feel like bigger cars on the road. In that sense, the Yaris is bigger than the Corolla and Golf were 10 years ago. The Yaris' platform is also larger than its competitors, but development is fast. The new Skoda Fabia and upcoming Volkswagen Polo are on the same level. In my eyes, the Yaris is still a small car, but with a wider and longer platform, it really looks like a competent driving machine.
On the road
Now it must be said that I have not driven it on any race track, just taken it calmly around country roads and small roads. The hybrid drive system consists of a 1,5-litre 3-cylinder engine with 92 HP and an electric motor with 80 HP. Overall peak power is still "only" 116 HP, but the torque is superb. There's plenty of power, too – and they're there when you need them. The engine quickly comes "on track" when needed. The steering is easy. At speed, I could have wished for a little more steering resistance. I liked how the chassis handled bumps in the road. Especially speed bumps, thanks to the long wheelbase. The suspension felt firm, - yet comfortable - but did not invite sporty driving. Then I would have liked better road feel when the car is pushed a little hard into the bends. But I can't blame the Yaris for poor road feel until I've tried it with other tyres. "My" Yaris had studless winter tires on 15 inch rims.

Improved hybrid and CVT
It is beyond any doubt that Toyota has fixed the previous annoyance with the CVT gearbox which sent the revs skyrocketing for no reason. We have previously noted clear improvements in the new Corolla and RAV4 - and now - the new Yaris. The drive nevertheless behaves differently to what we are used to from small turbo engines with double clutches and electric cars. When the petrol engine is active, the Yaris behaves as if it had a traditional automatic transmission. I would characterize it as more alive - and more entertaining. For me, it brings back memories of the automatic cars of old that I loved to drive, knowing that there is a fine nuance difference between a live and a fussy drive train.
3 cylinders with a nice sound image
The engine is 3-cylinder without affecting the sound image. Many 3-cylinder engines emit a sound reminiscent of scooters and outboard motors. Also, they tend to send vibrations into the cabin when the revs drop towards idle. This is eliminated in hybrid cars, as the electric motor takes over. During normal driving, you don't think much about how the Yaris distributes the power between the petrol and electric motor. The impression is that the petrol engine always runs when you give it gas, and "fades out" when you take your foot off the gas.

Interior feeling of quality
Knobs and levers seem half a class above previous models without leaving any premium feeling - at least not in "our" level of equipment. But with automatic lighting and a rain sensor, there aren't that many buttons you really need to press. The handbrake is electromechanical. The gear selector is "PRND" directly - not "by wire". The seat adjustment is mechanical, slightly flimsy plastic levers. The seats are "completely alright" to sit in, with height adjustment at the rear and stepwise adjustable backrests. The gas cap opener is still a small lever under the seat.
Place
The Yaris is registered for 5, but seems more like a 4-seater for adult passengers. But 3 children are of course fine behind. I could sit quite alright behind myself, although getting in and out was a bit tricky with my long legs. I am 1,88 meters tall. In general, mutual cooperation is required to fit 2 tall people behind each other in cars like this. The luggage compartment is 286 liters under the hat shelf. It is normal for the class.

Security
All models are equipped with Toyota's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Lane Trace Assist, Emergency Steering Assist and Intersection Turn Assistance. The latter should detect whether you are on a collision course with crossing traffic.
Standard on all models are also 8 airbags, including central airbags to prevent passengers in the same row of seats from "clinching" into each other in the event of a side impact. NCAP tested the system and it worked fine. The Yaris got top results in side collisions and also with respect to whiplash. All cars have an automatic e-call system that calls the emergency services in the event of a collision. In the case of an offset frontal collision towards the driver's side, the test mannequin suffered "marginal" damage to the legs due to collision with parts of the dashboard. Compared to its competitors, the safety of the Yaris was rated on a par with the all-new models of the Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa.
consumption
Consumption stated from the factory is measured in ht. WLTP. In the WLTP tests, hybrid cars often come out far better than in reality, because a majority of the measurements take place within the range of the batteries. Toyota states WLTP consumption in mixed driving to be 0,39 litres/mile and that figure is actually real. My consumption in suburbs and country roads at an outside temperature of 10 degrees - and various stops along the way - ended up at 0,34 litres/mile measured from the first cold start until the car was returned. This is not bad considering the car is quite powerfully motorized for its class.
Conclusion
Toyota has created a completely different Yaris for "keen drivers". It is called "GR Yaris" and produces 261 HP and will cost almost NOK 600. You can get the standard edition from NOK 000 - 260. The point is that a small car like the Yaris shouldn't cost too much. Then the price advantage you get by choosing a smaller car disappears. The standard Yaris is easy to drive and comfortable, without appealing to "keen drivers".
New hybrid solutions can become expensive fun for car owners as the miles and years roll on. The biggest advantage of the Yaris is that the hybrid solution is well-proven and widely sold all over the world. No surprises.
Download Euro NCAP report for 2020 Toyota Yaris

Facts about the Toyota Yaris Hybrid (XP210)
Weights and Measures
External dimensions - L, W, H: 394 x 175 x 150 cm
Wheelbase: 256 cm
Front track width: 151,8 cm
Rear track width: 151,4 cm
Net weight: 1085 kg (without driver)
Payload: 455 kg
Total weight: 1615 kg
Number of seats: 5
Max trailer weight w/brakes: 450 kg
– without brakes: 450 kg
Roof load: –
Drivetrain
Petrol engine: 1,5 liter (3 cyl) VVT-iE
Power: 120 HP @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 120 Nm @ 3800-4800 revs
Electric motor: 80 HP, 141 Nm constant
Total power: 116 HP
Gearbox: e-CVT
Operation: Front wheel drive
Performances
Top speed: 174 km/h
0-100: 9,7 seconds
Electric car characteristics
Battery pack: Lithium-ion 4,3 amp/hour
Not plug-in rechargeable
consumption
WLTP: 0,39 litres/mile mixed driving
Own measurement: 0,34 litres/mile mixed driving
Luggage compartment
As a five-seater: 286 litres
As a two-seater: 947 litres
Tires
Dimension: 185/65R15
Type: Spikeless winter
Brand: Nokian Hakkapelitta R3
About the car
Place of manufacture: Onnaing, France
Color: Mica Metallic
Equipment level: Active
Price: NOK 279
Owner: Europcar
Rented via the app Rent
Model: 2020
Mileage: 10000
Km driven: 47
Source: Toyota.no, Vegvesen.no



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