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Toyota Yaris Review 2015

 

Good points

  • Fresh new looks
  • Functional and well-equipped inside
  • No-nonsense city motoring

Needs work

  • Down on power compared to rivals
  • More expensive than some
  • Sedan not updated

The Toyota Yaris remains simple, reliable and cheap motoring – but the Toyota Yaris is now even better equipped. With our test car sporting a baby-blue paint job, Chasing Cars received plenty of stares over our week with the Yaris. Bright pink and yellow are also on the palate — the Yaris is more cute than conservative to look at. Take one for a drive, though, and the updated Yaris reminds you that, along with the Corolla (watch our Toyota Corolla review), Toyota still knows exactly how to build a great small car.

We borrowed the mid-range Yaris SX. At $19,390, the Toyota sits at the pricier end of the competition: the Ford Fiesta Trend may be $19,825, but the equivalent Volkswagen Polo (watch our Volkswagen Polo review) is just $18,790 – and the Hyundai i20 Active is even more affordable.

Dolled-up looks, a more refined interior, and additional equipment all make the Yaris’s price premium easier to justify. Plus, the little Toyota offers a fun driving experience, and is incredibly easy to manoeuvre around town, making this hatchback a fuss-free runabout or first car.

ChasingCars.com.au borrowed this vehicle for our Toyota Yaris review:

  • 2015 Toyota Yaris SX with the 1.5-litre aspirated four-cylinder and four-speed automatic, in Aura blue with black cloth, priced at $18,490 before on-road costs.
Budget Direct
Comprehensive cover
/ year
(indicative only)
Budget Direct
Comprehensive cover
/ year
(indicative only)

Key specs (as tested)

Engine
Capacity
1.5L
Cylinders
4
Induction
Naturally aspirated
Power
80kW @ 6000rpm
Torque
141Nm @ 4200rpm
Configuration
Conventional
Power to weight ratio
78kW / tonne
Fuel
Fuel type
Petrol
Fuel capacity
42L
Consumption
6.3L / 100km
Average Range
667km
Drivetrain
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
Front wheel drive
Engine configuration
In-line
Gears
4
Dimensions
Length
3905mm
Width
1695mm
Height
1510mm
Unoccupied weight
1030kg
Cargo space seats up
286L

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The estimate provided does not take into account your personal circumstances but is intended to give a general indication of the cost of insurance, in order to obtain a complete quote, please visit www.budgetdirect.com.au. Estimate includes 15%^ online discount.
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Indicative quote based on assumptions including postcode , 40 year old male with no offences, licence suspensions or claims in the last 5 years, a NCD Rating 1 and no younger drivers listed. White car, driven up to 10,000kms a year, unfinanced, with no modifications, factory options and/or non-standard accessories, private use only and garaged at night.

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