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Toyota Yaris
Fun factor
It ain't the Echo, period. It is the Yaris, and it holds its own. Paulo Subido pilots IT and won't return the keys
Photography by Alfred Mendoza
First glance? Man, it is just so cute. Not my idea of what a driver's car should be. It looks too at home parked in front of your neighborhood Starbucks, and—as much as I hate to say it—from the onset, there is no indication that this car has anything going for it underneath its shell. Must be the shape? It took a while for me to actually come to terms with the weird ovoid-styled cars that have been rolling off the factory lines lately. But after a few years, the odd proportions do manage to grow on you, and thinking along the lines of practicality, the new silhouettes of cars are dictated by the need for interior space. And passenger space is what this car has a lot of. But let's talk about the boring stuff last, shall we?
Hop into the Yaris and you automatically feel 'engaged'. The seats, though slightly soft, mold around the contours of your body. There is plenty of support for your back, sides and thighs. Even while at a standstill, I knew that I wasn't going to slide around once I hit the streets. The seats alone could have been a giveaway of what this car can do, but once I wrapped my hands around the compact steering wheel, I knew I had to get out of the parking lot right away. I slipped the gated automatic shifter into drive and threw whatever judgments I had out the window.
The Yaris is composed, thanks to a nicely tuned undercarriage that, although biased for comfort, still feels firm enough for adventurous cornering and double lane changes. In short, it inspires confidence, and with that you can really have fun behind the wheel for those quick city sprints.
True, the Yaris isn't packing that many horses (107hp at 6,000rpm), but the VVT-i technology combined with the double overhead camshafts makes for a free-revving powerplant that is enthusiastic and eager to please. Any strain? Even with a full load, the Yaris hardly feels sluggish. It took a while for a dent to be made on the digital fuel gauge read-out, too, so I can assume that this car is frugal at the pump in spite of my heavy right foot. Who can blame me? The Yaris begs you to floor it. Should you want to stop in a hurry, the brakes are responsive and easy to modulate. ABS comes standard.
I don't want to come off as overly enthusiastic but this is the first time that an automatic transmission has actually grown on me. Step-downs from third to second occur with hardly a jolt, and the gates are an excellent touch. The lever is positioned perfectly, and the knob fits snugly into the palm of your hand. This is as close to 'manual' as it can get, even without a manual override. I was easily pleased, and not once did I ever feel out of touch with the car as is usually the case with other 'matics. This is saying a lot for the Yaris but I stand by my opinion. It is a lot of fun and you won't feel 'disconnected'. It is very intuitive to say the least. Should you want a manual tranny, it is available, too. I would like to get my hands on one of them soon for an out-of-town dash.
Without argument, the fun factor is high on the meter. The Yaris is meant to be driven, and complete enjoyment awaits any would-be driver. It is nimble and it is quick. It has excellent balance with regard to power-to-weight ratio. And when things get a little hairy, just ease off the gas and this car will correct itself with ease. No drama here if you know how to drive safely and responsibly. That is always the best way.
Now back to the interior space. There is plenty for the passengers. Even with the front seats set all the way back, tall rear passengers won't have any trouble being accommodated. Three six-footers can fit at the back without any discomfort. Headroom isn't lacking either, but as is the case with most hatches, the trunk has to be sacrificed. What the Yaris needs is a split 60/40 rear seat back. As it is, when folded down, there isn't a place for rear passengers to sit. Although the seat reclines to give maximum comfort for all, luggage space is at a minimum compared with the Honda Jazz that has a very versatile rear passenger and luggage layout.
Yes, the Yaris is unconventional inside. The front door panels cascade from the edges of the dash. Window controls are positioned far from reach, but that is a minor inconvenience. The center-moun-ted instrument gauge cluster will always be a hallmark, I think, but at least this time there are compartments on the upper dash for both the driver and the front passenger. There is a total of ten cubbies on the dashboard, actually. Hard to believe? Look closely and you will find them under the steering wheel, beside the aircon controls, and at the corners. This isn't surprising because there is an acre before the windshield even begins. The only sad thing is that the dash feels like it is made of brittle plastic. The materials on the seats and door panels make up for the vast plastic planes though. Nice, cushy and dark.
| Toyota Yaris |
| We say: For the enthusiastic car owner who loves to drive and have a blast behind the wheel. |
Price: P748,000
Engine: 1.5L VVT-i DOHC
Power: 107hp
Torque: 139Nm
Transmission: A/T with Super ECT
Layout/Seating: FWD/5
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The Yaris is competitively priced at P748,000 for the A/T and P713,00 for the M/T. When you think about it, this is quite a bit for a subcompact, but what you are buying is an exhilarating driving experience. Sure, a sedan might be more practical and there will be a trunk to speak of, but the Yaris offers more than that in the form of thrills. This is a true driver's car that we are talking about here. Not quite a sports car, but it comes awfully close, even in stock trim. We can only begin to imagine what the TRD version feels like.
If you get the chance, take the Yaris for a spin. The driving experience will easily revive your senses. And it's a nice break from the sea of Jazz units out there.
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Top Gear Philippines - June 2007
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