Imagine, if you will, that all the cars on the market were collectively represented by a sumptuous meal. You could then visualise a whole bunch of vehicles that are the figurative equivalent of the meat and potatoes, others that are the gravy, and the really tasty ones as the dessert.
Along with all these, you’d have the bread and butter, and it’s the most basic slice of white loaf and value spread that we’re dealing with here – the ubiquitous Toyota Yaris. There was no rocket science or neurosurgical complexity involved in its creation. The basic selling proposition is simple: here’s a car that’s relatively cheap, ultra-reliable, easy to drive and efficiently packaged.
It’s little surprise that the UAE’s roads are crawling with Yarises – or should that be Yarii? It’s been a winning formula since the first-generation model launched in 1999, and subsequent models have carried forward the essence of the original, ensuring that the stellar sales success has remained undiminished.
That said, the third-gen Yaris that launched here last June deviated somewhat from the form book – unlike its Japan-sourced predecessors, it was built in Thailand and was conceived with the Asian market in mind. So, where the Japanese model (which is also sold in Europe) prioritises nippy handling and a compact footprint, the Thai version was designed with generous cabin space and lower production costs as some of the key criteria.
The dimensional stretch is evident as soon as you lay eyes on the Yaris – it’s now almost as big as the Corolla was a decade ago. This translates to ample sprawling space inside for a subcompact car, which is a major plus for markets such as China, where it’s pitched as an affordable family car.
There’s plenty of head- and legroom front and rear, and the luggage compartment is capacious enough to swallow a couple of suitcases and more, as I discover when collecting my mother from the airport (she’s never mastered the art of travelling light).
Another good test of its family-car credentials is provided by an excursion to the Hatta/Oman border with my wife and our energetic 4-month old mischief-maker. It proves a doddle, as our bulky pram slots into the rear with no problems, and a rear-facing child seat is accommodated equally comfortably.
Our test car is the range-topping Yaris SE+, which is propelled by a 1.5L, four-cylinder engine that turns out a modest 108hp and 141Nm, shunted to the front wheels by a four-speed auto. This power-train is adequate rather than sparkling, and it’s not helped by the antiquated transmission, which can’t seem to decide which ratio it wants to be in when you call for a sudden burst of acceleration. In any case, what happens when you stand on the gas isn’t a sudden burst of acceleration – it’s more like an ever-so-gradual build-up of momentum.
The new Yaris markedly lacks the zippiness of its predecessors, and this is no doubt largely down to the latest generation’s added girth. This means that you should definitely steer clear of the entry-level 1.3L model, which pumps out a wheezy 85hp and 120Nm, and retails for Dh51,000.
On the plus side, the Yaris is a perfectly acceptable conveyance when driven sedately and it trundles along in relative refinement at a steady 120kph. The seats are also comfy and supportive, while the air conditioning has enough potency to take the sting out of the midday sun.
Inside, it’s evident that the interior designers have tried to be creative, with sweeping lines and contrasting trim materials throughout. The trim is variable, with some surfaces pleasing to the eye and touch, while others feel cheap and plasticky. The 1.5L models come with a three-spoke leather steering wheel with red stitching, which gives the cabin with a vaguely sporting ambience, even if the car itself is anything but. The SE+ model also gets push-button start, which is a rarity in this segment.
Visually, I’m not sure if I like the 2015 Yaris better than the old one. Yes, the stylists have tried to get a little funky with some edgy design elements – “waku doki” (which loosely translates to a feeling of excitement and anticipation) is Toyota’s new catch cry – but the perky, unpretentious cuteness of the oldie has been lost along the way.
There are more engaging subcompact cars out there – the Honda Jazz and Mazda2 spring to mind. But the latest Yaris will doubtless clean up in the market – firstly, because its pricing is hugely competitively; and secondly, because it’s a Toyota. The Japanese car-making juggernaut has blue-chip brand equity, and this alone is enough to almost ensure whatever product it rolls out will sell in decent numbers.
All told, the Yaris does what it says on the box. It’s sensible, affordable transport, even for those with small families in tow. A bit more sparkle would have been welcome, though.
motoring@thenational.ae
