The Yaris adds a new dimension to the Toyota range and the company is aiming it at popular small cars such as the VW Polo, Hyundai Getz, Honda Jazz and Renault Clio.

And it seems as if it was an effortless exercise for the Yaris to capture the imagination of car buyers as Toyota sold more than 2 000 units in its launch month.

It is very easy to understand why this little hatch is such a big hit - it has Toyota DNA, cute looks, good build quality and offers great value for money. Its biggest selling point is probably the Toyota badge, as the brand is tried and trusted by South Africans.

There is also no doubt that the Yaris is creating a stir in its segment and during the test period a number of people came up to me as I got out to ask me about the car.

The range currently comprises of five models, each of them powered by the same 1.3-litre engine.

Our test model was the T3 Spirit, which is the range-topping manual model. Unlike the lower-end models it comes with alloy wheels, front fog lights, better trim and more safety and comfort features.

Inside
Equipment & quality
Toyota products are known for good quality and reliability and the Yaris is no exception.

Although Toyota has opted to use harder plastics, instead of soft-touch plastics, one has to keep in mind that this doesn't mean bad quality.

In fact not only does the car feel solid and well-built but the perceived quality of all materials seems top notch - we also didn't experience any rattles even after driving a lot of kilometres on gravel roads.

The T3 Spirit is also well-equipped and comes with all the bells and whistles such as all-round electric windows, air conditioning and front-loading CD player.

Safety features are comprehensive too and the active safety package comprises of ABS brakes with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist (BAS).

In terms of passive safety there are dual airbags, a knee airbag for the driver and curtain shield airbags.

In the driver's seat
It is easy to find a comfortable driving position for short and tall passengers as the driver's seat has wide adjustment. The seating position is also high, which enhances your view of the road ahead.

Overall ergonomics are good too and all controls are easy to operate. Audio controls on the steering wheel are standard.

The most noticeable feature of the Yaris' interior is its trademark digital instrument panel.

At first it can be irritating but after a while it doesn't bother one anymore. However, sometimes one can't see the speedometer reading if the sun's rays fall onto in on a certain angle - annoying and potentially expensive if you get caught in a speed trap .

Space and versatility
Despite being quite a small car the Yaris is big on space. Front passengers have more than enough head, leg and shoulder room, while space for rear occupants isn't bad either.

The rear seat, which splits 60/40, can also move forward or rearward to increase boot or rear passenger legroom. If the seat is moved forward boot space increases from 272 litres to 363 litres.

Furthermore the load volume can be expanded to 737 litres by folding the rear seats down. And the rear seats can be folded completely flat thanks to Toyota's Easy Flat system.

The Yaris also benefits from a number of extra storage compartments.

On the road
Performance and refinement
Currently the Yaris is only available with a 1.3-litre engine.

This new generation 16-valve DOHC all aluminium 2NZ-FE petrol engine with VVT-i technology produces 63 kW at 6 000 r/min and has a maximum torque of 121 Nm at 4 400 r/min.

One of the big features of the Yaris is that NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) has received a lot of attention resulting in low engine, road and wind noise.

Driving it
The Yaris offers a good ride and as with most Toyotas the car is easy to drive. Its engine is a smooth free-revving unit, and the electrical power steering (combined with the car's small dimensions) makes the Yaris easy to manoeuvre.

With lots of low-down torque the engine is not one which needs a lot of revs to get going, but if you want to increase your pace it doesn't mind being pushed to the red zone.

Ride is good for the segment, and the car feels very taut and responsive. The car even keeps its posture on uneven surfaces and it tackled a stretch of about 50 km of gravel road with ease.

Conclusion

The Yaris is an impressive package and a car with great character.

With the Yaris Toyota has managed to combine space, quality, nice looks, a good drive and value for money. It is already becoming a serious contender in the small car segment and has what it takes to take on the opposition in te fast-growing small hatch segment..

Its practicality is almost on par with that of the Honda Jazz and its build quality is top notch. The Yaris is difficult to fault and is without doubt a very sensible buy, while it also benefits from Toyota's credentials as a trusted carmaker.

- Wheels24.co.za -