Toyota is again offering classic combustion engines for the latest edition of the Yaris. However, it is primarily the hybrid that is being bought. There are several understandable reasons for this.
The drive future for cars is electric. Many of the pleasant facets of this coming era can already be experienced in the new Toyota Yaris Hybrid and at the same time enjoy the benefits of the combustion engine unabated. Both souls merge in the compact five-door to form an efficient and enjoyable unit, which Toyota has shaped into a remarkably smooth high-tech unit in its latest expansion stage. Whether sporty, energetic or economical - whatever the accelerator wants, the double heart delivers. Anyone who experiences the hybrid present in the Yaris will be happy to wait a while for the pure electric future.
One would hardly expect that a technically noticeably mature full hybrid drive is in the 3,94 meter short five-door car, given the look. The LED lights at the front and rear may add a progressive note, but thanks to the powerful air openings in the front, wide wheel arches or the diffuser rear, the cheeky Japanese conveys more of a poisonous aura than of the future.
And the Yaris fulfills this external promise in an astonishingly dynamic way. Hybrid actually sounds like the sadness of the waiting room, with a lot of engine noise following gas commands, but little action. The engine, which is initially silent after pressing the start button, can, if desired, go off like the claw-proven furry animal of the Schmitz family. When maneuvering and getting into city traffic, you don't notice anything at first, because the 59 kW / 80 PS electric motor usually pushes very gently with almost no noise. Thanks to the new lithium-ion battery, you can even travel a few kilometers without emissions. If the accelerator pedal is stepped more progressively and deeply, the 1,5-liter three-cylinder with 67 kW / 91 PS joins in with a hearty growl.
Now the drive really gets going. Like a young savage, the Yaris dashes forward without a second, despite the continuously variable automatic. The elastic band effect, which was annoying with earlier hybrid drives from Toyota, does not occur. Whether in the city, during intermediate sprints on the motorway or a fun country trip - despite the economy drive, the Yaris always provides a lavish amount of power on request. In less than 10 seconds, the 1,1-ton truck accelerates from zero to three-digit km / h regions. Thanks to his liveliness in intermediate sprints, the driver quickly loses his respect for big and fast left-lane racers, even on the highway. You only have to admit defeat to the top, because according to the speedometer it is only just over 180 km / h. That is of course completely sufficient, especially since it gets a bit noisy in the interior towards the top speed.
The Yaris chassis could certainly do with more. Even at full speed, the compact Toyota lies on the road to inspire confidence and by no means feels like a fidgety city dwarf. At the same time, there are no excessive hardships. A good compromise for everyday life and driving pleasure.
Inside offers the Yaris however, ordinary small car format. He is one of the few in his guild who still stay below the four-meter mark. Accordingly, you can feel the legroom in the rear and the 268 to 768 liter trunk. Even if not a giant in terms of space, it is still recommended as a versatile and practical everyday car with still reasonable external dimensions.
In addition, depending on the equipment, the small Toyota offers many fine gimmicks that were unusual in this class until a few years ago. This includes an infotainment system with a large touchscreen, voice recognition and connectivity technology. Other highlights include a head-up display, automatic climate control and the cruise control system. The instrument cluster with its three displays is also made interesting. If you need glasses while reading, you will occasionally rub your eyes in some areas of this somewhat small display.
The most important aspect of the Yaris Hybrid has so far not been mentioned: the consumption. According to the WLTP measurement, 3,8 liters should be possible with normal driving, which also works in practice in city traffic. It was just over four liters on our excursions into urban areas, where the recuperating electric motor can maximize its efficiency advantages. If you drive on the motorway at 130 km / h for a long time, the savings potential falls by the wayside. The three cylinders then allowed themselves six liters.
The Yaris Hybrid also demands a little more when it comes to the purchase price, because around 19.500 euros is a very proud announcement for a basic version in the small car segment. And those who can get excited about the many attractive extras will quickly end up beyond 25.000 euros. We recommend the Style equipment, for example, together with the technology package for around 25.800 euros. In return, there is a smart small car that has a lot of potential to make its owner happy.
Five-door, five-seater small car, length: 3,94 meters, width: 1,75 meters, height: 1,50 meters, wheelbase: 2,56 meters, trunk volume: 286 - 768 liters
Full hybrid drive. 1,5-liter three-cylinder Otto, output: 68 kW / 92 PS, maximum torque: 120 Nm, electric motor, output: 59 kW / 80 PS, maximum torque: 141 Nm, system output: 85 KW / 116 PS, Automatic (stepless), front-wheel drive, 0-100 km / h: 9,7 s, Vmax: 175 km / h, average consumption: 2,8 - 3,2 l, CO2 emissions: 64 - 73 g / km, efficiency class: A +, emission standard: Euro 6 AP, price: from 19.486 euros
Toyota Yaris Hybrid - brief characteristics
Why: because its hybrid drive combines fun and economy in a particularly convincing way
Why not: too small, too expensive, too little electric
What else: Honda Jazz, Renault Clio Hybrid
