And while 228 liters might not seem like much when all the seats are occupied, let me tell you that I was able to fit no less than five large grocery bags under the cargo cover.
The interior of the Yaris Hatchback also contains a slew of convenient storage compartments -- big and small. Actually, there are six bins around the front seats and three glove boxes integrated to the dashboard.
Fun to drive
Driving a Yaris requires some getting used to, especially on your first night out. After starting the engine and turning the headlights on, you might think for one second that somebody just stole the instrument cluster; there's nothing behind the steering wheel!
The thing is, Toyota decided to put the various gauges and instruments (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, trip meter, etc.) under a small dome right in the upper middle section of the dashboard. I quickly got used to this unusual layout. Besides, it allows the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road more often.
Some people believe that all econoboxes are synonymous with a stiff ride. I'm happy to report that the suspension of the Yaris, while firm, boasts decent travel and seldom overreacts to road imperfections. The steering is light and precise, which makes for good maneuverability, as evidenced by the short turning diameter (9.4 meters vs 10.4 for the sedan).
What's more, the compact size and expansive windows ensure excellent visibility. Parking maneuvers pose no problem whatsoever. An intermittent setting for the rear window wiper would have been appreciated, though, particularly in misty conditions.
A zippy engine!
The Yaris also benefits from a competent powertrain. Despite producing barely 100 horsepower, this 1.5 liter mill delivers linear accelerations and adequate passing power for the city.
Of course, 12 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h won't excite anyone, especially not video game enthusiasts. The Yaris competes in a totally different championship, the goal of which is to limit as much as possible the number of visits to the gas station.
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| The unusual layout of the dashboard, with the instrument cluster in the upper middle section, proves to be distractive at first but you quickly get used to it. |
The interior of the Yaris Hatchback also contains a slew of convenient storage compartments -- big and small. Actually, there are six bins around the front seats and three glove boxes integrated to the dashboard.
Fun to drive
Driving a Yaris requires some getting used to, especially on your first night out. After starting the engine and turning the headlights on, you might think for one second that somebody just stole the instrument cluster; there's nothing behind the steering wheel!
The thing is, Toyota decided to put the various gauges and instruments (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, trip meter, etc.) under a small dome right in the upper middle section of the dashboard. I quickly got used to this unusual layout. Besides, it allows the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road more often.
Some people believe that all econoboxes are synonymous with a stiff ride. I'm happy to report that the suspension of the Yaris, while firm, boasts decent travel and seldom overreacts to road imperfections. The steering is light and precise, which makes for good maneuverability, as evidenced by the short turning diameter (9.4 meters vs 10.4 for the sedan).
What's more, the compact size and expansive windows ensure excellent visibility. Parking maneuvers pose no problem whatsoever. An intermittent setting for the rear window wiper would have been appreciated, though, particularly in misty conditions.
A zippy engine!
The Yaris also benefits from a competent powertrain. Despite producing barely 100 horsepower, this 1.5 liter mill delivers linear accelerations and adequate passing power for the city.
Of course, 12 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h won't excite anyone, especially not video game enthusiasts. The Yaris competes in a totally different championship, the goal of which is to limit as much as possible the number of visits to the gas station.
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| The small 1.5 liter mill delivers linear accelerations and adequate passing power for the city. Plus, it's great on gas. |