3rd place - Toyota Yaris LE
The little Toyota has proven distinctive and unmistakable for a long time but it’s now getting a bit old and dated, both in terms of design (inside and out) and performance. Definitely not as modern as the other two, it had a hard time convincing our jury.
Actually, the Yaris finished dead last with regard to styling and interior room. We loaded the same boxes and suitcases inside the cargo area (with the rear seatbacks up and down), but this car was not really up for the challenge. Only 13 boxes fitted in and we had to squeeze them a little more than if they had been full. With the seatbacks up, things are even worse as the Yaris could barely accommodate three boxes… or else the rear hatch wouldn’t close.
Likewise, the meager powertrain is not up to the task. This 1.5L unit struggles to move the car with enthusiasm, as evidenced by the acceleration time of 11.38 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. The centrally-mounted instruments also remain an issue, just like the hard plastics throughout the cabin.
On a positive note, handling and fuel economy are pretty good. So is braking performance at 45 metres from 100 to 0 km/h. Our journalists also appreciated the great maneuverability and sharper steering of the Yaris. Incidentally, it came within a hair of earning the top spot in that category.
The cute Japanese’s best years are quite probably behind it and many agree that a serious overhaul of the design and powertrain is necessary. Neither the Versa nor the Fit can beat its low price, though.
"Credit the Yaris for its dynamic ride resulting from a firmer suspension and European flavor."
-Mathieu St-Pierre
The little Toyota has proven distinctive and unmistakable for a long time but it’s now getting a bit old and dated, both in terms of design (inside and out) and performance. Definitely not as modern as the other two, it had a hard time convincing our jury.
 |
| The cute Japanese’s best years are quite probably behind it and many agree that a serious overhaul of the design and powertrain is necessary. |
Actually, the Yaris finished dead last with regard to styling and interior room. We loaded the same boxes and suitcases inside the cargo area (with the rear seatbacks up and down), but this car was not really up for the challenge. Only 13 boxes fitted in and we had to squeeze them a little more than if they had been full. With the seatbacks up, things are even worse as the Yaris could barely accommodate three boxes… or else the rear hatch wouldn’t close.
Likewise, the meager powertrain is not up to the task. This 1.5L unit struggles to move the car with enthusiasm, as evidenced by the acceleration time of 11.38 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. The centrally-mounted instruments also remain an issue, just like the hard plastics throughout the cabin.
On a positive note, handling and fuel economy are pretty good. So is braking performance at 45 metres from 100 to 0 km/h. Our journalists also appreciated the great maneuverability and sharper steering of the Yaris. Incidentally, it came within a hair of earning the top spot in that category.
The cute Japanese’s best years are quite probably behind it and many agree that a serious overhaul of the design and powertrain is necessary. Neither the Versa nor the Fit can beat its low price, though.
"Credit the Yaris for its dynamic ride resulting from a firmer suspension and European flavor."
-Mathieu St-Pierre
 |
| With the seatbacks up, things are even worse as the Yaris could barely accommodate three boxes. |