2009 Toyota Yaris YRS Review
November 5, 2008 by Matt Brogan
Yaris did however provide a reasonably quiet ride once on the run and felt quite stable on the road. It didn’t feel overly light-footed nor top heavy as can some small cars, which further enhanced my view of this being the ideal city vehicle. With easy maneuverability, the compact nature of the Yaris is an obvious advantage when swinging in to tight parking spaces.
While it may be pretty typical in the looks department, there is nothing to really dislike about the styling on offer, but similarly, there’s nothing overly unique about it either. It is however neat and has that ‘zippy’ feel to it which carries across in to the interior decor.
Functional and practical, but a little more plastic, there are just a few reminders of the inexpensive nature of the car. The dash top sunglasses keepers have a ‘plasticy’ sound when you close them, the glovebox feels rather weak and the cloth trim of the seats has a sandpaper-like feel.
I did like the stereo though and found it pumped out sufficient sound for a small car. The head unit also has MP3 compatibility and the ability for you to plug in your iPod or MP3 player. Air-conditioning and ventillation is effective, and the control knobs are nice and big, and very easy to use when driving.
I like the positioning of the driver’s side electric window controls too. They are mounted high on the arm rest so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road for long to adjust the windows. The go-kart sized steering wheel carries simple volume and track selection controls and a mode button as well.
I didn’t have any major issues with visibility, despite the rear pillars being quite thick. I did however find the doors took a bit of closing, they needed a good hard push to lock in properly.
It is a little perplexing to me as to why Toyota haven’t included cruise control in the Yaris, even as an option. Keeping costs down is obviously a main factor, but some of the Yaris’ competitors do offer cruise and it of course aids in keeping the car economical.
Overall, while the Yaris doesn’t measure up to the family challenge, it is definitely a great city car for singles or a couple just starting out. From just $15,190 it’s also a great first car that I’m sure Mum and Dad wouldn’t mind pitching in for given the level of safety on offer.
With Toyota kicking plenty of goals in the new car market, the Yaris is sure to keep reeling in those in search of saving those extra cents at the bowser.
CarAdvice Overall Rating: 
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Pricing:
- YR Hatchback: 3-door $15,190 (M) / $16,790 (A)
- YR Hatchback: 5-door $16,390 (M) / $17,990 (A)
- YRS Hatchback: 3-door $16,840 (M) / $18,440 (A)
- YRS Hatchback: 5-door $17,990 (M) / $19,640 (A)
- YRX Hatchback: 3-door $19,390 (M) / $20,990 (A)
- YRX Hatchback: 5-door $20,540 (M) / $22,190 (A)
- Rush LE 5-door Hatchback: $18,390 (M) / $16,890 (A)
- YRS Sedan: $18,240 (M) / $19,890 (A)
- YRX Sedan: $20,790 (M) / $22,440 (A)
Specifications:
- Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder VVTi
- Power: 80kW @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 141Nm @ 4200 rpm
- Transmission: Five-speed manual
- Brakes: Disc/Drum with ABS, EBA & EBD
- Driven Wheels: Front
- 0-100km/h: 12.1 secs
- Top Speed: 175km/h
- Fuel Type: 91RON ULP
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 42 litres
- Fuel Consumption: 6.1 litres per 100km (Combined)
- CO2 Emissions: 145g per kilometre
- Safety: Front Airbags (Safety Pack optional)
- ANCAP Rating: Four Stars
- Spare Wheel: Full Size Steel
- Turning Circle: 9.4 metres
- Towing Capacity: 700kg (Braked)
- Warranty: 3 years/100,000km
- Weight: 1030kg (Tare)
- Wheels: 15-inch steel
Road Test the Rivals:
- Ford Fiesta
- Holden Barina
- Honda Jazz
- Hyundai Getz
- KIA Rio
- Mazda 2
- Mitsubishi Colt
- Nissan Micra
- Suzuki Swift
- Volkswagen Polo
Looks better than before but I sill think this is one of the last superminis I would ever consider. There are just so many other better value better looking better to drive superminis out there now. I’d certainly rather a Mazda 2.
The Yaris is 5 star rated not 4 stars !!
Whoa McKenzie, get your facts right. ANCAP awards the Yaris 4 stars, for 2 reasons – no VSC and optional side/curtain/knee bags. You might be referring to Europe models, where all the bags and VSC are standard.
Anyways, Mazda2 is the class leader in this segment now, as stability is available as an option.
McKenzie,
The results clearly state ANCAP rating, as follows:
ANCAP – Four Stars
My mistake, it is 4 stars … sorry
5 stars Europe, 4 stars Australia.
The shape of the car is atrocious it looks like a fat insect.The interior looks like it came out of a childrens’ toy pedal car.
The overriding factors that I can think of as to why people would buy this car is the price and that it tends to appeal to young women,in other words,it’s a “girls” car.
The only redeeming feature on this Yaris is ……the paint colour!
Alright car considering, but that interior is truly horrible. Toyota has a thing for nasty interiors. The Starlet before it is testament to that.
It would be interesting to know if Toyota still has shortage problems with these. Girlfriend went to buy one in Feb, but there was a 3 month wait on them (for the full safety pack I think), bought a Swift instead.
The Swift interior isn’t much better. There has never been a shortage problem with Yaris. If you want the safety pack, it’s a factory order, hence the 3 month wait.
Another bland average car from the kings of boring cars…Toyota. You would have to be desperate to but one of these when there is plenty of way better cars in this class……….Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 are a couple of standouts in this class. Geez……..Toyota make some very ugly cars and this is one of them !!!
looked at these when buying a small car but got a swift instead. much better buy
Can’t possibly fathem who would buy one of these… well actually i can, someone looking for cheap problem free motoring.
I would honestly feel like i have just bought my way into years of torturous driving if i just took delivery of one of these things.
While i’m sure the yaris is sufficient for the average buyer out there, if they bother to look a little harder you can get alot better. Whether it is a Getz (which is cheaper and has ESP) for the budget conscious or the mazda 2 for a good all rounder, the yaris is off the pace. I see a very mild update has been brought out, small grille change etc. seems to be all it has going for it.
When ford launches its new fiesta early next year it will be another nail in this pretty mediocre car. It ain’t cheap either, because you actually have to spend nearly $17k to get the 1.5 engine in this review, its 1.3 for the base car and it is pretty damn slow. A Fiesta has a 1.6 in the manual models at least that outpowers the 1.5 and you can get that for less than $16k. I would urge anyone out there thinking of buying a yaris to look elsewhere IMO.
I have to agree with most of the other posters here. Why would anyone buy one of these little heaps. If you’re after reliabilty only, since when are cars like Mazda2’s, Swift’s & Fiesta’s supposed to be unreliable. And these other cars run rings around the Yaris in almost every other area.I just can’t believe they sell these in the numbers that they do! They’re not even made in Japan any longer. Go figure!!
I bought a yaris for my partner and in the last 12 months nothing has fallen off, no engine nor suspension problem. i would say the interior design is very functional with all the compartments to put stuff in and I believe this is the only small car that has got adjustable rear seats ie moving it back and forward.
after all Toyota builds cars that are practical and bit of aftermarket bling and wheels can spice up any dish.. :)
Joe Says:
November 5th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
“I just can’t believe they sell these in the numbers that they do! They’re not even made in Japan any longer. Go figure!!”
Huh? The Yaris is still built in Japan (ones for Australia anyway).
You’d hope that they would come from Japan, for the price they are charging, $15,190 for a 3-dr 1.3, rip-off. The update looks bloated at the front too.
In response to Coconut,
what is the point of moving the seats back and forward??
i assume you mean sliding them back and forward???
is this incase the leg room isnt tight enough for you as is???
^^^
to follow up,
how much cargo space can you grow, and how hard it it for your passengers to travel with out leg room??
Overpriced and underspecified. Toyota has this perception of boring but reliable and expect buyers to pay a premium for it.
The review says the Yaris is “Safe” but the extra airbags are optional (and very few people buying a budget car would pay extra for those) and ESP is unavailable.
I wouldn’t let my daughter buy one (or a Barina !) and that says it all in my eyes.
WOW, its got a ’safe ‘t’ cell. The mazda2 has ‘triple h’ safety zone and is a more fun (and better) to drive AND looks better, the 2 is the class leader in every way except advertising budget… enough said!
Yukis.LOL
I rented a Yaris for a week, a 1.3 manual when interstate. I owned a 2.0 Manual Focus at the time to put my next few words in to perspective. The Yaris was the worst car I have ever had to drive. The lack of low down torque meant that all economy was left behind every time I have to keep up with the traffic, resting within 1,000rpm of the redline most of the time to extract the little killerwasps that just didn’t want to be extracted. It felt very light on its feet when driven and that wasn’t helped by the extremely light doors that acted like sails every time you opened them ina breeze. The overall feeling was of a very small feeling, light, tinny car that despite its perceived featherweight, still lacked any useable torque, even as a manual.
Interior plastics felt and looked cheap. Whilst they might have been packed together tightly, so are Pamela Anderson’s assets in a tight dress. In the end she’s still cheap and ugly, despite the expensive build quality, just like a Yaris. The exterior is up to individual opinion but any car with few redeeming features anywhere else can’t be saved even if it looks like it was penned by Ian Callum – which a Yaris most certainly is not!
It was a car I really wanted to find merit in, given how popular they are, but I honestly just couldn’t find much at all to like. In fact the only thing I did like was returning it. Just horrible. I’ve driven far better small cars, most of European origin. Perhaps I just don’t have the taste for Japanese superminis, give me any Fiesta, Pug 206 or even a Belgian Barina anyday over a new Yaris.
Whats the difference between the YRS and YRX?
Bob, I agree with you. And to add to this, I had a pretty scary experience with a Starlet I used to drive.
Going home on a hot day with the A/C on, I came up a hill and had to brake because some idot cut me off. When I put the accelerator down, the next I know, I had no power at all despite the fact the engine was running. I even put the pedal to the metal and nothing happened – it just struggled at a snail’s pace. It was only until I got to the top of the hill that the car picked up speed. Luckily the drivers behind me slowed down, if not, I would have been hit from the back at high speed.
Anyway, I drive a Maz3 now. Although I haven’t driven a 2, I think it would be a lot safer car to drive in terms of acceleration, especially up hills.
Bob, please dont denigrate Pam Anderson like that, she’s nowhere near as tacky or cheap as a toyota LOL
Is the ‘killerwasps’ ad the most annoying ad on TV or is it just me?
Sure is.
So is the new Hilux add going on with the unbreakable theme of course. I couldn’t think of any thing worse than driving one of those things around all day.Oh my back.
Given the age of this car relative to the other competitors with fresher designs, it not a bad result. I’d take the Mazda 2 or new Fiesta but the Yaris is better than any of the Korean offerings.
Its a fine small car period.
I would rather spend money on the Mazda 2 as its slightly cheaper.
But with discounts anyways, I would probably end up getting this over the Mazda.
Fiesta?…. err..
And its just funny how some are bagging on its performance…. lol, completely over your head…. its designed for people who wants a reliable, cheap to run car…. and yes styling is obviously biased towards females….. as the majority of its market is well…. females, young females too.
It is overpriced… no doubt, but thats because Toyota Australia can charge that much and not really affect sales negatively…. the benefits of a well built vehicle, and reputation (obviously).
but the people bagging on its performance, looks etc… just absolutely dont get it… its not for you… but for the intended market… they like it.
The Yaris like most but not all BIGT products is underdone and over priced.
Mind you the haonda Jizz is even worse value.
For mine, just $1k more you can buy a larger, better equipped and more powerful Hyundai i30, really liking that vehicle, never thought it would take the Corolla of my wish-list
Cheers
F-0
I had an echo and loved it so much I now have a 1.3 Yaris I find it really versatile and it had more than enough power I stick to the speed limits and its fine. The manual gear box is nice and responsive the steering is direct, all the dash controls are in the right place, it has a nice rev counter and digital odometer. The small space at the back can be used for comfy seating or extra luggage, there are cup holders galore and a good stereo also three glove boxes, It has a full size spare tyre which i think is wonderful. It is wonderful on petrol/environment has a good safety rating , it is everything i could want in a small car but heh what would i know,I am a chick and the Yaris was built for ..well..ummm..chicks
What is it about blogs that promote such maladjusted and missinformed diatribe? Do you people read the tripe you write? The Yaris is the best selling car in its class as it’s clearly head and shoulders above all else in a hotly contested market sector. Period. The people who buy them are not fools, they’ve done their research and purchased on merit. Unlike the majority of fools writing the above comments. Grow up and look at things objectively.
I totally agree with Jode & Listek. I have owned many cars, including a 240Z, V6 & V8 Commodores and lots more. I bought a new Yaris YR 3 door in 06 to do a daily 3 hour mostly highway commute. Also did some 6 hour country trips in it as well. 28000km in 6 months and not one problem. Heaps of room, fun to drive, good stereo & it cruised easily at 140+ kph. Brilliant car. My brother who is a Motor Mechanic by trade agrees – After driving mine, he bought a Yaris Sedan. 60000 kms without a problem. They even have a camchain and not a timing belt. Highly recommended.
Perhaps you haven’t had a problem but I certainly wouldn’t want to be in one if you have a accident.
Mark – do you really think you are safe driving at 140km/h in a light tin can ? You don’t value your life at all…
Listek – are you really that silly to think that because something sells the most, it is the best ? – you are seriously deluded…
It is a good car – for grannys going down the bowling club or driving around town at low speed. Nothing else.
I think many of the criticisms of the Yaris mentioned in the previous posts are not warranted and are mostly coming from people who never even driven one. The missus has one and I end up driving it once or twice a week.
To be honest, I wouldn’t be getting such a small car but it’s her car, her choice. I’m used to sports motorcycles, wagons and AWDs. Still, I must admit, the yaris is not a bad little runabout.
We have the YRS auto which has no problem keeping up with traffic. It actually has a reasonably solid feel and the doors close with a satisfying thud. I tried out a few small cars and with my 6′2″, I just couldn’t find a comfortable position in most, no matter what adjutments I tried. The Swift for example just didn’t feel right. The Yaris had angle and TELESCOPIC adjustment for the steering wheel, which made the trick. As nice as the Mazda3 is, the Mazda2 just feels like a tiny car while the Yaris feels more substantial than what it realy is – in a nice sort of way. The looks? Nothing special but it’s not too bad, either. It’s a matter of what floats your boat.
Inside, controls just fall into the hands. Everything felt natural after just a couple of drives. (In contrast, after 5 years of driving it, I still have to hunt around for the controls on my Freelander.)
Suspension and road holding is not bad. It does start to show its limits above 100kmph but around town, it’s just fine. Steering is too light and braking is a bit spongy but they both do the job well enough. If there is one design flow, its the accelerator. It’s just WAY too sensitive in the first few mm of travel. What were they thinking of??! Again, it’s something that you can get used to after a few drives.
Overall, if you look at individual aspects, the Yaris is not best at anything (except maybe resale value). You’ll find something with larger boot space, better steering more powerful engine etc. Those other cars however, will also have some serious flaws, while the Yaris is consistently either very good or at least competent. If my earlier Camry is any guide, Toyotas are reliable, too.
If you take the new price into account, I think it offers better value than the competition.
If you want a versatile, comfortable little car, you should try it out, yourself. If you have a single-minded requirement for just one thing, like maximum storage space, by all means, it’s worth looking elsewhere.
BTW, just because grannies, young chicks or gays drive the Yaris and you are none of the above, it doesn’t make the car any worse (or better), by itself.
Sure, you wouldn’t be doing doughnuts in the Yaris, but if you are keen on sporty performance, why would you even consider the Yaris, anyway?? If you want Volvo level safety, by a Vol… err, buy a Merc. The point is that when taking the price into account, the Yaris is an OK car. Perhaps, it’s not for everybody but no car is and most people could live with one. Just don’t be a wood duck and pay RRP at the dealer!!
if the oil prices were to go up today all the male egos would go down the drain. people dont buy cars like yaris because its a mans car or a girls car. its cheap gets the job done and is certainly more reliable than a commodore or a falcon. its not a fun cars to drive if your looking for high Kw’s and pin sharp conering but if you want to save a lot of money than yaris like the mazda 2 and the swift are the way to go.
I recently bought a base model 3door 1.3ltr yaris. I own a security company and we have a regular nightly patrol run, the yaris has just completed 30,000kms (does 220kms each night.) So far it has been a trouble free very cheap to run reliable vehicle. I did a lot of homework before the yaris was considered and toyotas reliability stood out above the rest. It may not be fast and sporty but it does what i expect it to do and that makes it a winner to me.
It’s Boot space is so tiny that it is almost useless…If you guys want practicality do not buy Yaris
I have a 2006 Yaris. No it isnt fancy but what a fantastic car. All depends what you are into. We have to travel nearly 2 kms on a dirt road and it handles it so well – nothing rattles or has fallen off – love the centre digital display, the steering wheel music controls and very good air conditioning. I have an auto and it goes along really well. I test drove the Honda, Getz, Mazda and Kia and this was by far the better car. Yes, it would be nice if there was more boot space and it is not a family car – nice if the interior was more expensive looking – but really to get from A to B you cant go wrong.
way to many around. swift sport much better…looks and drive.
Im really confused now. Ive just read the list if comments above..i was really keen on buying a yaris( just an hour ago ive been calling all the toyota dealers) but nw i seen to be leaning towards the mazda 2 or a honda fit possibly?
This car makes me sick. Literally. How you can put the speedo in the middle of the dash & accept that as been safe, i don’t get. I couldn’t drive a car without the speedo in front of me. It’s completly stupid. All the dials surrounding the speedo look just as bad. Exterior is pretty sh*t, it’s done cheap;y, wprse that a Barina. Lol. I’d rather a Fiesta, Getz or Barina. Whats the go with the value on Yaris. Not cheap for a small car. You don’t get much for what u pay. Yaris would be my last choice for a small car. Most other small cars don’t have the speedo in the middle. Idk how it sells. Probably fleets & Daddy’s little girl, who must be blind buying this. Pretty sh*t job Toyota. I’d look elsewhere. Go HOLDEN!
Can someone explain why manufactors put the speedo in the middle of the dash?
^ So you look at the road ahead of you instead of down at the dash
Been test driving small cars for a suburban run-about last week end. Mazda 2 was the nearest in price but pedals so close together, you’d have to be bare foot. Also it struggled to get up medium hills around Hornsby with only two passengers. Honda Jazz in the 1.3l engine looked good but had little power and $4k extra for the 1.5 was steep.The Yaris sedan seems roomier, maybe not powerful but I’ve had two NRMA guys (don’t ask) say Toyotas never break down so how can you pass them up? Price seems to be $20K manual; can I get better?
confusdd: what did you decide?