2017 Toyota Yaris Ascent review
She: The Toyota Yaris made an impressive return in its long-awaited comeback to the World Rally Championship (WRC) with victory in the snow and ice of Sweden earlier this year - its first win since 1999.
The Japanese company has also revamped the regular road-going city car rendition of the Yaris.
It's no all-wheel drive pocket rocket like the rally car but the new Yaris is up against some big contenders in the race for the best light car. Amac, what are your thoughts?
He: The Yaris has long been a popular choice in the city car segment Dani, undoubtedly because of Toyota's rock solid reputation for fuss-free, reliable motoring. And, let's face it, this type of car is generally bought as either you're first or you're last new car, so being affordable to buy and run is an important factor.
But, you're right Dani, it faces some pretty strong competition, such as the Mazda2, Ford Fiesta and even smaller machines like the new Kia Picanto and Holden Spark.
So to keep it fresh, and align with the company's return to rallying, the Yaris gets a new face and a revised rear-end, which I don't think makes it look pretty, or even cute… but it is distinctive, which is something you couldn't have said about Toyotas a generation ago.
We're testing the cheapest Ascent model, which is still pretty good value, right Dani?
She: The starting price is $15,290 and there's quite a bit of gear that comes with it, such as cruise control, air-conditioning, power steering, reverse camera and brake assist are some of the standard features, along with a USB port and 12-volt accessory socket. The 6.1-inch touchscreen looks a bit outdated and there's no sat nav.
Advanced safety equipment isn't standard in the Ascent but you can include automated emergency braking (AEB) and other features such as pre-collision and lane departure warning for an extra $650. I think that's reasonable given there are some cars out there that don't even provide the option of safety packages on base models. But what do you make of the 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine?
He: That extra safety gear is a worthy addition and reasonably priced which is good for young or inexperienced drivers.
As for the engine, it's not as up to date as some of its competitors (having first been introduced almost 20 years ago) and produces fairly average numbers for its class, with 63kW of power, 121Nm of torque and a claimed average of 6.4L/100km when equipped with the antiquated four-speed automatic that was fitted to our test car. It's enough to do the job around town where it will spend most of its time - partly because the Yaris only weighs just over 1000kg - but it feels like it's working pretty hard out on the open road. What did you think of the driving experience?
She: Amac, it's fair to say that you don't buy these cars for the driving experience. I wouldn't exactly call it zippy. It can be sluggish going up steep hills and you do feel the bumps.
The ergonomics aren't great with the low gear stick and I couldn't get comfortable in the seating. I wasn't a fan of the four-speed automatic transmission and would probably go for the manual option. But like you said, it gets the job done and is adequate for the short commute. However, it's not as fuel efficient as some of its rivals.
He: Yeah, I think that number is fairly ambitious if you mostly drive around town, especially with the automatic which has long gear ratios and clunks between them when on the move. There are much better powertrain combinations in this class.
But it does have a lot of other things going for it, as there's a decent amount of space in the back seats, the boot is more than adequate for weekly shopping trips and it's got seven airbags and a very good five-star crash test rating, which are all important elements for new car shoppers.
So what's your verdict on the Yaris Dani?
She: I'd sum it up as a cheap and cheerful, fuss-free city car and one worth considering if you're on the look-out. It has the backing of a reliable, reputable brand and, as you pointed out, good safety with the affordable option of more modern systems.
You don't get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto like you would in the Holden Spark or Ford Fiesta, while the Mazda 2 is planning to implement smartphone integration later this year.
I think the Mazda 2 still sets the benchmark but I certainly wouldn't write-off the Yaris.
He: I agree, the Mazda2 has been our reigning City Car champion in Drive's Car of the Year awards for the past three years running with good reason. The Yaris' biggest drawcard is the Toyota badge (which is a weird thing to say) and the peace of mind that brings in terms of reliability, safety and long-term affordability.
It's a great first – or last car – but it's not the best.
2017 Toyota Yaris Ascent price and specfications
Price: from $15,290 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 63kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 121Nm at 4000rpm
Transmission: 4-spd automatic, FWD
Fuel use: 6.4L/100km