The 2014 Toyota Yaris is the last car in Toyota’s small cars list and is the least expensive model in the Toyota line-up. The Yaris was last facelifted in 2012, and it offers the odd option of a three-door model as well as the more usual five-door hatchback. The engine range in the Toyota Yaris also includes two petrols, one diesel, and an ultra-efficient hybrid model, which returns 81mpg and emits just 79g/km of CO2 making it tax free. Toyota also offers the Yaris Hybrid with a CVT automatic gearbox.
While the entry-level Active version of the Toyota Yaris gets bright LED daytime running lights and door mirrors with integrated indicators, it does without the alloy wheels, front foglights and body-coloured door handles of the flagship Trend model.
Entry-level Active models benefit from dual-zone climate control, electric windows and a multifunction steering wheel, but you’ll have to fork out almost £17,000 if you want a leather-trimmed wheel, Bluetooth or cruise control.
At the base of the Toyota Yaris engine range there’s a 69bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine. This is great for driving around the town but can get a little noisy at motorway speeds. In regular Yaris models there’s plenty of rear leg and headroom, and three adults can easily fit in the back. The economical 1.4-litre diesel manages 72.4mpg and emits a tax free 99g/km of CO2. Residual values are strong, and there are plenty of models for sale on the UK used car market. Meanwhile, fixed-price servicing and a low insurance group rating should help to keep costs down. The Toyota Yaris received the maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash safety tests, receiving 89 per cent for adult occupant protection and 86 per cent for safety assist.
