Economical and reliable: The Toyota Yaris scores in many respects. The sellers of the Japanese small car also know this: You have to put down something for a used car. But there is little to complain about with him in the main inspection.
Toyota has been offering a small car under the name "Yaris" since 1998. The fourth generation has been on the road since summer 2020. For those interested in used cars, it might be worth looking at the third generation (Type XP13, 2011 to 2020) of the Japanese.
body and interior
The Toyota Yaris (type XP13) was 16 centimeters longer than its predecessor, reaching a length of 3.95 meters and was available with three and five doors. The hybrid version, which has been available since 2012, is not quite as inconspicuous as the conventionally powered Yaris models. They can be recognized by aerodynamic optimizations and blue hybrid logos. The luggage compartment volume of 286 liters is at the level of a small car in all variants. Unlike the predecessor, the rear seat can no longer be moved in favor of more knee room or luggage volume.
Until its first facelift in 2014, the small car did not set any accents either inside or outside, but scored with its good workmanship and its comparatively good space. Since the first refresh, the Japanese has been driving up with a significantly upgraded interior. Externally, the renewed models can be recognized by the X-shape of the front end. The second facelift from 2017 was visually less noticeable and recognizable by the slightly more aggressively drawn front and larger taillights with a characteristic LED graphic at the rear.
engines and propulsion
At the market launch, there were petrol engines with three or four cylinders and a diesel. The 1.0-liter petrol three-cylinder - initially with 51 kW/69 hp, from 2018 with 53 kW/72 hp - is coupled to a manual five-speed gearbox. It is suitable for people with a patient gas foot. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes a good 15 seconds, and the top speed is 155 km/h. On average, 4.3 liters flow through the lines here.
Above that is the livelier 1.33-liter four-cylinder with 73 kW/99 hp and 125 Nm. A speed of 175 km/h is possible on the motorway. In 2017, this unit was replaced by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with 82 kW/111 hp and 136 Nm. A continuously variable CVT transmission is available as an alternative to the manual six-speed gearbox. The consumption values are between 4.6 and 4.9 liters. The Yaris GRM with 154 kW/212 hp, which was limited to 400 copies in Germany in 2018, gave a short guest appearance.
From 2011 to 2017, Toyota also offered a diesel with 66 kW/90 hp. The content is on average with 3.5 to 3.9 liters. If you want an economical petrol alternative, the hybrid version with a system output of 74 kW/100 hp, which has been available since 2012, comes into play. The standard consumption was set at 3.3 and 3.6 liters. However, interested parties should test in advance whether their driving style is compatible with the continuously variable CVT transmission.
equipment and security
If you are looking for a little comfort, avoid the basic version. It was aimed more at delivery services and social service workers. After all, standard electric front windows and exterior mirrors, central locking and a height and length adjustable steering wheel. Air conditioning and radio were only available with the second equipment level "Cool": The higher levels "Life", "Trend", "Club" and "Executive" garnish the small car with a little luxury comfort and a chic look. Seven airbags ensure safety in all variants. The EuroNCAP crash test in 2011 gave it five out of five stars. In 2017, the Yaris received an extensive safety package. The so-called Safety Sense package included a collision avoidance system as well as lane departure warning and high beam assistants. Traffic sign recognition was also available.
quality
The TÜV examiner is probably happy when a third-generation Yaris pulls up. There is little to complain about. The small car does well in the main inspection (HU). Weak points, however, are turn signals and taillights as well as the disc brakes. Otherwise, the examiners occasionally complain about axle springs and dampers from the third general inspection. Oil loss or problems with the exhaust system, on the other hand, are not an issue.
Conclusion: The Toyota Yaris is not necessarily an eye-catcher, but it convinces with its inner values and its reliability. This is also reflected in the pricing on the used car market. For a Yaris of the third generation you have to lie down around 4500 euros. Should it be a hybrid, at least 7000 euros are due.
