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Road Test
NOT JUST FOR NANAS

Toyota’s new Yaris is much younger and fresher but great for motorists of any age

I THINK age is starting to catch up on me.

My hairdresser trims my eyebrows without even asking.

The new Yaris is a contender for any small car buyer, of any age. It looks fantastic, for starters, much more rally and much less orthopaedic .
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The new Yaris is a contender for any small car buyer, of any age. It looks fantastic, for starters, much more rally and much less orthopaedic .

My right knee is properly bu**ered after PE with Joe.

I can’t read food instructions in low light.

I’ve started playing dominoes.

But, most tellingly of all, I really like the Toyota Yaris.

Yep, I said Yaris.

The super-efficient, super-reliable bingo bus my old girl swears by.

But hear me out because I reckon this new one is a contender for any small car buyer, of any age. It looks fantastic, for starters, much more rally and much less orthopaedic than before.

The self-charging hybrid system is so well integrated it switches from electric power to the petrol engine without so much as a mouse’s hiccup
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The self-charging hybrid system is so well integrated it switches from electric power to the petrol engine without so much as a mouse’s hiccup

Toyota boss Akio Toyoda promised us “No more boring cars” and he meant it.

As for running costs, we’re talking C H E A and P. North of 60mpg. With much town driving on electricity alone.

The self-charging hybrid system — which is now standard on all models — is so well integrated it switches from electric power to the petrol engine without so much as a mouse’s hiccup.

But what pleases me most — as someone still the fresh side of 50 — is the sparkling chassis and precise steering. Without being too nerdy, this fourth-gen Yaris is built on a new platform which brings many advantages including a stiffer body, lower centre of gravity and better weight balance. Which makes it more fun. And safer.

That chassis is easily capable of taking a hotter version but that won’t happen because the forthcoming GR Yaris ticks that box.

We might see a Yaris GR Sport next year but that’s just a PE kit.

This fourth-gen Yaris is built on a new platform which brings advantages including a stiffer body, lower centre of gravity and better weight balance
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This fourth-gen Yaris is built on a new platform which brings advantages including a stiffer body, lower centre of gravity and better weight balance

And don’t forget there’s a small-but-tall Yaris Cross coming next summer too.

Now let’s get back to the car you see here.

The entry Yaris at £19,910 is generously equipped with 7in touch-screen, reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and all sorts of driver assistance aids. Finance from £159 a month.

Tip. If you want the softest, smoothest ride stick to 16in wheels. The bigger wheels look nice but are slightly less forgiving of our cheese-grater roads.

The top-of-the-range Launch Edition at £24k has Head-up Display. It keeps your eyes fixed to the road. I say all cars should have it.

Other positives. Nice driving position. More elbow room. Big digital speedo. B mode for maximum braking regeneration. Smartphone tray. Fully adjustable steering wheel so it’s easy to get comfy. I clocked up 500 miles and my dodgy back didn’t complain once.

Other positives. Nice driving position. More elbow room. Big digital speedo. B mode for maximum braking regeneration. Smartphone tray
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Other positives. Nice driving position. More elbow room. Big digital speedo. B mode for maximum braking regeneration. Smartphone tray

Mistakes? The steering wheel buttons are a bit naff and flimsy. As are the touch-screen buttons. The Honda Jazz has better rear seats.

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But all in all, the Yaris is miles better than before.

Younger, fresher, nicer to drive, full of kit, and decent value. Definitely worth a look.

KEY FACTS: TOYOTA YARIS

Price: £19,910

Engine: 1.5-litre petrol hybrid

Power: 116hp

0-62mph: 9.7 secs

Top speed: 109mph

Economy: 68mpg

CO2: 92g/km

Rivals: Honda Jazz

Out: Now

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