Toyota claims to have improved visibility by setting the instrument panel decrease and pulling the A-pillars additional again relative to the motive force.
We really feel the general efficacy of those measures is marginal the place the view ahead is worried, however the Yaris actually does really feel spacious from inside – a minimum of for front-seat occupants, who are actually set 21mm decrease than the earlier era automotive.
The driver additionally advantages from adjustment for attain in addition to rake within the steering column, so it’s simple to discover a comfy and supportive place. The leather-trimmed steering wheel is especially good to carry, too, and wouldn’t even really feel misplaced in, say, the GR Toyota Supra.
In design phrases, Toyota has partly reinstated the playful environment the Yaris was as soon as identified for – the ‘binocular’ dial association throughout the instrument binnacle and curvaceous dashboard moulding are two apparent examples – nevertheless it has additionally injected some class into the cabin.
It isn’t troublesome to search out laborious plastics (not least on the cheap-feeling door handles) however attention-grabbing materials, softer plastics and rubberised surfaces have been deployed among the many numerous surfaces and storage cubbies.
The basic curvature of the dashboard and door panels can be pleasing and is a departure from extra staid European rivals – the just lately rejuvenated French manufacturers however. Broadly talking, perceived high quality has additionally improved, in step with the twelfth-generation Toyota’s bigger hatchback, the Toyota Corolla.
Although the Volkswagen Polo and Mini are unlikely to really feel too threatened by the Yaris’ type, it would do sufficient to attract envious glances from drivers of the Ford Fiesta.
But regardless of all this, and the outside progress spurt, the Yaris is much less spectacular by way of back-seat and baggage area.
The Volkswagen Polo and Renault Clio do notably higher in each areas and in goal phrases, and the Yaris really has a touch much less roomy boot than its predecessor.
Toyota does a minimum of match a variable-height boot flooring, which is helpful on these events when most capaciousness isn’t required and the scale of the loading lip will be decreased.
Toyota Yaris infotainment and sat-nav
The Yaris launched with the Toyota Touch 2, the model’s touchscreen infotainment system, however the measurement of the display differs relying on which specification stage you select.
Cars with the Icon trim made use of a extra dated 7.0in show, whereas the remainder of the Yaris line-up advantages from an 8.0in touchscreen, excluding the top-of-the-range Excel mannequin, which will get a much bigger 9.0in system.
Perhaps crucial factor you might want to know concerning the infotainment system within the Yaris is that each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration come as normal.
And, frankly, house owners are more likely to depend on these functions closely, not solely as a result of there exists no navigation provision with the essential system but additionally as a result of Toyota’s system of menus will be awkward to make use of, with small graphics and a few latency.
Certainly, options such because the programs fitted within the Mini and Volkswagen Polo are significantly slicker. There are additionally USB ports and, on UK automobiles, standard-fit reversing cameras, albeit of low decision.
In phrases of {hardware}, the entry-level Yaris Icon makes use of a central 7.0in touchscreen, though our Design check automotive advantages from an 8.0in show. There are additionally USB ports and, on UK automobiles, standard-fit reversing cameras, albeit of low decision.
In 2024, all Yaris fashions will obtain an improve on this respect, gaining a way more trendy 9.5in touchscreen with crisper graphics and smoother operation. The highest trim ranges will get a ten.5in show.