Toyota Yaris

Like other subcompact cars in the segment, the cabin space in Toyota Yaris is understandably limited and even though the driver and co-passenger in the front might find the leg and the headroom ample and satisfactory, the adult passengers riding in the rear seats might feel a tad claustrophobic. The 2019 Yaris gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is also available with an optional navigation system feature. The infotainment system misses out on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility but does come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity.

Additional smartphone integration features are expected to be incorporated in the upcoming 2020 model. Other standard interior features include a pair of USB ports and a 12-volt outlet. The overall fit-and-finish of the cabin is quite satisfactory as one would expect of a Toyota offering in the segment and manages to offer impressive ergonomics. However, noticeable road and wind noise will be one’s constant companion inside the cabin.

The 2019 Toyota Yaris sedan gets all-new front and rear styling. The company claims that the all-new sedan now features a much more athletic exterior design which is designed for individuals and families that like to be on the move. The 2019 Toyota Yaris sedan has been re-designed and is much more sculpted. The car gets a honeycomb grille which further accentuates the sportiness of the sedan. Toyota Yaris has also been designed to be more aerodynamic and gets a rear spoiler, LED headlamps and is available with 16-inch alloy wheels that feature dark gunmetal finish

The steering offered in the 2019 Toyota Yaris is one of the most responsive and quickest units available in the segment. The 106 BHP 1.5-liter powerplant means that the driver has to constantly put his foot down to get up to freeway speeds. Toyota Yaris rides on low-grip tires which have been designed to enhance the car’s fuel economy. This means that Yaris is oodles of fun when being driven around corners but the car’s ride is compromised when it comes to tackling challenging road surfaces and speed bumps.

Under the hood, the 2019 Toyota Yaris is powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve powerplant. The engine comes equipped with Toyota’s dual variable valve timing and intelligence technology and produces 106 bhp of power at 6000 RPM and 103 lb-ft of peak torque at 4000 RPM. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard and the top of the line variant features a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power is sent to the front wheels and the car manages to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 8.5 seconds when equipped with the standard manual gearbox.

The 0 to 60 mph sprint takes around 9 seconds when the car’s drivetrain is equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission. The 2019 Toyota Yaris is available in 3 variants with prices for the entry-level L trim starting at $15,600 followed by the mid-range LE trim with prices starting from $16,600 and finally the top of the range XLE trim with prices starting from $18,700. According to the company’s estimates, the 6-speed automatic transmission is the more frugal option of the two gearboxes and manages to offer a combined fuel economy of 40 mpg which dropdown to 39 mpg in case of the 6-speed manual gearbox.

The braking distance of the 2019 Toyota Yaris is not as impressive as that of other offerings in the segment. This is the result of the low-grip fuel economy friendly Tires that the car rides on which also extends the sedan’s braking distance. It should also be noted that the company does not offer its ‘Safety Sense’ technology in the 2019 Toyota Yaris and the low-speed front-collision warning and mitigation system only works for speeds under 18 mph. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not crash-tested the sedan version of 2019 Toyota Yaris but the discontinued Yaris iA managed to achieve a five-star crash test safety rating.

Sportier styling, competitive price tag and frugal engine options make 2019 Toyota Yaris an attractive offering especially considering the host of standard features Toyota offers in the compact sedan. In a true Toyota fashion, the fit-and-finish of the interior is very impressive and there is a tasteful use of attractive materials across the cabin which bestows the interior with a premium feel. Add to this the car’s impressive handling characteristics and one can almost forgive Toyota for not offering standard driver assistance and infotainment features.