2019 Toyota Yaris Shines in Its Class
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- Exterior /
- Interior
- 23 July 2019
The Yaris is almost entirely a Mazda 2 with a lightly restyled front end. The partnership seems to be working, as the Yaris has made it through two name changes over five years, first debuting for 2016 as the Scion iA and then transitioning to the Yaris iA in 2017 after Scion's dissolution. Its latest designation positions the Yaris to sell both as the current sedan and as a hatchback starting in 2020.
Beyond the build sheet, the Yaris's interior strikes a pleasant balance between stark and overstyled. Blue stitching and soft-touch materials significantly distance the Yaris from the penalty-box interiors typically found in this price class. Some cost-cutting measures were clearly made behind the scenes as evidenced by prevalent road noise. The back seat and trunk also are a bit stingy on space. For maximum volume in this class, see the Honda Fit. The largest demerit inside the Yaris is the absence of a center armrest. A full center console would be welcome, but without so much as a flip-down support the driver's right arm hangs uncomfortably limp. It is the only piece out of place in an otherwise well-designed cockpit.
Fortunately, there's pleasure to be had in keeping both hands on the wheel. While its affordable pricing and premium materials are significant, what cements the Yaris as our favorite subcompact is its driving verve. Despite the car's unimpressive 191-foot stop from 70 mph and 0.84 g of lateral grip around the skidpad, its well-weighted steering and composed chassis work together to provide a playful and competent feel on the road. Less playful is the engine, a wee 1.5-liter inline-four that produces only 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. That means that, even though it carries around just 2458 pounds, the Yaris needs 9.6 seconds to reach 60 mph and a lazy 17.4 seconds to cover the quarter-mile. Toggling the transmission's Sport mode or shifting it manually is necessary for any spirited behavior, but once you get up to speed the Yaris is a treat to pilot. And it comes standard with a digital clock.
Specifications
2019 Toyota Yaris XLE
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ENGINE TYPE
DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
91 cu in, 1496 cc
Power
106 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
103 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): strut/torsion beam
Brakes (F/R): 10.2-in vented disc/7.9-in drum
Tires: Toyo Proxes A27, P185/60R-16 86H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 101.2 in
Length: 171.7 in
Width: 66.7 in
Height: 58.5 in
Passenger volume: 86 cu ft
Cargo volume: 13 cu ft
Curb weight: 2458 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 9.6 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 30.1 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 10.0 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 6.9 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 17.4 sec @ 81 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 118 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 191 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.84 g
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 33 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 35/32/40 mpg
Additional Info
- Client: Soulcare Motors
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