2015 Toyota Yaris Hatchback | new car review

Looks

What’s evident with the styling of the 2015 Toyota Yaris Hatchback, is that it is no longer being targeted at individuals who have just celebrated their 30th birthday and have streaks of white hair to confirm that. While the aesthetics have definitely been spruced up all around, the 2015 Toyota Yaris Hatchback has undergone some significant dimensional alterations as well. With its wheelbase undergoing a growth spurt and expanding 40mm, a 5mm increase in width, and a reduction in height to sit 45mm closer to the ground, the Yaris now measures 4,115mm long, 1,700mm wide and 1,475mm tall.

Feels

Being the result of a control-c, control-v function, the cabin is identical to that of its sedan sibling and due to that, it carries over some unpleasant bits from its kinfolk. While hard plastics are undoubtedly present, it’s the artificial ‘stitched’ finish and brushed aluminium along the dashboard and door panels that are the real unpleasant bits.

Engineering

In addition to a push button entry and start system, an audio system that features AUX and USB jacks, and projector beam headlights, there’s a brilliant automatic A/C system that is claimed to cool the cabin to a chilly 15C in a mere three minutes. Though it is arguably well equipped for its price, the addition of Bluetooth telephony to the 2015 Yaris Hatchback wouldn’t go amiss.

What’s on offer?

As far as engine choices are concerned, there’s either a 1.3 litre VVTI delivering 84 horsepower and 121 Nm of torque, or a 1.5 litre VVTI which produces a slightly more respectable 108 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. While both engines get mated to a 4 speed automatic transmission that is long past its expiry date, the brawnier of the two manages to squeeze a 0 – 100 km/h sprint in just 11.9 seconds.

Summing it…

The 2015 Toyota Yaris Hatchback is everything it promises to be; it’s affordable, efficient and partially sporty too. While some may argue that it isn’t on par with Honda’s Jazz for not having features such as a panoramic roof, cooled glove box and speed sensitive volume control, the fact remains that in this particular market segment, it’s all about saving that dosh and by opting for the Yaris, you do just that.

 Specifications