Toyota Yaris hatchback (2011-2020) - Interior & comfort
All Toyota Yaris models could do with being a little quieter, but the Hybrid is the noisiest of them all
The Hybrid model’s CVT gearbox (that can also be paired with the 1.5-litre petrol model) is worth talking about in this section, too. Unlike in a normal car, whose engine speed (and corresponding noise) rises and falls as you change through the gears, the CVT gearbox holds the engine at a constant speed. Leave a normal car in neutral while pushing the accelerator pedal and you’ll get an idea of how wearing (and noisy) life with the Yaris Hybrid can be. Interior noise isn’t limited to the Hybrid, though – all versions of the Yaris suffer from more road and wind noise than you’ll experience in a Volkswagen Polo.
Toyota set out to make the Yaris more comfortable than the car it replaced and it has succeeded thanks to softer suspension springs and a more rigid structure. The Hybrid comes in for a little criticism in this department, though – it’s more stiffly sprung to contend with the added weight of its batteries, resulting in the ride being quite a lot firmer than the standard car’s.
All models have a height-adjustable driver’s seat and an adjustable steering wheel, although the latter could do with a wider range of movement.
Toyota Yaris dashboard
While the Toyota Yaris' interior is undoubtedly well built, it doesn’t make as much use of high-quality materials as the new Volkswagen Polo and you’ll find hard, scratchy plastics in places where the VW sports soft-touch ones. That’s not to say the Yaris isn’t stylish inside – some might even find it a refreshing change from the SEAT Ibiza, Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo, all of which share VW switchgear. The 6.1-inch touchscreen (which only the entry-level model misses out on) adds a hi-tech touch, but it’s not as big as the 6.5-inch system available in the Polo.
Equipment
The basic Yaris Active is easily identified by its 15-inch steel wheels and black plastic trim and comes with power-adjustable door mirrors, electric windows, a six-speaker stereo and automatic wipers.
Aside from adding 15-inch alloy wheels and shiny chrome exterior trim, Icon models get Toyota's Touch 2 seven-inch infotainment touchscreen with a reversing camera, Bluetooth and DAB radio, plus cruise control, air conditioning and front fog lights. Icon Tech models add rear parking sensors and sat nav to this list. It’s a shame though that even after the 2017 revisions, that the Yaris still does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility, not even as an optional extra.
Y20 models, meanwhile, celebrate the car's 20th anniversary and get 16-inch alloys, grey exterior trim pieces, rear privacy glass and chrome interior accents. The Yaris Excel, meanwhile, gets partial leather and Alcantara seats, automatic air conditioning, automatic headlights, rear electric windows and push-button start.
Options
Some Yaris models can be fitted with parking sensors front and rear, which cost £470. You can also choose a panoramic sunroof (on Excel models only) for £495, as well as a number of styling accessories for the outside of the car.
