Nippy, stylish, and full of character, the Toyota Yaris is a top contender in its segment.
Recently updated with a brand new design, the Yaris is a favourite among South Africans looking for a fun but more premium drive; it regularly features in the top 20 best-selling cars in South Africa, according to NAAMSA vehicle sales reports.
To showcase the capability, reliability, and durability of the Yaris, one need only look at the demanding World Rally Championship to see how the Toyota Yaris performs. In 2018, the Toyota Gazoo Racing WR team won the World Rally Championship with the specially designed Toyota Yaris WRC.
Launched before the turn of the millennium in 1999, the Yaris replaced Toyota's Starlet model as the brand's new entry-level car. Although Toyota released the Yaris to the international market, it was only available in South Africa after the second-generation model debuted in 2005.
Available in both hatchback and sedan formats, the Yaris (previously known as the Toyota Vitz) quickly settled into the market and outsold many of its rivals. This success continued through the development of the third generation, unveiled in 2011, and the new Yaris model, unveiled in 2019.
The new model features updated safety technology, specifications, and a redesigned look.
The Toyota Yaris is a compact hatchback designed for drivers who want a more premium small car; it features more comforts and specifications than the Toyota Etios and Aygo models.
Interior features include air-conditioning, electric windows for the front passenger and driver, and power steering. Connectivity is sorted using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX ports, linked to a Multi-Information Display (MID).
Rear fog lamps, raised LED brake lights, halogen headlights, and coloured door handles and mirrors make the Yaris a unique and modern car.
The base Toyota Yaris 1.5 Xi hatchback model is powered by a 1.5 L petrol engine producing 79kW and 140Nm of torque, with a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 5.9 L/100 km. The engine emits 136 g/km of CO2.
The Toyota Yaris is available at any Toyota dealership across the country, along with other Toyota vehicles including the Hilux and Etios. The automaker offers their Financial Services Limited solution, an online tool where customers can get a financing estimate that fits their budget.
The Toyota Yaris 1.5 Xi 5MT retails from R241,000.
The Toyota Yaris service plan is valid for three-years/45,000 km and includes a standard three-year/100,000 km warranty, with service intervals every 12 months/15,000 km.
Toyota's Genuine Warranty is available for the Yaris model and offers a hassle-free claims process and a genuine parts guarantee. There is also the Toyota Genuine Pre-Owned Warranty, which includes an additional two-year/250,000 km extension warranty.
Customers will be happy to know that Toyota offers MyToyota, an in-house insurance policy. MyToyota ensures all repair work is completed by a Toyota-accredited service agent and provides cover against hail damage, accidental damage, theft and jacking. It also offers legal, roadside, medical, and home assist.
However, bear in mind the Toyota Yaris is a high risk for theft and hijacking, according to a report by Ctrack, a vehicle tracking and recovery agency. This may increase the cost of Toyota car insurance premiums. To save money on your car cover, use our online comparison tool to compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers side by side. This way, you can make sure you're getting the best deal on your Toyota Yaris car insurance.
Sources: Toyota South Africa, Wikipedia, NAAMSA, Vehicle Theft Report
Information provided for informational purposes. Prices quoted correct at the time of publishing this article.
