Yaris MK4 Design review + comparison to Yaris hybrid MK3.

[Mojo1010]

Had the MK4 design for 7 weeks covering 1100 miles. Comes with 2 keys. Got dealer to enable window opening and closing using key fob. Tyre pressure were 36 psi all around, this is what I normally have it at on the MK3, found it okay for the MK4 too. Hardwired front Dashcam myself, need to buy a rear Dashcam, though need to find a suitable long hardwire, most 4.5m wire still have the box in the way, can't tuck in the trim. So it probably have to be plug into 12v. Changed the glow worm lights in the boot and interior to led - this was a bit of work getting it out. 

Bought the MK3 hybrid icon 5 years ago for 9500, sold it for 9100 on motorway. Winning trader deployed a bad negotiation tactic when they came to view the car, that's another story, they bidded 9500. Could of got more privately but new car were at the dealership and they didn't have much space to delay pick up for a long time. This was true when I was at their forecourt, full of used cars and 4 new MK4 waiting for collection including mine. Saw a worker came out with a jump start for a 2018 chr. These used 'approved' can sit around for months, no wonder the next owners have Battery troubles.

Some notable trips I had done:

17m = 83.9 mpg (drive back from dealer)

115m = 74.4

88m = 79.6

130m = 74

94m = 74.5

173m = 72

I know from what you guys are saying it's about 7% less in your brim to brim test. Haven't done it myself. Still very content with the efficiency.

Used to not looking forward to driving medium distances onwards on the MK3 due to poor cornering ability on fast speed bends and approaching high speed roundabouts, as well as noisy rev flaring when pushed. This is despite improving the tyre width by 10mm, from 175/65/15 to 185/60/15.

The MK4 handles fast speed bends without much body roll, feels so much more confident. Much less rev flaring noise, as well it has more power and accelerate to the desire speed quicker than the MK3, therefore reducing the noisy acceleration time. The 3 pot does rasp, though due to much quieter rev flare it's still a lot better in noise than the mk3.. Braking is also markedly better, put this down to new and bigger? Discs/pads/tyres. Almost on fiesta level for handling. Better than the Audi A1 tdi 2015 i had previously, it was on smaller tyres 185/60/15, + it's a bit older.

Tyres has good comfort, though only 6.6mm new on the Bridgestone. Car doesn't scrape some of the high humps where the MK3 did. The MK3 had an extra plastic piece attached to the front body at the bumper, MK4 doesn't, so it could be this. It's more stable on the motorways than the MK3, also a little less noisy. 

Fuel economy is very good, I think it's 15-20% more efficient. Able to do EV at 65 mph indicated v 38mph on the MK3. The digital driver displays are much welcome, easier to see what speed in big digital numbers. Hud was what I'd wanted, but none on this at the moment. Mazda 2 hybrid cost a lot more, so wasn't worth the getting it for the HUD. Anyway, infotainment screen is in a good position, much happier using AA sat nav now.

Better damper on the indicator/light/washer stalks. 3 flash indictor is helpful over the mk3. I thought I would be annoy with the lane keep assist, but it only really works or dual carriageways/motorways, it's a good feature. Radar cruise is a good feature, though it's not smooth, only test it out once, don't like using it.

The PCS I feel brakes a bit late at very low speed when tested, don't know at high speed how it performs - not too brave to test it yet. Less noisy and a more competent performer for medium to long distances, there are no trepidations tackling these distances now.

A couple of side gripes design model doesn't come with keyless start or entry, icon on the MK3 came with keyless start. Been cursing a lot in the first week times when I entered the car and pressed a non existing button to start the car 🤣, had to get the key out of the pocket! Front bumper panel isn't perfectly aligned to side panels, this is like a norm according to other MK4 owners. Screen resolution of the 8" infotainment screen for reverse camera is awful for this day and age! Understand the 9" hd screen is better.

Overall, this is a fantastic supermini with very good handling, excellent fuel economy and reliability record. It's can be improved, mainly to have better equipments as standard from design spec onwards. 114-116 bhp is very adequate for it, doesn't really need 130 bhp on the upcoming one, helpful for the cross. I'm very satisfied with it overall.

 

[Cyker]

Good and accurate review!  

I have to agree, although I am more used to key-starts, having tried both the button feels a lot more natural for the hybrid (My brain associates the key turn with engine cranking so it's super weird when nothing happens )

I think you see what I mean about the radar cruise being like a nervous learner, e.g.

Car in front: Hmm, I'll just slow a little

Yaris Radar:  OH GOD THE CAR IN FRONT IS STOPPING WE'RE GOING TO CRASH BRAKE BRAKE BRAAAKE!

or

Car in front moves off

Yaris: ... <nothing>... <and then...>

Yaris:   OH THE CAR IN FRONT MOVE I'M HOLDING EVERYONE UP CATCH THE GAP GOGOGO FULL POWER!

 

It's much better if you're behind someone who drives smoothly, or just on a clearer bit of road (And once the lane tracing settles - Is very unnerving initially until you get used to its idiosyncrasies! But it does work quite well for 'easy' roads)

They did say they were going to tweak the system in the facelift version to be more progressive/natural so we'll see; I'm slightly hoping, as it's just software, they can trickle down the improvement to the original models, but not holding my breath...!

But it is niice isn't it  

I still get an inexplicable joyful feeling when I'm driving it just because it's fun and nice to drive   (Maybe the magnetic fields affecting my brain   )

 

[TonyHSD]

Thanks for sharing your experience. 
Fully agreed with all above. The lack of push start button really puts me off design spec and the auto dim rear view mirror. Anything else is pretty much there , perfect mini indeed. Best in class for sure. 

[Mojo1010]

Oh another gripe which some of u had is no off switch on the lights. Don't like the auto light function, comes on too soon and doesn't come off soon enough. Then there are times when it's still bright and it comes on! This can be changed to darker via OBD2. So a question for u guys using carista and the likes, will a cheap OBD2 adapter work with these software? 1 week free carista trial with a non carista inflated price OBD2, one month with it. Takes an hour on traffic free time to get to my dealer so not looking to visit just for that. 

Also think design spec should have auto dim interior mirror and auto folding door mirrors.

The PCS can be a bit sensitive in extra urban environment. Once it braked coming around a bend with a car coming the opposite way, it was normal condition. A motorbike was behind me, must have been wondering why I braked so harsh!

Another note, think the 205mm tyres on the excel will handle even better with the low profile tyre - fiesta level. But 205/45/17 is just silly imo. Should be given a choice of 205/55/16, that's my favourite for a small car. 

Really enjoying the new car, I don't get the mental fatigue driving medium+ distances now due to less noise and handles well on fast bends. Overtaking is a much easier job now with the extra power and actual real increase in speed when pushing the gas hard, without standing next to a speaker like the MK3 (rev flare). 

MK3 hybrid is a good city car, but it's just functional and a bit boring tbh. Long ago had an i30 2015 for a couple weeks and it didn't handle as well and it was really boring to drive. The MK4 really is a big upgrade, handles like a bigger car and unrivalled fuel economy. 

[Cyker]

That's one of the things that solidified it for me - In the Mk2, overtaking at a pinch was impossible; It was like my old Fiesta in that I'd have to plan well in advance and take a long run up, being ready to abort and brake (So in practice I didn't even bother trying!).

Going from that to the Mk4 was a godsend - Now, if I see a suitable opportunity I can just take it and go with no setup required. I often do this while laughing maniacally for some reason  

Also agree about wanting an Off setting on the light control stalk!

I think you can change the light sensitivity via the headunit settings so might not need to do it via ODB2, but I didn't find it helped much.

The PCS sensitivity can be changed with the steering controls, but TBH it does force you to go slower around hazardous roads because, even at its lowest setting, the PCS is very prone to false positives out of the blue because it isn't set up for narrow city roads.

[Ralph H]

I don’t worry about weather the lights are on or off now as there’s nothing I can do about it anyway. Today I was following an Audi though a tree lined stretch of road and noticed its lights came on before mine, and mine went off sooner so it’s not the most sensitive car out there. 

On 8/28/2023 at 7:55 PM, Cyker said:

I think you can change the light sensitivity via the headunit settings

I’ve never found this setting on mine but it’s the 9” screen which may be different 

[YarisHybrid2016]

  

11 hours ago, Ralph H said:

I’ve never found this setting on mine but it’s the 9” screen which may be different 

Not seen the 9" system, but it is under Vehicle Settings which may only be accessible with the gear lever in PARK/handbrake on.

I'm still a little bemused why specifying the City Pack (to add front/rear sonar, BSM, and RCTA-B) on the Yaris GR Sport removes the newer 9" system and installs the 8" Touch2 system.

Sure, you get offline nav which may be a benefit, but other than that, I don't see any real reason for it?

On the 9" system, does it show route guidance on the MID?

Regarding Gen.4 vs. Gen.3 - I'd call it "substantially different". The GR Sport is supposed to have the hardest ride, but it is still better than my Gen.3 on 16" alloys. Handling and steering is far better in the Gen.4 (not comparable, IMHO). Of course, there is the rest of it, too. Totally different cars.

[Graham47]

4 hours ago, YarisHybrid2016 said:

On the 9" system, does it show route guidance on the MID?

Yes (and on the HUD, if fitted).

[Ralph H]

8 minutes ago, Graham47 said:

Yes (and on the HUD, if fitted).

That’s a point, has anyone with the smart connect 9” screen got the hud? Wasn’t it introduced after the hud option was removed?

[Graham47]

Yes, I have.

Ordered Mar ‘22 (when HUD was still an option)/delivered Mar ‘23.  Can’t now recall when ‘screens’ changed with what but (maybe) 9” came when you speccd JBL ?

[Ralph H]

20 minutes ago, Graham47 said:

Yes, I have.

Ordered Mar ‘22 (when HUD was still an option)/delivered Mar ‘23.  Can’t now recall when ‘screens’ changed with what but (maybe) 9” came when you speccd JBL ?

I ordered my excel with no extras in January 22 when the 8” screen was standard. When it was delivered in July 22 it had the 9” fitted 

[YarisHybrid2016]

9" was introduced April 2022.

[jthspace]

On 8/28/2023 at 7:27 PM, Mojo1010 said:

So a question for u guys using carista and the likes, will a cheap OBD2 adapter work with these software?

Yes, I bought an Amazon OBD and it works fine.

OBD Amazon