Yaris loan car

[Trewithy]

My Corolla went in for a service and MOT yesterday and I was loaned a 72 plate Yaris for the day.  It must have been the base model as the key had to be inserted into the ignition and turned to start.  It had Climate Control but I couldn’t see any way to adjust the fan speed.

On start-up I was surprised by the loudness and agricultural sound of the engine but as it warmed up it settled down somewhat.  Do you get better soundproofing if you buy a higher end model?  However I was impressed by its performance.  Under normal driving it pull away much quicker that my Corolla and felt more responsive to throttle inputs.  I even tried it in Eco Mode, which is something that I never use in my Corolla, and its performance was still more than acceptable.  I was aware of the engine stopping and starting as the car went in and out of EV Mode, something I am not aware of in my Corolla.  I suppose a 3 cylinder engine is n ever going to be as smooth as a 4 cylinder.  I can’t say that I was overly impressed as overall comfort was down compared to my car, but I am considering a Yaris Cross for my next car so I reserve judgement until I have driven the facelifted model when it comes out.  One saving grace is that most Yaris Cross owners seem to love their car.

[Mojo1010]

The Yaris will feel quicker than the 1.8 gen4 corolla. Less refined on the 3 pots and comfort will be less than the bigger corolla. The cross is obviously a bigger car with the same engine, so will not feel as quick and will run out of puff at higher speed. 

[skidlid]

The Yaris will be our 3rd 3 pot in a row, a Nissan Note first, then the Fabia and next March the Yaris. The Fabia was far more refined than the Note and the Yaris was probably better than the Fabia (but it was a relatively short drive).

In our experience the offbeat sound of the 3 pots has not been unrefined, we like to think of it as character. Compared to most 4 pots of my youth they have all been excellent.

[jthspace]

Mine is mid-range and (luckily) has a key.  I don't have to worry about key-cloners or hot wiring headlight circuits.

Unlike my MX5 key which I have to store in a Faraday pouch or box everytime I get home. 

[davidif]

1 hour ago, Trewithy said:

My Corolla went in for a service and MOT yesterday and I was loaned a 72 plate Yaris for the day.  It must have been the base model as the key had to be inserted into the ignition and turned to start.  It had Climate Control but I couldn’t see any way to adjust the fan speed.

On start-up I was surprised by the loudness and agricultural sound of the engine but as it warmed up it settled down somewhat.  Do you get better soundproofing if you buy a higher end model?  However I was impressed by its performance.  Under normal driving it pull away much quicker that my Corolla and felt more responsive to throttle inputs.  I even tried it in Eco Mode, which is something that I never use in my Corolla, and its performance was still more than acceptable.  I was aware of the engine stopping and starting as the car went in and out of EV Mode, something I am not aware of in my Corolla.  I suppose a 3 cylinder engine is n ever going to be as smooth as a 4 cylinder.  I can’t say that I was overly impressed as overall comfort was down compared to my car, but I am considering a Yaris Cross for my next car so I reserve judgement until I have driven the facelifted model when it comes out.  One saving grace is that most Yaris Cross owners seem to love their car.

It’s hardly surprising that a Corolla Design is more refined than a Yaris Icon!

[Gray86]

I’ve had a couple of Yaris on loan, and I’m always very impressed by the 1.5 hybrid. Much better ECU mapping than the 2.0, very responsive & torquey, and fuel economy is fantastic. Wish the 2.0 was the same, but with more power 

[Cyker]

4 hours ago, Trewithy said:

My Corolla went in for a service and MOT yesterday and I was loaned a 72 plate Yaris for the day.  It must have been the base model as the key had to be inserted into the ignition and turned to start.  It had Climate Control but I couldn’t see any way to adjust the fan speed.

On start-up I was surprised by the loudness and agricultural sound of the engine but as it warmed up it settled down somewhat.  Do you get better soundproofing if you buy a higher end model?  However I was impressed by its performance.  Under normal driving it pull away much quicker that my Corolla and felt more responsive to throttle inputs.  I even tried it in Eco Mode, which is something that I never use in my Corolla, and its performance was still more than acceptable.  I was aware of the engine stopping and starting as the car went in and out of EV Mode, something I am not aware of in my Corolla.  I suppose a 3 cylinder engine is n ever going to be as smooth as a 4 cylinder.  I can’t say that I was overly impressed as overall comfort was down compared to my car, but I am considering a Yaris Cross for my next car so I reserve judgement until I have driven the facelifted model when it comes out.  One saving grace is that most Yaris Cross owners seem to love their car.

Alas even the Excel model is just as dakka-y as the base model Icon! I think that's why they decided to put a balancer shaft in the newer 130HP version of the engine  

Interestingly, the fan speed control is completely different between the models with dual-zone climate control and single; On the single ones, it's controlled by the left knob, but on dual-zone it's much more awkward - 2 tiny buttons to lower or raise the fan speed. If it were up to me, I'd just remove dual-zone climate from the whole range - It really isn't very effective and I bet literally nobody would miss it.

Your assessment of the differences is spot on - The refinement and general comfort are very much compromised compared to the Corolla, but what it looses there it gets back in handling and general driving engagement - It's more agile and nippy and has a surprisingly solid punch. I still haven't gotten over the novelty of being able to blast through a junction from a standstill before anyone else has moved  

I reckon the Corolla is better for cruising, but the Yaris is good for the urban jungle and hooning around B-roads   

 

[Serban]

I've got an icon 21' yaris, your description is spot on.