Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Six word summary

Toyota launches cheapest hybrid in UK

What is it?

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is the cheapest car of its type in the UK. It also has the lowest emissions for a hybrid that cannot be plugged into the mains to recharge, so it should be a win-win for anyone considering a small, economical car.

What’s it like?

Toyota achieves class-leading 79g/km carbon dioxide emissions by using a frugal 1.5-litre petrol engine coupled to an electric motor. Together, they produce 98bhp and see off 0-62mph in a reasonable 11.8 seconds while offering up to 80.7mpg average economy. These are impressive figures, though a Skoda Fabia Greenline with its straightforward turbodiesel engine betters the Yaris for economy and still offers sub-100g/km emissions to avoid paying road tax and enjoy full 100% write down in the first year.

The Yaris Hybrid further fails to set itself apart from diesel-engined rivals such as the Skoda and Ford Fiesta Econetic in other areas. There’s no doubt the cabin in the Yaris is well put together, but some of the plastics look and feel cheap. It offers sufficient space inside, but it’s not as comfort as its rivals and nor is the boot as generous. The Yaris compensates with superb safety equipment that includes seven airbags, including one for the driver’s knees, and ESP traction control is fitted to all models.

Every Yaris Hybrid is also well kitted out with air conditioning, CD stereo, electric windows and alloy wheels. Toyota’s usual T3, T4 and T Spirit trims are offered and the T3 comes in at £14,995. The T4 costs £900 more, while the T Spirit will set you back £16,995. It’s worth remembering the T Spirit comes with larger 16-inch alloy wheels that increase emissions to 85g/km and fuel consumption to 76.3mpg.

The T4 gains a rev counter, rear view camera, DAB-ready radio and Toyota’s touchscreen control, as well as Bluetooth and a USB connection. For the T Spirit, Toyota includes cruise control, electric rear windows, front footwell illumination, rain-sensing wipers and auto headlights, keyless ignition and a height adjustable passenger seat.

However, the Yaris does not deliver on the driving front. Its CVT (continuously variable transmission) is the only choice and it encourages the engine to make too much noise when accelerating. The 1.5-litre engine itself is not the smoothest performer, but at least the Yaris can travel for up to 1.2-miles in electric-only mode in town at up to 31mph. This helps save fuel and the silence is welcome relief from the noisy petrol motor. It also means the Yaris Hybrid can enter the London Congestion Charging zone for free, which could represent a substantial saving for a business user over the course of a year.

Light steering makes the Toyota easy to park and manoeuvre in town, but the stiff suspension lets too many lumps and bumps make themselves felt. It’s no worse than another Yaris incarnation, but not as supple as a Ford Fiesta or Skoda Fabia’s ride. The same light steering counts against the Yaris on fast flowing roads as it feels inert where a Ford Fiesta’s is full of sensory information. It’s a similar story with the Yaris’ handling, where it goes through the motions but without any conviction. There is also quite a lot of wind noise in the Yaris Hybrid’s cabin, though road noise is not a problem and the engine settles to a gentle hum on the motorway.

Verdict

This means the Toyota Yaris Hybrid is a car that appeals to the head much more than the heart, where its economy, emissions and equipment have considerable appeal. On the road, the Yaris Hybrid’s rivals have the upper hand, but it would be foolish to discount the Toyota when it brings hybrid technology and benefits to business drivers at such an affordable price.