Toyota Yaris: 6 Things That Could Have Been Better

The midsize sedan is loaded to the gills and offers 7 airbags and a CVT automatic right from the base variant. But the Yaris still has some glaring misses.

Toyota has finally entered the C-segment with the Yaris, which packs some segment-first features like 7 airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and impressive cabin insulation from the specially designed windshield. Then the premium materials used for the upholstery and the switchgear uplift the overall experience of being inside the Yaris’ cabin. However, there are quite a few aspects of the Yaris that need improvement, which you should know about if you’ve been mulling over the sedan.

Petrol-Only Offering

Toyota believes that most midsize sedan buyers opt for petrol variants, and hence the Yaris is only a petrol-only model. However, there are countless buyers still looking to purchase a diesel even if they don’t have the running to justify the premium cost and servicing attached with oil-burners. That’s because diesel engines pack a punch when it comes to performance, and rivals like the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid and the Volkswagen Vento do offer something to enthusiasts that the Yaris misses out on with its sedate petrol engine.

Rear Seat Space

We can imagine a lot of Yaris owners being chauffeur-driven but the rear space isn’t the best in class. In fact, in our review, we’ve said that the Yaris can seat two people comfortably at the back, with the middle seat ideal only for children. In our tests we found space at the rear to be lesser than even the Verna’s, especially shoulder room. Kneeroom and seat base width are quite pedestrian as well in front of the Honda City’s generous space.

Gimmicky Touchscreen

Toyota does not offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity in their vehicles, and their own interface isn’t that user-friendly either. The 7-inch touchscreen gets air gesture control in the top-end VX variant that often fails to read the user's hand movements properly or sometimes even overdoes what is asked of it. The infotainment system also takes 15 seconds to boot up and Bluetooth connectivity isn’t seamless either. The reversing camera also doesn’t have any guidelines while the City has static guidelines and the Verna has dynamic guidelines.

Missing Features

Even though it packs some segment-first features, Toyota has skipped some basics which should ideally have been available in a car like the Yaris. Features like telescopic steering, auto-dimming IRVM, dead pedal and LED headlamps are not very difficult to provide and are available on its counterparts. It also misses out on bigger 16-inch wheels when the competition has it available. The Yaris doesn’t offer a sunroof as well, a feature which is surfacing on the list of several buyers these days. The Hyundai Verna and the Honda City offer a sunroof.

Design May Not Appeal To All

The Yaris borrows a few design cues from its popular sibling, the Corolla Altis, but it does end up looking polarising. Take away the striking front end and you’re left with plain side and rear profiles which may not appeal to everyone’s tastes, especially young buyers. The Hyundai Verna and the Honda City sport a much more palatable design which should appeal to a wider set of buyers.

Isn’t it Expensive?

Well, the starting price of the Yaris is commendable and the list of standard features is applause worthy as well. But, it commands a heavy premium, especially for some of the variants. The Toyota Yaris’ prices start from Rs 8.75 lakh and go up till Rs 14.07 lakh even without a diesel engine on offer. The Hyundai Verna, on the contrary, offers a diesel option with two petrol motors and still costs only Rs 12.76 lakh for the top-end SX (O) diesel after beginning from Rs 7.80 lakh (all ex-showroom Delhi). While some may justify the Yaris’ higher cost by attributing it to Toyota’s brand value and bulletproof reliability, the other sedans in the segment have proven their mettle over the long run as well. Related: Toyota Yaris: Variants Explained

Agree or disagree with the points raised? Have some of your own points on the Yaris to share with us? Let us know in the comments below.

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