Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is merely days away from launching its first-ever C2-segmenter in India. Dubbed as the Yaris, the upcoming Toyota sedan is basically a Honda City-Hyundai Verna-Maruti Ciaz adversary that will aim to attract everyone with its long list of features, mini-Corolla Altis looks, and of course, the high brand recognition that Toyota enjoys. So, will it be really easy for the Yaris to outclass its rather formidable rivals? Here’s what some of India’s motoring publications have said about the Yaris in their test drive review reports.
Autocar India
In the words of Shapur Kotwal, from Autocar India, the all-new Toyota Yaris is “a car that does almost everything reasonably well.” Furthermore, the reviewer has said that the Yaris offers adequate performance, good drivability in the urban environment, and decent rear seat comfort, too. Also, going by other Toyota models, the Yaris is likely to be fairly reliable and easy-to-own. However, he goes on to clearly highlight that the Yaris isn’t really fun to drive. Also, it doesn’t have the best cabin quality in the segment. In one of the final lines of his review, Shapur says that the Yaris “doesn’t stand out as something special.”
Car and Bike – NDTV
Ameya Naik, from Car and Bike, has appreciated the car for the baby Corolla looks, very smooth CVT, a comfortable ride, and the low NVH levels. He goes on to say that the Yaris is a “compelling entrant to the segment”. He also talks about the long list of features and great safety equipment. However, he’s pretty sure that all this will come at a price point that will make the Yaris significantly pricier than its rivals. However, he adds that this isn’t the car for those looking for spirited or sporty driving. Also, the reviewer says that the rear seat is best for two occupants only as it isn’t wide enough to accommodate three people.
Overdrive
Bob Rupani, from Overdrive, has appreciated the Yaris for the high ride comfort it offers. He has also talked positively about the smooth CVT, a long list of safety features, especially the 7 airbags, and the touchscreen infotainment unit with hand gesture controls. However, the reviewer has also pointed out some negatives. For instance, he says that the passenger compartment isn’t as spacious as those of the rivals. He also talks about the lack of a Diesel engine option, lack of enough punch from the petrol engine, the rubber-band effect of the CVT, the rather loud and intrusive engine note above 4,000 RPM, and the vague steering. However, he adds that the Toyota’s high reputation might end up working in favour of this sedan.
CarDekho
Tushar, from CarDekho, says that the Yaris has “more going for it than just the Toyota badge.” The reviewer goes on to praise the car for its long list of safety features, the high focus on keeping the NVH-levels really low, premium interior, and the sublime ride comfort it offers. However, he is quick to add that the Yaris isn’t the most driver-centric car. Also, the review highlights the light nature of the steering and the lack of body roll. He also says that high-speed overtaking takes some planning as there’s no instant surge of power on pressing the accelerator. He also says that the performance of the engine won’t please the enthusiasts. He concludes by saying that all those who’ve always wanted a Corolla Altis but didn’t have the budget for it can pick up a Yaris.
Rushlane
Sagar Patel, from Rushlane, seems to be pretty happy with the ‘segment-best’ ride quality and really low NVH levels. He also praises the Yaris for its Corolla-like design and a long list of features. He clearly mentions that the Yaris comes with as many as 20 segment-first features. He goes on to say that the Yaris feels sufficiently powerful in the urban environment. He also praises the car for its smooth CVT and excellent brakes. However, as per the review, the steering of the Yaris is precise but there’s “really little feedback that it offers.” The reviewer also clearly mentions that the lack of a diesel engine option means that those with a really high monthly running should look elsewhere. Summing it all up, he says that it is targeted at buyers who have safety as their highest priority.
VERDICT
Based on all the reviews we’ve been through so far, it looks like the Yaris is all set to enter the C2-segment with quite a bang. Its Corolla-like appearance, a long list of features, a high level of safety, low NVH, and the great ride quality will surely impress many. However, the reviewers seem to be unhappy about the light steering and the mediocre performance from the engine. Also, some have clearly stated that the lack of a Diesel engine might actually keep a few sedan buyers away from this car. That said, the Yaris seems to be a pretty good option for all those who’ve been in the market for a comfortable sedan that focuses more on comfort and safety than on outright performance.
[“Source-cartoq”]
