We all know and probably some of us have grown up hearing about Toyota’s reliability.

I remember when I was in my teens, people kept saying if you want to buy a vehicle, always go for Toyota. But the reality was, brand new Toyotas did not come cheap.

Therefore, when I saw the 2015 Toyota Yaris priced below $45,000 at Asco Motors just before my test-drive, I was taken aback.

The 2015 Yaris is currently on promotion going for $42,999. This 2015 model isn’t Toyota’s smallest model, but it is definitely its lowest priced-car.

The vehicle comes equipped with everything you would need in a vehicle with room for further add-ons for those wanting a little more.

The four-speed auto transmission vehicle is available mainly in sedan but hatchback is also available depending on customer choice.

Features

The 2015 Toyota Yaris comes with an audio set comprising of AM/FM radio system, a single CD player and a USB connection as well as iPhone connection.

It has dual air bags – one on passenger side and one on driver side. The digital clock is displayed on the odometer panel (which is a bit inconvenient if the passengers want to view time).

It has power steering, power side mirrors and fabric seats. The back is divided by an arm rest which can be pulled down if needed.

Bluetooth and reverse camera are optional accessories at additional cost if the customer wants it installed.

The vehicle also has ABS breaking system as a safety feature. It comes with 15” tyres with steel rim and caps. Once again – mag wheels are optional.

Interior

It’s understandable some people look at performance, but for others, the interior design matters as well.

The interior design of the 2015 Toyota Yaris is quite impressive. In fact, when I saw the dashboard, it looked to be made of leather (there is even stitching done as well).

Even the door panels seem to have a leather finish. But upon touching these, it turned out it is a leather look but it is made of plastic. Creative indeed!

The cabin is also quite spacious, sufficient legroom space, both front and back. As well as for those who are taller, there is sufficient headroom space.

The controls are simple, cheerful, and easy to understand.

There’s also a large cohort of built-in storage spaces, in the form of trays, cup holders, bins, and the like.  The cup holders are conveniently located on the dash board at the passenger and the driver end.

Exterior

From the outside, the model looks visually appealing and suave.

The overarching design has been preserved making it tall, yet nicely proportioned from the side.

This also makes the vehicle quite stable when driving as well.

Technical side

The interior and exterior may be important for some, but for those who are critical, they want to know what’s packaged under the hood.

The 1.3 litre sedan with a 42 litre fuel tank is economical for our roads.

It is understood the fuel use of the vehicle is between 5.5 litres to 6 litres per 100 kilometres. But this also depends on the distance travelled as well as the traffic.

The 2015 Yaris has good handling which fits in well with our roads.

Verdict

Overall, the performance is relatively good when looking at the price being offered and the specifications of the vehicle.

Maybe it does lack a bit of innovation when compared to the Corolla and Camry – also available in Fiji – and does not stand out as much,

But for a budget-buyer, this may just suit your needs being as economical as it is.

Nice car.

Nice price.

Feedback:  rachnal@fijisun.com.fj