NEW FOR 2016:
– SE receives partial black-painted alloy wheels
– New colour for SE: two-tone black and silver
Having just been updated last year, Toyota’s Yaris Hatchback carries over into 2016 without any changes, other than the availability of a unique two-tone silver and black paintjob that’s available on the top-of-the-line SE hatchback.
Despite wearing its Toyota badge proudly, the Yaris Hatchback is one of the brand’s most global European products. It was designed to excel in cramped European streets, was styled at Toyota’s European design headquarters in the south of France, and is assembled in a suburb of Paris. It is worth noting that the Yaris Hatchback is a completely unrelated to the new-for-2016 Yaris Sedan, which is not only much larger, but a Mexican-made Mazda.
Over the years, the Yaris has morphed from an unusual little jellybean on wheels into a credible and mature subcompact. Handling is especially sharp on the range-topping SE which sports firmer suspension, wider tires, and rear disc brakes. Performance from the 106-hp 1.5-litre is acceptable for a car of this size and weight, but the optional four-speed automatic saps performance.
While you won’t find as many luxury and tech amenities as in Ford’s Fiesta or the Kia Rio, all Yarii come with a 6.1-inch display audio screen, Bluetooth, and power windows and locks.
The two-door hatchback comes in CE trim, while the four-door comes in LE and SE trims.
Features on the CE Hatchback include 15-inch steel wheels, manual mirrors, front and rear splash guards, intermittent wipers, rear washer/wiper, cloth seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, driver’s knee airbag, chrome interior door handles, front seat cushion airbags, tilt steering wheel, 6.1-inch display audio system, CD/MP3 stereo with four speakers, auxiliary input and USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, power locks, power windows, digital clock, and multi-information display.
The LE 5-Door hatchback adds heated power-adjustable mirrors, tachometer, air conditioning, keyless entry, and cruise control.
The SE 5-Door hatchback adds partial black-painted 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, projector beam headlamps with LED daytime running lights, sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, six speakers, intermittent rear washer/wiper, skirt package, rear spoiler, and fog lamps.
