The Yaris hasn’t quite made the impact that Toyota hoped for, which has prompted the Japanese brand to update the midsize sedan’s line-up by introducing three new trim levels. Now available in a total of 14 versions, the Toyota Yaris’ base price has also reduced, making it a more attractive buy. However, picking out one of the 14 versions of Toyota’s Maruti Ciaz rival can be a bit daunting. We help you choose the right Yaris version.
What are the engines on offer?
The recent update didn’t bring any mechanical changes with it – the Yaris continues to be powered by the same 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 107hp and 140Nm of peak torque. The engine, which comes with two gearbox options (a 6-speed manual and a 7-step CVT automatic), is at its best at lower revs and is fine for relaxed city driving. However, a flat mid-range means that you’ll have to downshift every time you want to perform a quick overtaking manoeuvre. The manual is a slick-shifting unit, while the CVT is nice, as long as you drive in an unhurried manner. When mated to the manual, the engine has an ARAI-rated fuel economy of 17.1kpl. The CVT auto goes one up with its 17.8kpl figure. Of the two gearbox options, we’d recommend the automatic. Its convenience is worth paying the extra money for.
What are the variants on offer?
The Yaris is unique in its segment, as all variants come with both gearbox options. When it first launched in India, the midsize sedan was available in four trims – J, G, V and VX. With the update, Toyota has added three new variants – J(O), G(O) and V(O).
In essence, the J(O) (Rs 8.65-9.35 lakh) and J (Rs 9.29-9.99 lakh) are near identical – the only difference is that the former gets three airbags, while the latter gets seven. Other features on offer with these variants include rear parking sensors, central locking with keyless entry, 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/60 section tyres, projector headlights, power adjustable ORVMs, a tilt-adjustable power steering, fabric upholstery, four speakers, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, power windows, a cooled glovebox, a rear-seat armrest and a 60:40 split-folding rear seat.
The G(O) (Rs 9.63-10.83 lakh) and G (Rs 10.44-11.64 lakh) variants have the same difference as the lower-spec trims – the (O) gets three airbags. These mid-spec variants are equipped with a rear defogger, front and rear fog lights, speed-sensing auto door locks, a chrome grille, turn indicators integrated in the power-folding wing mirrors, push-button start/stop, a 4.2-inch TFT coloured MID, steering-mounted controls, automatic climate control, and roof-mounted air vents with ambient lights.
Interestingly, the V (Rs 11.63-12.83 lakh) and the V(O) (Rs 11.97-13.17 lakh), both get seven airbags. The V trim adds features such as front parking sensors, rear disc brakes, cruise control, automatic headlights with a follow-me-home function, a reverse camera, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with USB, AUX, Bluetooth, SD card, Weblink and Miracast support, along with a six-speaker sound system.
In addition to the equipment on the V, the V(O) variant comes with dual-tone exterior colour options, piano black-finished grille, ORVMs and fog light bezels, 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, leatherette seat upholstery, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob.
The top-spec Yaris VX variant’s prices (Rs 12.85-14.07 lakh) and equipment remain unchanged. Besides more safety kit in the form of hill-start assist, vehicle stability control and a tyre pressure monitoring system, the range-topping variant gets LED DRLs, chrome door handles, automatic wipers, leather seat upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, Mirror Link, HDMI and Wi-Fi support for the infotainment system, satellite navigation and gesture control. There's no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on any version of the Yaris. The Yaris isn't a sporty car but keen drivers will like that the CVT-equipped VX variant gets paddleshifters.
Which is the variant to buy?
While the base and lower variants are decently kitted and priced competitively, it is the V(O) CVT that is our pick of the Yaris range. For the Rs 34,000 premium over the V, which gets the essentials, you get a number of features that make the Toyota Yaris more attractive to look at and more premium to be in.
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IMAGE: Top-spec Yaris VX with dealer-installed body kit
IMAGE SOURCE: Toyota Yaris India Fan club.