2018 Toyota Yaris review, road test

Will the ever-dependable Toyota badge and class-leading safety equipment be enough to lure buyers towards this mid-size sedan, despite its premium pricing?

Published on Jun 07, 2018 06:00:00 AM

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For India, the Yaris’ suspension has been reworked. The dampers have been stiffened and the springs are taller, making this car more suited to tackle our road conditions. There’s a hint of firmness in the way it drives, but it swallows potholes and broken road with great maturity; this isn’t a car that needs to be slowed down on a set of rumble strips – it’ll simply glide over without tossing passengers around and without surface imperfections thudding through. Ground clearance is generous too, and the Yaris tackles formidable speed breakers with ease. Body movements are well controlled and even as speeds increase, the Yaris remains flat and composed. Ride quality is, in fact, one of its strengths.

Drive it in an enthusiastic manner on a winding section of road and its grip levels impress. And it isn’t merely the 185mm tyres, but even its mechanical grip – as a result of the suspension set-up and weight balance – really stands out. The handling remains predictable and the car doesn’t protest when thrown into a corner. The steering isn’t very light at low speeds and even as the car gains momentum, there’s an artificial heft to it. The lack of feel or feedback, however, means it won’t please those who enjoy driving.