The place of origin has profound effects on the image of a product. Yes, we may be accustomed to goods from the People's Republic (of China), but still our perception will change without a moment's notice when met with a 'Swiss made' tag.
Toyota is one of the first few car brands that forayed onto foreign grounds (outside Japan) to have their cars made. For a good part of our memory, the Vios and Altis (which replaced Corolla here) rolled out of their plants in Thailand.
While it is safe to say the locals are biting the Tom Yam-flavoured baits - just by looking at the sheer number of Vios(es) and Altis(es) on our roads - Toyota isn't going to take things for granted.
Be in for a surprise - the new Yaris is now built in France.
Toyota is one of the first few car brands that forayed onto foreign grounds (outside Japan) to have their cars made. For a good part of our memory, the Vios and Altis (which replaced Corolla here) rolled out of their plants in Thailand.
While it is safe to say the locals are biting the Tom Yam-flavoured baits - just by looking at the sheer number of Vios(es) and Altis(es) on our roads - Toyota isn't going to take things for granted.
Be in for a surprise - the new Yaris is now built in France.
Exterior
The Yaris was originally meant to be a hatchback version of the Vios. But one will be hard-pressed to identify this linkage between the two models from this third generation Yaris.
We wouldn't go as far as describing the Yaris' new looks as groundbreaking. But we like how the ends are sculptured for a clean and city smart feel. Even before snuggling into the driver's seat, the sharp and snub overhangs give hints of how easy it will be to pilot the car around town.
Interior
The new Yaris was conceived with a keen emphasis on utility, and it is from the inside that this trait stands out the strongest. The simple, almost minimalist, design advocates a fuss-free motoring experience - one that is absent from many newer models.
Climate control buttons are conveniently decked out on the console, and buttons that are rarely used are kept out of your immediate sight.
The new Yaris was conceived with a keen emphasis on utility, and it is from the inside that this trait stands out the strongest. The simple, almost minimalist, design advocates a fuss-free motoring experience - one that is absent from many newer models.
Climate control buttons are conveniently decked out on the console, and buttons that are rarely used are kept out of your immediate sight.
Despite being a supermini, the people who penned the interior will have you believe the Yaris is bigger and wider than you think, thanks to horizontal lines on the dashboard, which accentuate the width of the car.
Space wise, one will never feel cramp at the front row, and the rear will still fit three adults with a slight squeeze - commendable for a car this size.
Staying true to its European origins, the Yaris comes with a full range of amenities, such as dual-zone air conditioning, keyless entry and engine start, and reverse view camera. There is even a cooler glove box - a rare sight even in bigger cars.
Space wise, one will never feel cramp at the front row, and the rear will still fit three adults with a slight squeeze - commendable for a car this size.
Staying true to its European origins, the Yaris comes with a full range of amenities, such as dual-zone air conditioning, keyless entry and engine start, and reverse view camera. There is even a cooler glove box - a rare sight even in bigger cars.
The Drive
Toyotas have always been blessed with the 'get in and drive away' type of user-friendliness, and the Yaris is no exception. There is no need to figure out where the parking brake is, or how to engage the proper gears.
The Yaris' puny 1.3-litre puts out just 98 horses and 125Nm of torque. While these aren't impressive figures to start with, they translate to a very decent real-world performance.
The car portrays a perky character from the get up and go. And although it will not outrun most cars in drag races, the linear and perky throttle response will help to better react to road conditions, such as overtaking slower moving vehicles or merging into main lanes.
Truth be told, we don't quite like the hovering and undecisive characteristic of CVT gearboxes. But the Yaris' CVT does inspire a soothing drive and ride with its smooth transitions.
We reckon, however, that the CVT works better when left in normal mode, as engaging the 'Sport' button will bring about unnecessary rev climbs that evoke a strained note from the engine, breaking the serenity of the cabin.
As expected of a supermini, the Yaris is very nimble. It boasts a class-leading turning radius of 4.7 metres, and that conveys excellent agility on the road, especially driving in and out of tight spaces.
Our time with the supermini revealed a fuel economy of 14km/L - some distance from the 20km/L claimed but still reputable.
Conclusion
The new Yaris has broke free of its old mould of being an alternative variant to the mainstream Vios model. It is now a more upclass model, especially with its European origin and its comprehensive array of standard equipment. All these will no doubt strengthen its appeal in our market.
All that, though, comes with a price.
As of 4th October, the Yaris's tag reads $136,988 - a $2k premium over the French's 208, and almost $5k over the popular Volkswagen Polo Sport.
Then again, the Yaris' bomb proof build quality should be included into the equation.
Our time with the supermini revealed a fuel economy of 14km/L - some distance from the 20km/L claimed but still reputable.
Conclusion
The new Yaris has broke free of its old mould of being an alternative variant to the mainstream Vios model. It is now a more upclass model, especially with its European origin and its comprehensive array of standard equipment. All these will no doubt strengthen its appeal in our market.
All that, though, comes with a price.
As of 4th October, the Yaris's tag reads $136,988 - a $2k premium over the French's 208, and almost $5k over the popular Volkswagen Polo Sport.
Then again, the Yaris' bomb proof build quality should be included into the equation.
