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French toast

Singapore — The Yaris is Toyota’s entrant in the compact city car segment, pitched against the likes of the Volkswagen Polo, Honda Jazz and Suzuki Swift. The car is now in its third generation and is only the second European-made Toyota to be sold here.

Singapore — The Yaris is Toyota’s entrant in the compact city car segment, pitched against the likes of the Volkswagen Polo, Honda Jazz and Suzuki Swift. The car is now in its third generation and is only the second European-made Toyota to be sold here.

How does it drive?

Made in France, this Yaris does feel distinctively European in its dynamics. The 1.3-litre 98bhp engine is on the modest side, but it does have an energetic buzz, as though the car is trying its best to get you going. It’s almost like an old-school European hatchback of sorts, with a small engine revving to the redline everywhere you go.

There is also a surprising amount of poise to the car’s handling, with the Yaris mostly unruffled by fast corners. At the same time, it’s easy to pilot, with light steering and a small turning circle making it a cinch to drive in the city. It’s also interesting to note that the Yaris comes with an automatic engine stop-start system, the first non-hybrid Toyota to have such a feature.

Why should I buy one?

Truth be told, the Yaris’ rather high retail price of S$128,988, inclusive of COE, can be a bit hard to swallow, especially given that most of its direct rivals cost about S$10,000 less. The problem is also exacerbated by the interior quality, which, while well-made, feels budget due to the extensive use of plastic.

Still, there are more merits than drawbacks to the Yaris, such as its frugality (Toyota claims 5.0L/100km), as well as the rather impressive equipment count.

For a small hatchback to have a reverse camera, Bluetooth integration, automatic headlights and wipers, keyless entry, as well as paddle shifters, does make it seem like the Yaris is well worth the outlay.

Toyota Yaris

Engine: 1,329cc i4, 98bhp & 125Nm

Performance: 175kmh, 0-100kmh 12.6 seconds, 5.0L/100km, 114g/km CO2

Price: S$128,988 with COE

On Sale: Now

+ : Entertaining drive, extremely frugal

- : Expensive for a compact, some interior plastics feel cheap

Also consider: Honda Jazz, Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen Polo 1.2

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