2010 Toyota Yaris Review
Price
RM104,652
Installment
RM998/mth
2010 Toyota Yaris at a glance
The 2010 Toyota Yaris proffers the best balance between practicality and handling compared to rivals. The 2010 Toyota Yaris' quality, reliability and running costs are class-leading, although the ride and refinement could be better.
2010 Toyota Yaris quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Small Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Toyota Yaris ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Toyota certainly made the Yaris' compact body count, producing a very distinctive and characterful design. The best part: the design seems to strike a good balance between youthfulness and maturity. But it appears that Toyota Malaysia wants to push the 2010 Toyota Yaris closer to younger buyers by adding a body kit including a front bumper spoiler, side skirting, rear bumper spoiler and rear spoiler.
Handling
The 2010 Toyota Yaris sits in the middle of the pack when it comes to handling. Safe, predictable and composed, the Toyota Yaris even corners with some enthusiasm, gripping on and resisting body roll decently well. Even so, the refined dynamics are short of what the class-leader Suzuki Swift brings. The steering needs to provide more feel if the 2010 Toyota Yaris is to appeal as a driver's car.
Comfort
The ride feels fidgety over rough surfaces, although the suspension takes the sting out of most bumps and potholes. Cabin refinement at cruising speeds is disrupted by quite some wind and road noise. The default driving position is high, which can take some getting used to. The driver's seat does adjust for seat-height, but the steering is only tilt-adjustable. The centrally-mounted speedometer and vertical controls' arrangement are unique, though not necessarily convenient to use.
Quality + Reliability
As with all Toyota models, the Yaris is class-leading in terms of quality and reliability. The solid cabin comes with excellent fit-and-finish and good quality materials. Some hard, though nice-looking, plastics are used for the dashboard, however. The previous Toyota Yaris was highly rated according to JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, and this trend should persist with the 2010 Toyota Yaris.
Performance
A 1.5-litre engine, producing 107 bhp at 6000 rpm and 141 Nm at 4200 rpm, is paired to a four-speed automatic transmission. The engine puts in a thoroughly capable and refined on-road performance, while the automatic transmission does not let down by shifting smoothly and responding crisply enough.
Roominess
Despite being one of the shortest by class standards, the 2010 Toyota Yaris provides similar room as rivals do, meaning decent room for all on board and a well-proportioned boot. There are no lack of storage compartments in the cabin, while the rear seats can 60:40 split-fold for more boot space, recline for comfort or slide rearwards to provide generous legroom at the expense of boot space.
Running Costs
Toyota models are often the cheapest or among the cheapest to run by class standards—a fact verified by the 2010 Toyota Yaris. Much credit has to go to the excellent fuel economy, the reasonable servicing and repair costs, and of course the rock-solid resale values achievable only with a Toyota badge.
Value for Money
Two key rivals the 2010 Toyota Yaris is up against are the Honda Jazz and Suzuki Swift Sport. The former provides the best practicality, while the latter offers the most driving fun. The 2010 Toyota Yaris may not proffer the best of both worlds, but it does strike the best balance compared to the Jazz or Swift. The Yaris' quality, reliability and running costs are class-leading in typical Toyota fashion, even though its ride and refinement could be better.
Equipment
The 2010 Toyota Yaris comes with fog lamps, side-turn signal lamps, reverse sensor, leather steering wheel with audio controls, MP3/WMA/CD/radio player, 6 speakers, power windows, electric wing mirrors, manual air-conditioning, alarm, immobiliser and 15-inch alloy wheels. Safety equipment includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and dual front airbags.
Environment
Japanese automakers are responsible for producing the “greenest” cars on the market. And Toyota is definitely at the forefront. Excellent fuel economy and low carbon dioxide emissions give the 2010 Toyota Yaris the lead in environmental soundness.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Class-leading cabin quality
Roomy and versatile
Low running costs
The bodykit
Fidgety ride at times
Noise levels at speed
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