Toyota Yaris: Agile And Versatile Town Car
Published: 10th June 2003
Simon enjoyed the Yaris experience both around town and on the open road. "I found the car an absolute dream to drive. And the economy is great – certainly someone on a limited income, which the majority of disabled people are, would find it absolutely brilliant."
The Yaris range has the most efficient engine line-up in the supermini class, including a new 86bhp 1.3-litre petrol engine for hatchbacks and the 1.4-litre D-4D common rail diesel. Upgraded 1.5-litre models and the 1.0-litre Simon drove complete the line-up. All now comply with EURO IV emissions regulations for 2005.
The T2 was also equipped with an innovative economy device, the Multi-mode Manual Transmission, which is optional on 1.0-litre models. MMT offers the choice of clutchless sequential gearshifts or fully automatic operation, in which mode it is more fuel-efficient than the standard five-speed manual gearbox.
"I love the MMT transmission because, as with an automatic, it allows you to concentrate on the road," says Simon. "And the second you stop, it goes straight down to first gear."
The central instrument panel layout was new to Simon. "I've never seen anything like it before but it was very clear. All-round visibility was great and the handbrake dead easy." The Yaris range also has ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and rear-seat three-point seatbelts fitted as standard on all models, making it a class leader in safety since its launch.
"The Yaris and Yaris Verso versions have proved popular
on the Motability scheme and the improved 2003 models are set to
carry on that trend. We also intend to keep it price competitive
for Motability customers," says Tim Copland, Toyota's
National Leasing, Rental & Special Sales Manager, who is responsible
for Motability sales. "Motability is not only about access
and wheelchair stowage for many customers, they also want what everyone
else wants – style, performance, economy and safety.
