What they said when the Yaris T Sport was new...
(Aug 13 2001)
A NEW birth is always an exciting time, even if it occurs in a family noted for being unemotional.
Toyota is held up as a very competent if conservative car maker but that has not stopped it making some of the most desirable cars across a very wide range.
Its baby model, the Yaris, collected the title of European Car of 2000 but after driving an early model I thought it could be better. Now it is.
The Yaris T Sport is the first Toyota to carry the distinctive red T-badge which will be applied to selected subsequent new models in other series runs.
Toyota is determined to maximise the benefits and returns from its enormous investment in F1 racing which will see racers on the world stage next season, and the T Sport series is the result of this desire to link ultimate and usable performance.
Engineers have shoe-horned a lively 1.5 litre engine and sports gearbox under the Yaris bonnet and given the chassis a lot of tweaks to sharpen handling and brakes.
A body styling kit adds a few centimetres of plastic here and there and inside the Yaris T Sport has distinctve analogue instruments, three-spoke leather wheel and gear-knob and black upholstery.
While it immediately looks different to the standard 1.0 and 1.3 litre models it nevertheless remains very easy and enjoyable to drive.
A carefully tuned engine blended power with performance across a wide band, giving economy which would rival a more mundane model from a competitor.
Completely untempermental in nature it was an immediate starter, pulled strongly and smoothly, although its complex valve-gear produced some noise at the higher end of the rev-range.
An easy clutch and precise gearbox meant you could use the power without hindrance and town driving was as enjoyable as country pursuits. I did, however, find I was changing up quicker than expected as the engine revved towards its maximum in the lower ratios.
The shorter-ratios also meant it pulled very well in top and you seemed to have something in reserve at all times. I liked the feel to the brakes with their progressive yet strong action and they never showed signs of fading. The handbrake was very effective.
Behind the wheel it was a similar story of communication and feedback. The turning circle was tight, it did not suffer from unwanted kickback and yet it gave good feel.
Secondary controls were all well laid out and I particularly liked the very clear instruments and simple air conditioning controls, backed up by the powered windows and sunroof for maximum choice.
Oddments room was on the tight side throughout and the boot was not particularly big for a hatchback, but it was easy to load. Climbing into the back seats was slightly awkward in the three-door only bodystyle and once inside the legroom was restricted although headroom was good.
Those in the front seats had much easier time and more room to stretch out but all the seats were well shaped and very supporting with good adjustment in the front pair.
Despite the figure hugging shape of the seats they struggled to cope with the bumps which intruded from the sporting lowered suspension and the difference in ride quality between the T Sport and its lesser stablemates was probably the most noticeable feature after the performance.
It could bump and jar over some roads but its body roll and pitching was very well controlled.
The handling showed a slight tendency to run wide on tighter turns, but it had no real vices and it behaved very safely and felt secure at all times.
Visibility was fine to the front and sides, with good wipers and lights for poor conditions, but over the shoulder there were some blindspots and the slim rear window might hide lower objects such as walls or posts when reversing.
But this is a car you would not want to drive backwards for very long in any case. It was a hugely enjoyable, easy to drive and economical warm hatchback.
This is a new baby which will bring a smile to any driver’s face.
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