Review of the new Toyota Yaris SR

It's hard to believe but we have joyriders to thank for the Toyota Yaris SR. Back in the late Eighties and early Nineties, a sudden spate of vehicle thefts led to spiralling insurance bills for the sort of GTi hot hatchbacks that had previously been massively popular. Almost overnight, the bottom fell out of the market, the typical twentysomethings who formed the target clientele suddenly unable or unwilling to foot the astronomic insurance quotes. From the wreckage of a once booming market grew the 'warm hatch', a superficially sporty looking hatchback powered by a decidedly modest engine. It had the styling to attract younger buyers and the insurance rating was friendly too.

The current Yaris SR doesn't deviate too far from that template. Toyota has also concentrated on not just making it look a little sportier but bumping up its value for money factor and lowering running costs as well. As such, it's now one of the most appealing models in the Yaris line up.

There's an argument that the driving experience is possibly the least important factor for a sporty hatch, the priorities instead being affordability and styling. On the face of it, a choice between an 100bhp petrol engine or an 89bhp diesel unit wouldn't raise my pulse much above tickover. The 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i actually uses Stop & Start, Toyota's version of the technology that cuts the engine when the car is stationary to save fuel. It's not the sort of feature you expect to find on a fast hatchback and sure enough 0-60mph takes 11.7s. That's slower than the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel's 10.7s.

If you're planning on longer distance work, the diesel's more relaxed motorway cruising ability is well worth consideration. The difference between the two engines can best be highlighted by looking at their respective torque figures, which demonstrate pure muscle power. The 1.33-litre petrol fronts up with 132Nm of torque while the diesel aces it with 205Nm. Both have a broadly similar top speed but for sheer overtaking ability, the diesel is the best choice. Where the petrol engine scores is in its light weight which should give the Yaris more agility when turning into and driving through a tight corner.

"Neither SR model is going to break the bank in terms of ongoing running costs"

The Yaris has never been one of the more striking superminis to look at but its compact curves are easy enough on the eye. The latest models the front bumper and bonnet more seamlessly than before while also incorporating protection mouldings designed to take the financial sting out of minor parking knocks. The front spoiler has also been lowered slightly giving a fractionally sportier look and together with a flatter design for the dirty side of the car, this helps aerodynamics, further improving efficiency. The SR models add 15" alloy wheels, front fog lamps, privacy glass and sports trim inside to raise the tone.

Toyota's exemplary build quality is evident in the Yaris cabin and you'll search in vain for shoddily assembled trim components. The problem is that instances of design flare are similarly hard to come by in the rather bland cabin environment. The controls are sensibly positioned and extremely easy to get to grips with but with rival superminis offering some highly intelligent and charismatic interior designs, the Yaris falls a little short. It's a shame because the car does the hard work so effectively.

Prices depend on whether you choose the diesel or the petrol engine and whether you opt for three doors or five. Add to that the choice of the standard six-speed manual or the MultiMode automatic 'box and you have some pondering to do. All models get a rake and reach adjustable steering column, audio controls on the steering wheel, electric front windows, remote central locking, an MP3 compatible CD stereo and Toyota's EasyFlat rear seating system. The SR adds analogue instruments, air-conditioning, a leather steering wheel and a better stereo as well as its styling accessories.

Safety wise there's the ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, twin front airbags and side airbags that feature on all Yaris models but the SR adds curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag. VSC stability control is a cost option.

Neither SR model is going to break the bank in terms of ongoing running costs. Choose the 1.33-litre petrol model and you have a car which will return 55.4mpg on the combined cycle and emit 119g/km of carbon dioxide. Those looking to make even more infrequent visits to refuel will prefer the diesel car which ekes 68.9 miles from one gallon of heavy oil and which emits 109g/km of carbon dioxide. It's impressive stuff and not what you expect from a sporty hatch.

Toyota has a reputation for reliability that other marques would kill for and the Yaris has followed on where its predecessor left off with sterling performances in all manner of customer satisfaction surveys. The car's good name has also helped it become a desirable used acquisition and that can't do residual values any harm. With insurance rated in groups 3 and 4, the Yaris SR becomes a viable proposition for younger drivers or those who have a chequered driving history and need a car that looks smart but which is cheap to cover.

A warm hatch is pretty much a rite of passage for the nation's car-obsessed youth. While such vehicles might seem about as appetising to older buyers as spending Saturday evening in a car park, getting a doner from the van and comparing bass bins, it's undeniable that the target market knows its products and will recognise the Yaris SR as an interesting addition to the genre. It might be interesting more for its low costs than its fun factor but times are hard and even boy racers might need to take a more prosaic approach to their car buying decisions.

TOP 5 YARIS DEALS

The results below show the top YARIS deals on buyacar

Toyota Yaris 1.33 VVT-i TR 5dr [6] Hatchback
Price £7,540 Read Yaris Reviews	Save £3,925
Toyota Yaris 1.4 D-4D TR 5dr Hatchback Special Eds
Price £7,340 Read Yaris Reviews	Save
Toyota Yaris 1.33 VVT-i SR 5dr Hatchback
Price £12,501 Read Yaris Reviews	Save £1,334
Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVT-i TR 5dr Hatchback Special Eds
Price £6,540 Read Yaris Reviews	Save
Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVT-i Colour Collection 3dr Hatchback Special Eds
Price £4,340 Read Yaris Reviews	Save
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