Toyota's new Yaris T Sport makes a compelling case for itself as a refined junior hot hatch. Shane O'Donoghuereports
Not a month goes by without another 200bhp-plus hot hatch being launched on our shores. Not that enthusiasts are complaining about the new generation of super hatch, but once upon a time a hot hatch needed only half that power to be deemed worthy of the tag.
Hot hatches used to be based on small cars too, but take a look at the cream of the current crop, and you'll notice that they all double up nicely as family cars. The increase in size and class has lead to a middle age spread around the waist, accompanied by the addition of ever more equipment. So it's difficult to find hatchback-shaped thrills for much less than a hard-earned €30,000.
Not only that, but most of the new breed are powered by 2-litre turbocharged engines, which the insurance companies have a distinct disliking for. Well, the new Toyota Yaris T Sport is a little different.
On the engine side, Toyota has chosen the sporting derivative of its popular supermini to debut a new version of its 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. There are no turbochargers here; instead, the T Sport relies on the adoption of variable valve timing for both inlet and exhaust valves (Dual VVT-i in Toyota-speak), which has the effect of optimising combustion for any given condition - theoretically allowing decent performance when required, but also reducing fuel economy and emissions.
The resulting figures won't set this paper on fire, with peak power of 131bhp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 173Nm available at 4,400rpm, but flexibility is the key and throughout the rev range there is a healthy spread of urge, with a noticeable rush towards the redline once the needle swings past 4,500rpm.
Unfortunately, this urge is not accompanied by an inspiring exhaust note. Induction roar in the lightweight plastic intake manifold dominates the aural experience from the driver's perspective, with a mildly irritating exhaust boom at motorway speeds. In contrast, the T Sport is as docile as any Yaris in traffic or at low speed.
In fact, the engine is so quiet at idle that you'll find it difficult to judge taking off without either stalling or unnecessary engine revving. An ultra-light clutch devoid of feel doesn't help matters.
Thankfully, Toyota has done a very good job on the other driving controls. Around town, the differences are hardly noticeable, but when the road opens out and a few interesting corners beckon, you begin to appreciate the new-found connection with the car.
The gearshift, for a start, is meaty and mechanical in action; where as the regular car's is commendably slick, but it may as well be changing the radio channel. Enjoyment, perhaps surprisingly in what many will see as a warmed over supermini, is very much there for the taking. Retuned springs and dampers tighten up body control and allow the car to sit 8mm lower for a start, reducing the centre of gravity.
A thicker anti-roll bar at the front aims to reduce body roll and the suspension mountings and cross members have been reinforced at the front and rear to cope with the potentially higher forces.
The result of all these changes, as far as the driver is concerned, is a rewarding driving experience. Turn in is good, aided by the positive steering. Sharp direction changes are fuss-free, the whole car moving apiece with no disconcerting body or wheel movements.
When it comes to stopping, Toyota has not skimped either, fitting disc brakes at the rear as well as at the front. From an enthusiast's point of view, the pedal feel is spot on, allowing accurate modulation and enhancing your confidence in the car's abilities. Should the situation arise where few drivers would do anything but slam on the anchors and hope, the T Sport's standard anti-lock braking system may be enough to avert any damage to bodywork or pride.
Indeed, the Yaris remains one of the safest superminis you can buy. Not only does it have the coveted Euro NCAP five-star adult occupant protection rating, it is the only car in its class with a driver's knee airbag, complementing the standard driver and passenger front, side impact and curtain airbags.
That is true of the rest of the Yaris range too. The T Sport model features quite a few differentiating items of equipment. Inside, the subtle changes extend to unique T Sport trim on the seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel (with both reach and rake adjustment), chrome detailing and amber-lit T Sport instruments.
There's also automatic climate control, a decent MP3-compatible stereo and a handy Smart Key system, that allows you keep the "key" fob in your pocket the whole time.
As you'd expect, the T Sport model retains the regular versions' extensive cubby hole selection, though the lack of a five-door option means it is unlikely to be bought by parents with a young baby, which is just as well, as the boot won't hold many buggies anyway.
Given the more extrovert appearance of potential rivals such as the MINI Cooper, the Yaris T Sport is actually quite restrained; though park it next to a basic model and the changes jump out at you.
The 17-inch alloys are immediately obvious, combining with the lower suspension to give this Yaris a much sportier stance. At the front is a T Sport grille and a new bumper, the latter incorporating fog lamps. Side skirts are neatly integrated with the car's design, as is a new rear bumper housing large rear fog lights and a chromed exhaust outlet. Topping it off is a restrained roof spoiler.
Restrained is certainly a word that could be applied to the new Yaris T Sport as a whole. It looks good, without inviting unwanted attention; it goes well, without scaring anyone and it is fun to drive without costing a few limbs to insure. So where does it fit in on the automotive landscape? Its performance and ability puts it on a level playing field with the MINI Cooper and Peugeot 207 GT (amongst others), yet its price and specification sets it apart. It's €22,670. How's that for an antidote to your €30,000-plus family hot hatch?
Factfile
ENGINE:
1,798cc four-cylinder petrol engine with variable valve timing on inlet and exhaust camshafts. It puts out 131bhp @ 6,000rpm and 173Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
SPECIFICATION:
Standard features include: ABS with EBD and brake assist; VSC with TRC; side and curtain airbags for driver and passenger, as well as knee airbag for driver; MP3 and WMA compatible radio/CD; climate control; Smart Entry/Smart Start keyless system; T Sport instruments and seat trim; 17" alloy wheels; T Sport specific bumpers, front grille, side skirts, rear spoiler and exhaust diffuser.
L/100KM (MPG):
Urban: 9.2 (30.7)
Extra urban: 6.0 (47.1)
Combined: 7.2 (39.0)
CO2 EMISSIONS:170g/km
ANNUAL ROAD TAX:€484
PRICE:€22,670