The Toyota Yaris has had a successful run to date, mostly due to its positioning as one of the simplest and most economical and reliable cars on the market. We’ve seen it as both a hatchback variant and now again as a sedan, but all-new for 2023 with this fourth generation model. The exterior styling is its most radical update– but look deeper than the brochure and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 

...look deeper than the brochure and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 

The Toyota Yaris was first introduced to the world in 1999 as a supermini/subcompact car to replace the ageing Starlet and Tercel models. Some markets knew it as the Echo, while in Japan it was initially known as the Vitz.

Along the way, there was a Yaris Verso MPV (aka FunCargo) and most recently there has been the best WITZIU (What If They Zorced It Up) example we’ve seen in the form of the GR Yaris hot hatch. The name Yaris is derived from Charis, the singular form of Charites, the Greek goddesses of charm and beauty.

...powerful 1.3-litre engine that benefits from Toyota’s latest fuel injection tech and dual-VVTI cams. This translates to 97hp@6600rpm and 90ft-lb@4200rpm

This 2023 model now available in Trinidad and Tobago is Toyota’s best value-for-money package if you’re in the market for a four-door, five-seat sedan. While the trim has been optimised to keep the price low, a major factor in this segment, the new Yaris delivers where it counts, starting with a powerful 1.3-litre engine that benefits from Toyota’s latest fuel injection tech and dual-VVTI cams. This translates to 97hp@6600rpm and 90ft-lb@4200rpm, numbers that would normally apply to a 1.5-litre engine.

Mated to a seven-speed CVT automatic, you get a package that can take you to 100km/h in just 13 seconds and a top speed of 165km/h, according to the factory. We think it’s a wee bit faster. 

The Toyota Safety Sense package (TSS) is where the Yaris can be set apart from the rest however. You get an absolutely essential blind spot detection system, lane departure warnings (for when you forget to indicate when changing lanes) and the Pre Auto Collision Warning system, which we were able to experience first hand. Using a dual-camera system, the Yaris will detect if you are approaching a vehicle or obstacle ahead too quickly, give an audio warning, and apply the brakes automatically to avoid or minimise collision damage. Thankfully, in our test the system brought the Yaris to a full stop. Although these systems are present, Toyota categorically states that one should not depend on them but give your full attention when driving.

Using a dual-camera system, the Yaris will detect if you are approaching a vehicle or obstacle ahead too quickly...

You also get adaptive cruise control and auto high beam headlights. Along with all that safety tech, you also get six airbags, ISOFIX child car seat mounting points, hill start assist and parking sensors. 

With the combination of an updated chassis platform, longer wheelbase, and 195/65-15 tyres, the Yaris was fun to drive! 

Another surprise came in the handling department. With the combination of an updated chassis platform (DNGA-B), longer wheelbase, and 195/65-15 tyres, the Yaris was fun to drive! The McPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension allowed us to wrap around tighter corners with ease and carry more speed into medium radius corners than we expected. The wider 195mm tyres worked well and the 65 aspect ratio allowed a greater degree of compliance over ruts and bumps, which is spot on for most roads in T&T and great for a beach run to Maracas Bay. Our 60km/h stability test was handled with ease and the Yaris comes to a stop with vented front disc brakes and rear drums that incorporate ABD, EBD and braking assist. Smooth is the word. 

Our 60km/h stability test was handled with ease and the Yaris comes to a stop with vented front disc brakes and rear drums that incorporate ABD, EBD and braking assist.

Overall the styling is distinctive with lots of extra vents, fins and ducts for functional aerodynamics. The front fascia is very Lexus, lending the upscale look to this entry-level model, incorporating LED headlights and DRLs in the process. Especially when driving in shaded areas on city or country roads, daytime running lights have proven their worth in today’s market. 

...a touchscreen infotainment system that gives you Bluetooth and USB connectivity along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Inside you get a touchscreen infotainment system that gives you Bluetooth and USB connectivity along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can take calls via steering-mounted controls and activate voice commands via these systems too.

The comfortable fabric seats work well for our climate, especially when parking in the hot sun.

And yes, it’s got a big trunk and a full-size spare. 

Overall, the 2023 Yaris delivers value where it counts, and is currently priced at under TT$200K. We were definitely more pleased with the idea of owning one after taking it for a drive. If you’d like to do the same contact Toyota Trinidad & Tobago Ltd. at their Barataria or San Fernando showrooms. 

Technical Specifications: 2023 Toyota Yaris

Engine Power	97hp@6200rpm
Engine Torque	90ft-lb@4200rpm
Engine Displacement/Type	1329cc, Inline 4-cylinder 16v DOHC w/Dual VVTI (1NR-VE)
Transmission	7-speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Turning Radius	4.8m
Airbags	6
Top Speed	165km/h
0-100km/h (0-62mph)	13s
Brakes F/R	Vented front discs / Drum
Wheel & Tyre	15" Steel Wheels with 195/65R15 tyres (F&R)
Est. Fuel Consumption Combined/City/Highway	51mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity / Fuel Type	40 litres / Super 95 RON
Curb Weight	1030 kg
Price as tested	TT $195K

 

 

 

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