Toyota Yaris 1.8 SR

Toyota Yaris 1.8 SR

The ignition key is of the hands-free variety, so doors can be unlocked without taking it out of your pocket and the car starts with a push of the starter button. The engine note certainly sounds fruitier than the 1.0 litre variety found in many models - and a quick look at the manual will inform you that this particular Yaris packs a sizeable 1.8 litre under its bonnet.

That sounds very interesting indeed and makes this SR the fastest Yaris yet built, eclipsing the 1.5 litre, 105bhp unit found in the mark one T-Sport model.

Carry on reading the manual and you'll discover the bigger engine produces 130bhp - but it's 0-62mph time of 9.3 seconds sounds strangely sluggish for such a large engine in such a small car.

Release the handbrake and the new SR still feels warm rather than hot, which perhaps explains the lack of the "i" after its name.

The five-speed gearbox might make you wish for an extra cog as you accelerate hard off the motorway slip road into the fast flowing traffic, but the SR's surprisingly supple ride and "feely" steering is good enough to raise a smile.

The black and white performance figures might not get your blood boiling but the engine is gutsy and pleasingly revvy. In use it feels faster than those numbers suggest, which means the Yaris SR is a car that grows on you the longer you drive it. Only a rather soft brake pedal lets the package down.

But everyone will love the fact that this car packs an amazing nine airbags into its small but well-proportioned interior. Throw in stability and traction control as standard and it's no wonder crash testers Euro NCAP awarded the Yaris five-star for ***** crash protection.

If the 1.8 litre and its claimed 39mpg fuel economy sound a little too juicy then you'll be pleased to know that the same car can be bought with either a 1.3 litre petrol or 1.4 diesel.

At ??12,995 for the three-door 1.8 model, the Yaris' main rival for your affections would seem to be the cheaper and more dynamic ??11,499 Suzuki Swift Sport. Trouble is the latter has a smaller, less powerful 1.6 litre engine and a whole lot less insulation than the SR, meaning it's a fair bit noisier and a whole lot less relaxing companion in everyday use.

Toyota's effort not get your heart pumping with excitement every time you start the engine and it's certainly not a car that would make you get out of the way should you see one in your rearview mirror.

However, it's a pleasantly capable and swift hatchback, and quite a discreet way to get quickly to your destination - but when you get there give your SR a hug.

It might be faster than the norm but it's still a Yaris after all. - Neil Greenfield

TOYOTA YARIS SR 1.8 - from ??12,995 otr

Engine: 1.8 litre VVT-i

Max power: 131bhp at 6,000rpm and 173Nm torque between at 4,400rpm

PERFORMANCE:

0-60mph - 9.3 seconds

Max speed - 121mph

ECONOMY: 39.2mpg combined

CO2 emissions/TAX %: 170/21%

INSURANCE GROUP: 7

STANDARD EQUIPMENT: Front, side, curtain and driver's knee airbags; vehicle stability control; electric windows; air conditioning; CD player; 17-inch alloys

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