2017 Toyota Yaris: Which spec is best

The Toyota Yaris is light and easy to drive and park, and a recent facelift gave the hatchback sharper looks. It has a reputation for reliability and dependably solid retained valued, which makes it a safe buy. Priced from $15,290 the Yaris five-door hatchback is available in three variants with 1.3-litre petrol engine in the entry-level Ascent and 1.5-litre petrol engines in other variants, each coupled to five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Toyota Yaris sedan, which did not get the update along the hatchback is no longer available in Toyota showrooms.

Variants

The Yaris is on offer in three variants, the Ascent, SX and range-topping ZR (Compare specs here). Standard equipment across the range includes a 6.1-inch touchscreen, reversing camera, Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance package, with pre-collision safety system with low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert and automatic high-beam is available as an option in the Ascent and SX while offered as standard in the ZR.

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Upgrading from Ascent to SX gets the bigger and better 80kW/141Nm 1.5-litre engine, front fog lamps, rear and second row privacy glass, and a premium steering wheel and gear-shifter.

The ZR is fully optioned inside and out with body spoilers and alloy wheels, LED headlights with an auto-levelling function, satellite navigation, a more premium steering wheel, climate control and sports front seats.

• Ascent hatch, manual - $15,290
• Ascent hatch, auto - $16,490
• SX hatch, manual - $17,330
• SX hatch, auto - $18,490
• ZR hatch, auto - $22,470

Our pick – SX hatch

The second-tier SX hatch is equipped with the 1.5-litre petrol engine in place of the base version Ascent’s 1.3-litre. While it doesn’t have as much bling as the ZR it matches it for driveability and has a manual option.

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Options

• Toyota Safety Sense package - $650
• Premium paint - $450
• 15-inch alloy wheels – inquire

Options to consider

The safety package makes a lot of sense if purchasing the SX and still keeps you well below the ZR price even if you choose premium paint. Alloy wheels would also be a nice addition, though be sure to shop around as prices vary between Toyota dealers – we were quoted everywhere from $187 per wheel to $240. Note that if you order alloy wheels before delivery the price of the standard steel wheels won’t be deducted as they already come fitted to the car from the factory.