Yesterday, I test drove the new Toyota Yaris D-4D. Unfortunately I had a salesman with me
so I couldn't really put it through it's paces as I would have liked. The engine is really smooth
and responsive and the noise levels in the cabin are not at all obtrusive. I personally like to
hear the reassuring diesel sound but with the radio on low you can't hear the engine at all.
I found there was plenty of pull throughout the gears and always found there was lots
of power in reserve should I need it. With three up, I drove up quite a steep hill and was
able to keep it in fifth all the way to the top at 60 MPH. In my current car a non turbo
1.8 Escort Diesel I would have needed to change down and it would have run out of puff
quite early on. I found it to be well behaved in traffic and a relaxing car to drive. Although my
driving is mainly in and around town, I do need a car capable of the long haul to Cornwall
on a regular basis. This feels like a much larger car on the road. It was not twitchy and the ride
was superb in comparison to the Honda Jazz which amplified virtually every little dimple in the road.
I think Toyota have got it right with this one. You can't get better than 74 MPG. 10k Oil changes
and a full service every 20k or two years. Superb!
My only reservation is that, as with most cars today, the amount of plumbing and gizzmos surrounding
the engine is going to make DIY for the 'Weekend Mechanic' a thing of the past. Apart from an oil change
I don't think there is an awful lot more that I would be prepared to tackle in this lovely little engine.
Having said that there is always the reassurance of the 3 year warranty.
Well, I don't know about you, but I've earmarked mine, done the deal, and will be picking it up at midday
next Friday. YA YA YARIS! WHOOPEE!
If you see a lovely little Metallic Silver Toyata Yaris D-4D GLS with the Orcadia alloys driving around the
Enfield-Edmonton area, by a smug looking @!#$ grinning from ear to ear, please, don't hoot, because I'll be
listening to that sweet little engine.
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I think I might fancy the Corolla T-Sport. At the moment it rather depends on Littlewoods breaking their duck, though1
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50 more horses, and 2 groups down, compared with Proton GTi. Because of no Lotus label?
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Thanks for your update on the Yaris, spud. Welcome to the Yaris owners club. We're a friendly bunch :>)
I don't live a million miles from you so will keep an eye open.
Regards,
KB.
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Note the note in car be car breakdown: the Yaris D-4D is a chain cam engine, just like the rest of the Yaris range and, inceasingly more of the Toyota range. PSA/Ford is talking of a very long life for the timing belt on its indentical mpg 1.4HDI and it is very well protected with lots of rollers, but as long as you keep the oil clean you can't beat a chain.
HJ
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