T4 1.5 VVT-I Hybrid CVT Auto 5dr Hatchback

Super smooth!

Super smooth sums up our experience so far with the Yaris Hybrid. It is a very different way to drive, it's quiet, the CVT gearbox means acceleration is seamless and we really struggle to notice when the engine kicks in. Initially the driving experience is counter intuitive because when you floor the accelerator the revs go high immediately and speed catches up. Almost as if the clutch is slipping, it seems odd at first.

But I soon found myself driving more gently to encourage better MPG and revelling in the lack of noise and drama. Even at motorway speeds the Yaris is quiet and refined. It feels like a really solid car. It grips well, I haven't mangaged to get any understeer yet (unlike my previous Fiat Doblo which would understeer on a wet roundabout if you went anywhere near the throttle!). It feels really well put together and roomier inside than the exterior dimensions seem to suggest.

Acceleration is surprising rapid, the torque of the electric motor gives a real boost away from the lights. A friend has a Prius and has commented that the Yaris is quieter at speed.

We went from a Doblo to the Yaris and haven't regretted the lack of space (we have an 7year old and a labradoodle and all fit in with their associated junk needed for a week away). The interior feels big as the window line is quite low, compared to, for example the Auris, which we also looked at. I am 6 foot 2 and fit in with ease, loads of headroom.

The media touchscreen system is flawless, it plays music via Bluetooth and making and receiving phone calls using the hands free system also works well. I was also surprised by how much I have appreciated having the reversing camera. We weren't however tempted by the sat nav system, which was an extra £650! Instead we bought a £70 Tomtom! And after nearly a year I still haven't tired of watching the screen and trying to build up the battery and beat my best MPG.

And of course that's the major benefit of the Hybrid, running costs. MPG has varied with the season, around 50 when it was really cold, and into the high 60's during the summer. Considering our petrol Doblo struggled to get 30 MPG, it's great to be doing more miles with less petrol.

I can't say much about the dealer, as the car has been 100% reliably and totally fault free. The dealer was however a delight to buy from (Tamworth Toyota dealer), when we collected the car it was unveiled from under a cover in the middle of the showroom! In 20+ years of driving it was the best experience I have had of buying a car.

And I have to say it is the best car I have owned. It really is a different way to drive. I don't miss changing gear and is just as much fun to punt down a b-road. There is very little that I can criticise. Maybe the steering is too light, but it's good for town driving and parking. I don't like not being able to see the bonnet, but I think that applies to most modern cars!

For our needs (school run, town driving, the odd holiday, the odd trip to the tip) the Yaris Hybrid is near perfect. Cheap to run, good to drive, a quality product for a reasonable price that is proving to be a pleasure to own and drive. And with the Hybrid body kit it even looks good!

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