MOTORING: REAR VIEW Mirror - ENJOY A CUP OF HOT YARIS T

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Jun 10, 2007 | by Brian Twomey

I HAD an opportunity to spend a little time with the Toyota Yaris T-Sport, the final version of the new Yaris range and likely to remain the rarest.

In many ways that is a pity, although the 1.8 litre engine and EUR22,670 (ex-works) price tag will not make the T-Sport an option for most Yaris customers.

It should be noted that this is a warm rather than hot hatch.

Under the short bonnet lies a 1.8 litre petrol engine which puts out 131bhp giving the Yaris 0-100km/h capability of 9.3 seconds. So it is usefully quick rather than an out-and-out riot. However, drivers of a regular Yaris will find a lot that's different here... including the visual updates such as a deep front skirt, side skirts and a rear spoiler. The 17in wheels fill the arches nicely and the LED tail/brake lights are a neat touch.

The updates might be subtle but they do work well. Inside, Toyota have replaced the digital instruments with regular dials although they still occupy the centre of the dash and the seating position is still high so it doesn't feel especially driver-orientated behind the wheel. Still, it's a good laugh to drive.

The 1.8 litre engine is revvy and pretty effective here while the slightly lower, stiffer suspension and reworked steering rack conspire to give the Yaris a sporty feel.

Despite its more aggressively-tuned suspension it still rides well. It is firmer than the regular Yaris but not uncomfortably so, although at motorway speeds it could really use a six-speed gearbox as it sounds like it is working hard at 120km/h.

Still, it's a Yaris that feels really rather sporty, and who'd have thought that?