For the younger market

A TOYOTA Yaris owner I know has loved her car for the last 10 years almost as much as she loves her husband and I am sure the latest third generation model will have the same appeal although Toyota is hoping it will attract more younger Yaris lovers writes Bryan Longworth.

The outgoing Yaris was a car that appealed to older owners in particular but I think Toyota may have succeeded in giving the latest model which is built in France a wider appeal in looks and equipment especially the TR model I have just been testing.

The styling should attract younger owners although it is still rather conservative, but it has a roomy interior with space for three on the backseat and it is a good quality small car.

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Another feature in its favour is that residual or used prices are forecast to be good and even better than on the previous model which helps when it comes to replacing the car.

My test car was the Yaris TR five door 1.33 with CVT automatic transmission costing £14,260, powered by a 1.33-litre petrol engine that provided a top speed of 109mph, a zero to 62mph time of 12.3 seconds and a combined fuel consumption of 55.4mpg although the trip computer showed the consumption to be less than this figure.

The TR model has 15-inch alloy wheels, a rear view camera and touch screen radio and CD player, Vehicle Stability Control, brake assist and leather trim details.

Also until the end of November a Touch and Go sat nav and connected services system which also identifies speed cameras is free and thereafter will be an extra cost option of £500.

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My own car has CVT transmission and I found the Yaris CVT system which can also be used manually with steering paddles provided very smooth gearchanging and will add to the appeal of the car to older owners and disabled drivers looking for transport that is also easy to get into and out of.

New Yaris has a nice feel about it with good roadholding qualities and driving position and the engine provides an impressive power output especially for such situations as brisk overtaking.

For this size of car the boot is quite roomy and an added attraction is the five year warranty or 100,000 miles which is one of the best in class and a considerable sales incentive.

During my time with new Yaris I could not find much to grumble about and it could be that Toyota has found the right recipe to give the car wider appeal.

My Verdict: It should attract Yaris lovers from all age groups.

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