Toyota Yaris 1,5 Pulse Plus CVT

Rather than downsize, Toyota has decided to fit the new Yaris with a bigger 1,5-litre, naturally aspirated engine

AT rst glance, Toyota’s decision to upsize the engine in its agship Yaris from 1,3 to 1,5 litres may seem like an odd one. Almost all other players in the industry are downsizing and turbocharging. Then again, one of our main criticisms of the 1,3-litre variant was that you had to wring its neck to make good progress. Has the bigger engine with its increased torque and power improved matters, then?

Mostly, is the short answer. Despite a continuously variable transmission, the new engine undoubtedly makes the Yaris feel more responsive and, when kept in sport mode, even fun to drive. This new powerplant offers 9 kw and 11 N.m more than its predecessor, which has resulted in some 0,8 seconds being lopped off the claimed 0-100 km/h time. It’s more fuelef cient, too, with a reported 12% improvement.

Like the Rio driven on page 36, inclines are the Yaris’ nemesis and, although the peak-torque gure has improved, it still isn’t enough to propel the Toyota up a relatively steep hill with ease. The CVT strives to access more power above the 4 400 r/min mark, making it reminiscent of our experiences with the previous 1,3-litre variant in our December 2014 test. To be fair, though, this issue arises infrequently.

There have been no tweaks to the chassis, a good thing in our opinion, as we’ve long thought it to be an accomplished setup. Only truly enthusiastic cornering results in a loss of composure and, while jittery in some instances, the ride is mostly well damped and comfortable.

The new powerplant comes hand in hand with a mild facelift to both the exterior and interior, and includes revisions to the front apron, which now features a new headlamp and trapezoidal grille design (the Pulse Plus trim adds projector headlamps as standard). Round the back, you’ll nd a new taillamp design that extends into the tailgate.

Inside, the cabin features seats with a new upholstery fabric, there’s a revised touchscreen infotainment system, a sportier three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and air vents with a propeller-style design.

Overall, the new engine is a welcome addition to a somewhat ageing Yaris range. You might argue that a turbocharged mill – like the 1,2-litre currently found in the C-HR – would be a better option, but there’s no doubt this engine would have driven up the price considerably.