Motoring

CAROLINE GETS MOTORING

Bunclody native Caroline Kidd brings us reviews of the latest new cars to arrive in Ireland. Caroline is the founder and editor of the online automotive magazine Changing Lanes and a jury member for Irish Car of the Year. Find out more about her editorial and commercial copywriting services at www.changinglanes.ie TOYOTA YARIS

The Toyota Yaris is one of Ireland's most loved small cars. It's been around for over 20 years and is a consistent top 10 bestselling car in Ireland. In 2020 Toyota launched an all-new generation of the popular Yaris and it was quick to snatch the award of European Car of the Year 2021.

The new Yaris is the first small Toyota to be built on Toyota New Global Architecture. The GA-B platform is central to the car’s improved dynamic performance, giving a lower centre of gravity and much greater body rigidity. A range of Toyota Safety Sense active safety systems come as standard, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as Lane Trace Assist and Emergency Steering Assist.

The latest Yaris is also a much cooler looking car than the model it replaces. It's a far more energetic and dynamic design. Toyota has transformed the interior of the Yaris too. Quality and design have taken a real step up in line with this car’s more youthful image. The interior has a more open and spacious feel when compared to the outgoing model. The driving position is better, sportier. There are more soft touch materials and cool ambient lighting available on some models. There are 7" and 8" touchscreens available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The new GA-B platform allowed for a reduction in the car’s overall length, making it the most compact model in its class, but with an increase in its wheelbase. This has been key to achieving interior packaging that ensures space and comfort for everyone on board. The new Yaris has more space and elbow room - an extra 20 mm between the driver and front passenger. The boot is nowhere near class-leading

but it has some depth and offers an adequate 286 litres of space.

In Ireland the Toyota Yaris is available in five trim levels – Aura, Luna, Luna Sport, Platinum and Premier. The 2022 Toyota Yaris range kicks off in Ireland with a 1.0-litre petrol with 72 hp, while there is also a 1.5-litre petrol manual and a 1.5-litre hybrid auto.

Pricing starts at €20,140 for the Yaris Aura petrol, while the Toyota Yaris Hybrid pricing starts from €20,630 in Luna trim. A bi-tone roof is also available.

The new Toyota Yaris Hybrid uses the latest, fourth-generation Toyota hybrid technology, which is more efficient and powerful than before. Behind the wheel, the new driving position gives you a greater sense of control and connection with the car, supporting the fun-to-drive character of the new Yaris. The car feels more agile and engaging on the wheel. The steering is quicker and more direct. The hybrid delivers the power in a smoother, quieter and more refined way than the previous generation of the Toyota Yaris Hybrid. In town driving it can run up to 80% of the time on electric power, with the engine only cutting in when needed. Over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was 5.5 litres per 100 km, with some long distance motorway runs included.

The new Toyota Yaris is far more desirable than the car it replaces. It has truly blossomed as a small car. It looks great and even quite sporty. Already an award winner, the new Yaris has been suitably revamped inside and now feels a lot Interior

more competitive in its segment with the latest technology and digital features.

Model tested: Toyota Yaris Hybrid Premier Price: €27,680 Engine: 1.5-litre petrol electric hybrid Power: 116 hp 0-100km/h: 9.7 seconds Top speed: 175 km/h CO2 emissions: 88 g/km Motor tax: €160 per year n

AUTO TINTING

TEL: 053 9430013

Arklow Road, Gorey

Lifetime Warranty

Professional Accredited Installers Complete Range of Tints incl. NCT www.coatek.ie www.coatek.ie info@coatek.ie info@coatek.ie

AUTO REPAIR

ENNISCORTHY

NCT Preparation – Repairs – Timing Belts Clutches – General Servicing – Etc No job too big or too small

NCRS, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy (opposite Cooney Furlong / Gala) Tel: 086-8299431 – 053 9233033 – Email: ncrallying@yahoo.ie

L&M STARTER & ALTERNATOR REPAIR SERVICE

CARS, VANS, 4X4, TRUCKS, TRACTORS, MARINE, QUADS, LAWNMOWERS AND GENERATORS. WE REPAIR ALL UNITS. ALL APPLICATIONS CATERED FOR. Island Road, Enniscorthy. T: (053) 9235933.