Nifty and feisty, this high performance version of the standard Yaris is now available in Ireland, competing in the highly competitive super-mini B-segment.
Those who visited Toyota’s showrooms in Dublin to view their new Formula 1 car last month may recall the neat little Yaris T-Sport standing right alongside.
I viewed it with particular interest. After all, it was the week we were down for a test drive!
 The T-Sport comes with a 1.5-litre VVT-i engine, lowered suspension and a sportier interior than the standard Yaris. It can do the 0-62mph trip in just 9.0 seconds and has a top speed of 118mph (not here!). According to Toyota it is faster from 40-60mph than any other comparable car in its class, achieving the distance in 8.4 seconds. The 105bhp engine returns a combined cycle fuel sipping of about 40mpg.
In the looks department, the T-Sport is lower by 20mm than the standard Yaris and is available only in the three-door style. The lower suspension gives a more squat look, while the 15-inch alloy wheels with low profile tyres add to the sporty image.
Full width, deep front and rear bumpers with integrated fog and reversing lamps, a mesh sports grille and side body skirts complete the overall image. The headlamp surround is black. T-Sport badges front and rear proclaim its identity.
Inside, the cabin is quite spacious and very well finished with lots of good quality materials. Some of the Special trim includes a leather and aluminium gear shift, grey leather on the steering wheel and high tech shiny coverings on the window controls on the doors.
Seats are not as firm as you would imagine given the sporty nature of the car. I found them extremely comfy and supportive, they sort of wrap around you, and are well matched to the suspension for a comfy ride. The black seat and door panel materials are of good quality and also feel pleasant to the touch.
 The now-familar dash is rather expansive but in a non-cluttered way. Because you are seated so high above it, you don’t find it at all overbearing - just interesting.
You’ll find the central pod set deeply into the centre of the dash and although it doesn’t feature the digital instruments we’ve become used to in the Yaris, it has two clear black-on-white dials which also look the sporty part. The fact that the instruments are in the centre of the dash - leaving a clear space in front of the steering wheel - adds to driver visibility. No distractions to get in the way of your view.
Rear visibility improved when I removed the three headrests from the rear seats. Light was also provided by the manual glass sunroof which comes with a shade.
The review car, however, didn’t have air conditioning which nowadays is a disappointment even in cars at this class that are ‘special’.
 As with all Yaris’ models, there is a lot of very good storage space including a two-compartment glove box, one small, the other a decent size. Each has its own lid. There are two matching open spaces on either side of the central stack with cup holders below and a storage tray under the front passenger seat. The boot, though, is quite small. However, this can be overcome if needed, by moving the back seats forward. In this mode, two material flaps can be fixed by velcro to the front seat backs to protect the back seats from damage. A neat idea.
 Out on the road, the T-Sport proved good fun to drive and held the road really well, not rolling at all when tested around corners. And because of its size, it’s so easy to park! The gearshift is really neat with a nice short travel. It’s precise, too.
But for me, the most surprising thing about the car is its suspension. Firmer than standard, but not at all uncomfortable. In fact it’s so good that it’s hard to believe you’re driving a ‘sporty’ car. This is where designers are thinking well ... the market for hard-bum speedsters is very small!
The T-Sport branding will be used on various model Toyota cars to indicate sporty versions. The Taris T-Sport will certainly appeal to a wide range of customers. It deserves to do well take of irishcar.com |
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