OUR latest review car faced a tough test – to transport four less than slim middle aged men to the recent Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC.
With yours truly at the wheel and a bag of bacon butties in the back we set off with my passengers less that sure a Yaris was big enough for the job.
However, they were thinking of earlier versions of Toyota’s supermini as, like many models these days, the Yaris has grown somewhat and the 2022 car is now large enough to transport four adults in relative comfort.
Also it was the GR Sport self-charging hybrid, which meant 114bhp from its three cylinder petrol engine and 85kW electric motor, so cruising down the M6 at the legal limit (numerous road works permitting) was no problem. The GR Sport can hit 62 in 9.7 seconds and go on to a top speed of 109.
Despite this in Eco mode up to 64mpg is possible say Toyota, although with our portly passengers that went down to around 55 during the 200 mile plus round trip.
The GR also looks the part with lots of sporty trim features inside and out showing this is no ordinary version. Standard kit includes an 8 inch central touchscreen for infotainment (although strangely no sat nav), reversing camera, front sports seats, power heated door mirrors LED lights all round and GR Sport grille mesh plus GR Sport alloy wheels.
Even with its large load the Yaris handled well on the mainly motorway journey with features like active cruise control and lane assist coming in handy – other safety features include a Toyota collision avoidance system and road sign and speed limit recognition.
Priced at a very reasonable £24,420 considering all its Toyota reliability, style and equipment the GR tops the Yaris hybrid range which starts from around £21.460.
Just a few words also about the Classic Motor Show at the NEC, which is a must for all true petrol heads and classic car fans. This year it featured 3,000 vehicles, most in incredible restored condition, across five halls of the huge NEC venue.
Some 300 car clubs took part with motors dating from the 1920s to the 2000’s and there were also a large number of stalls selling all kinds of motoring memorabilia plus spares and parts for almost every car that has ever taken to the UK’s roads.
We came away amazed and also feeling guilty as to the condition of our treasured classics determined to give them the care and attention they deserve… and who knows we might even be amongst the exhibitors next year!
Back to the Yaris and it did not miss a beat on the return journey, having changed minds as to its comfort and suitability for longer journeys with four on board. The 2022 improvements have clearly made a good car even better.
More info at: www.toyota.co.uk
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth