1.5 Toyota Yaris Pulse arrives in SA

It was around 2005 that the Toyota Yaris first hit South African shores and now, some 12 years later, the latest Yaris Pulse range has arrived. We drive along some spectacularly scenic roads and try out the peppy new 1.5kW 82kW engine.

Forming twenty percent of the passenger market, the typical B segment cars such as the Clio, Fiesta and Yaris need to offer clients great image, as well as up-to-date technology.

Interior Changes

Inside, the steering wheel has been given a fresh look with the addition of some piano black trim, the seats are offered in stylish and modern grey and dark grey options, and the propeller style air vents have been changed, bringing Yaris Pulse fully up to date for 2017.  Switches on the centre console have also been tweaked.s

Safety

Manufacturers have seen the need to constantly upgrade lower segment cars with higher-end safety equipment. CVT Pulse Plus now comes with curtain and driver side knee airbags as standard and Vehicle Stability Control now comes standard across the range.

Looks

Although the changes are few, the differences are many.

The front bumper has had a complete overall with a more angular look. The rear bumpers have also been changed and now have integrated lights on each side. When put side by side with the older model, the differences are very apparent and the 2017 model looks fresh and new by comparison. A two-tone option is also available on all Yaris Pulse models, with 6 colours in total and Cosmic Blue being the new colour option.

Engine.

The 1.5 engine replaces the 1.3 unit and is said to offer 12% more power and 12% better fuel economy.  The 1.5 Pulse is available in either 6-speed manual or CVT. The CVT works best when in sport mode, however for a zippy car like this, we feel the CVT doesn’t quite suite the 1.5 VVTi engine. The engine note is exaggerated and sounds unrefined when overtaking or spirited driving is called for.  When driving the manual version, the revvy VVTi engine can be fully exploited and enjoyed.

Yaris Pulse remains the only local car in its segment that is available with hybrid power. Hybrid Yaris introduces a new subframe, engine mounts, front driveshafts and roll restrictor that make it even quieter and smoother, particularly under acceleration. Retailing at R307 000, it’s by no means cheap but being an early adopter of new technology unfortunately comes at a price.

On the road

Yaris Pulse has typical Toyota levels of refinement, with minimum road and engine noises when cruising.  The steering is suitably light and the gearbox throw on the manual sporty with good feel. The handling of the car is surprisingly good and I managed to squeeze out a few degrees of lift off oversteer on a long roundabout.  Yaris hides its fun side quite well when cruising but can put a smile on your face from time to time when the need arises.

Verdict

Starting at R199 900, Yaris is and always was a good B segment option. Thanks to that trusty Toyota badge you know exactly what you’re in for.  The CVT model is a miss for us, unless your daily commute involves lots of traffic and very slow unresponsive driving.  The CVT is also incidentally slightly more economical, so for some it might be an option. For us the manual 1.5 is a great small car with zippy appeal to match those funky looks.

• All models are offered with a 3-years/45 000km service plan and a 3-years/100 000km warranty:
• 1.0 Pulse MT: R199 000
• 1.5 Pulse MT: R228 700
• 1.5 Pulse CVT: R241 400
• 1.5 Pulse Plus CVT: R249 600
• Hybrid: R307 200