2006 Toyota Yaris LE 1.5 from North America
Summary:
Great space and driving feel for a tiny economical car
Faults:
From the showroom, the rear wiper does not operate momentarily when the washer is activated. Otherwise it operates normally. This is the only fault found to date.
General Comments:
Comfortable, spacious front seat, lots of storage compartments, smooth auto transmission well finished all around.
This car is still new so comments are limited to ergonomics and layout.
The designer never tried to drive the car on a winter night when the heater, and lighting controls are used often. In the winter, with limited daylight hours, a lot of driving is done in the dark.
The instrument panel is very bright when turned up, but when turned down, the illumination of the heater controls and shifter are too dim.
With the optional armrest installed, it is impossible to see the gearshift position indications without bending way forward. This takes the driver's attention off the road for too long. Even then, at night, you can't see what gear the lever is in. With the quirky gate system, it takes quite a bit of getting used to to know what gear you are in. An instrument panel indicator is needed.
The high beam indicator (blue light on instrument panel) is much too bright. It is very distracting. The designer doesn't seem to be aware of the fact that the high beam is used when it is completely dark outside - a situation where bright cockpit lights are a hindrance.
The radio volume control is much too small (CD changer model), being very difficult to grasp (impossible with gloves on).
The outside mirror switches and instrument lighting rheostat are too low on the left (LHD cars) to be reached easily, and too hard to find in the dark.
The heater controls are too far from the driver's hand and too low to be seen easily. Again, on a dark winter night (when they are used most), the driver's attention is diverted from the road too long when trying to adjust these. They should be in a horizontal row below the radio.
I hope someone from the Yaris design office reads this.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 10th December, 2005
11th Apr 2006, 19:05
I hope you've gotten used to the controls in your new Yaris. Just a suggestion for the bright dash/high beam problem try installing lamps of a higher wattage or the Sylvania silver-star super bright white's they actually provide a better quality light. Also install aux. fog/driving lights between 55 watts and 100 watts lower in the front bumper grills they will give a better light dispersal and you won't have to use your highs. Will cost a bit, but is worth the investment for safety. Enjoy your Yaris, cheers!
17th Jan 2006, 06:46
You could write them a letter sugesting those changes. It's always good to have feedback and maybe they'll improve those issues in a next restyling. I also don't like bright lights in the dark, it distracts me.