The Suzuki Swift Sport is about to get it’s butt kicked by the Limited Edition Toyota Yaris RS.

As a motoring journalist one does not normally use the phrase “fun to drive” and Toyota Yaris in the same sentence. However after a week in the RS, I was impressed with how a bigger engine and a tweaked suspension have turned this normally mundane shopping trolley from Toyota into an enjoyable pocket rocket. 

Toyota has shoehorned the 98kW 1.8 litre VVT-i engine from the Corolla into the RS Yaris which not only produces 18kW more power than the 1.5 litre Yaris, it also provides a whole lot more fun for the driver but not at the expense of fuel economy.

With a six speed manual transmission, as well as sports tuned suspension, this is not your average Granny’s Yaris, far from it. The RS sits firmly on the road, corners like a demon on rails and will blast down a country road with ease, yet it’s also happy to potter around the urban sprawl. Because of its dinky dimensions it’s also a delight to park and will slot into tight spaces with ease.    

It’s a more appealing package because the Limited Edition RS Yaris is priced at $26,490, even cheaper than the automatic Yaris 1.5 litre hatch at $27,800.

Designed and built in Europe this sporty Yaris includes many distinguishing features to set it apart from its siblings; such as 17 inch alloy wheels, unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust and tinted headlights. The rear windows also have tinted glass but manual window winders, only the front windows have electric operation.

The European specification of this Yaris is also shown up by the indicator/wiper stalks which are set up for left hand drive markets, but you soon acclimatize. The other glaring design fault is the odometer/tachometer console which is placed in the middle of the dashboard. While it might allow more storage cubbies to be placed in front of the driver and passenger, we found it difficult to read the dials, especially during the day and occasionally at dusk. 

The RS Yaris has a comprehensive airbag package with driver and passenger front, side, driver's knee, and front and rear curtain shield airbags. There's also an on/off switch for the passenger's front airbag making it safer for children.

The RS Yaris also comes with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC), a first time for Yaris in New Zealand. VSC helps maintain vehicle stability and is responsible for controlling traction while cornering. TRC helps the driver maintain traction by reducing wheel spin when starting off or accelerating on slippery surfaces. Fortunately dry weather meant that we never got to explore this feature.

On the inside Yaris RS has a sports style analogue speedometer and tachometer and a three spoke leather steering wheel. The stereo houses a single disc MP3/WMA CD player with audio input jack. The front seats are sports-style rather than true buckets but they are certainly comfortable enough as are the 60/40 split folding rear seats.

The Yaris RS has the convenience of a smart entry system using the smart key entry and features a push button start, another big car feature that is becoming more common amongst the smaller cars in the market, and one that we quite like.

The limited edition Yaris RS is available in four exterior colour options; silver lining, graphite, cherry and carribean blue.

Specifications:

Body type                          Five-door hatch

Drive                                 Front-wheel-drive

Engine Type                       Inline four-cylinder VVT   

Engine Capacity                  1798cc

Max power                         98kW @ 6000 rpm

Max torque                         173Nm @ 4400 rpm

Fuel Consumption                7.2L/100km

C02 emission                       ?

0 to 100kph                        ?          

Front suspension                  ?

Rear suspension                   ?

Roof Rack                           No

ABS Brakes                         Yes

Air Bags                              7

ESP                                    Yes      

Air Conditioning                    Yes

Lap/diagonal belts                 5         

Satellite Navigation                No

Electric seats                        No

Burglar Alarm                        Yes

Panic Button                        No

Boot release                         Yes

Cargo Cover                         Yes

Boot Capacity                       272L

Wheel type                          17-inch Alloy

Spare Tyre                           Space saver

Through Life Cost Report

36 Months 75000km

Price                            $26,490

WOF                           $90.00

Registration                  $423.68

Servicing to 75k:           $1360.12

Total Tyre cost:            $1251.04

Residual (30%)             $7947.00          

Indicative final figure      $21667.84

The Through Life Cost Model is used for illustrative and indicative purposes only. StratCon Partnership Limited and Adrenalin Publishing Limited accept no responsibility or liability should any costs indicated in the Through Life Cost Model change from those published. All residual values are based on an average of values achieved through Turners Auctions Limited sales for the previous 3 months from issue date.