Finally: The Supermini For Men

The previous-gen Yaris SR was a surprisingly sporty little thing, in a warm hatch kinda way, that is. Packing a punchy 1.8-litre engine, 131 bhp, 17” rims, lowered suspension, and a bodykit, it stood out from the rest of the rides in old Yaris range.

Sadly, the all-new 2012 spec Yaris SR has all but lost its spunky individuality. Power comes from an all too eco-conscious 1.33-litre, VVT-i petrol engine that unfortunately possesses no performance advantage over any other strain of Yaris with its generic 98 bhp.

However, the new model is longer yet 20 kg lighter overall. It also benefits from a stiffer chassis and, in the case for the SR, sports suspension for a perceived improvement in agility.

Appropriately aimed as a city drive, the quick steering has a particularly tight turning circle and the standard stick shift has a fuss-free and easy action. A cost option CVT automatic with, bizarrely, paddle shifters is also available for the less energetic.

Although we’ve been let down in the performance department, the latest Yaris is an impressively packaged piece of supermini. Gone are the soporific curves, now replaced by harder angles and crease lines for a successfully executed contemporary new edge.

The SR features a few subtle mods to the standard Yaris uniform, namely upgraded 16” rims, lower ride height, a mini roof spoiler, smoked lamps, darkened glass, and part-leather upholstery. Unfortunately, in the cold light of day, and unlike its more spirited predecessor, they tend to go all but unnoticed on the road.

The biggest pull of the 2012 Yaris SR, though, has to be its new-found relevance to the social media-minded. Toyota’s new Touch and Go infotainment system, once hooked up to a smartphone, allows you to legally use Facebook, Twitter and Google Maps when you’re on the move through the superb 7” touchscreen. It’ll even handle all your text messaging needs too.

It might not look or ride like it’s well connected, but if clever use of interior space, lean running and 24/7 tweeting and texting do it for you then the new Toyota Yaris SR is worth toying with.