The Flagship Arrives
by Ian Lynas (05 Feb 07)

Yaris has the honour of being the first Toyota to be designed and built in Europe, the first-generation model launched in 1999 with the current one arriving in 2006. Now the flagship SR model - known in other European markets as the TS - has been launched and it goes on sale in the UK on April 1.

Toyota sees the SR as a further sales opportunity in the B segment, which is the most important in terms of sales. This segment has been under attack from such vehicles as the small MPV, but thanks to Toyota's well proven easy-flat system, and despite being the shortest car in its class the Yaris, is extremely versatile.

SR will be offered in three- and five-door body styles, using the engine technology employed in the recently launched Auris. With a premium level of standard equipment the SR should appeal to a wide audience, assisted in no small way by having an estimated insurance rating of Group 7.

Ideal for everyday use and having equal appeal for both the male and female driver, the SR can be best described as a warm hatchback or a mild sportscar. The sportiness comes with its attractive packaging, but that is not to say that it is lacking in performance. From 131bhp maximised at 6000rpm, the SR can sprint from rest to 62mph in 9.3 seconds and on to a top speed, where legal, of 121mph. The VVT-i technology used in the 1.8-litre power unit assists in delivering 39.2mpg on the combined fuel cycle and the CO2 figure is 170g/km.

The twists and turns of the western part of the island of Mallorca proved ideal to put the SR through its paces. The refined engine, a very slick five-speed manual transmission and aids such as Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control built confidence as the kilometres rolled past.

The use of electric power steering, which has being fine tuned by the Toyota engineers delivered good feedback and further enhanced the driving pleasure. By lowering the suspension by 8mm, not only has the handling being improved, but it also provides the SR with a sporty stance, of course aided by the standard fit 17" alloy wheels shod with Yokohama rubber. Even over some greasy surfaces the handling was sharp and precise.

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