Wiser, but also more mature, the new Yaris attack now the multi-purpose front. She met the Citroën C3 with very sober e – HDi.

CITROËN C3 e – HDi 90 comfort
Diesel 92 ch Bonus of 400 €
Available 18 800 €

TOYOTA YARIS D – 4 d Style
Diesel 90 ch Bonus of 400 €
Available 18 050 €

Abandoning the mischievous air and the rondouillarde face of its predecessor for a more classic look, the third Yaris name returned in the rank.

As broadly and lowest 2 cm than its predecessor, it nevertheless grew 10 cm in length. But even in stretching to 3.89 m, Toyota is even smaller than many transferable beyond often 4 m.

But also reasonable is, this length making demonstrates the will of the Japanese giant closer to closer to the standards of the market, history of equal competition. With always this desire to provide the maximum available in template space reduced. A common point shared with the Citroën C3, which remains at 3.94 m long. The game can begin between a HABs pure “juice” and the French of the Japanese (the Yaris is manufactured in Valenciennes, in the North).

To drive
1.4 D – 4 d 90-HP is the only diesel Toyota catalogue. But like many blocks of small size, the Yaris clearly lacks tone below 1800tr/min, then becomes brutal.

On the road, its excellent box to six reports to constantly stay over this scheme where the engine is then an obvious energy. But the hollow character penalizes accreditation in the city and reboots, especially when the route becomes rough.

Much more flexible and perfectly helped by an excellent Stop & Start system is forgotten, 1.6 HDi – e of the C3 is more docile in the city. But in intensive use, the more indolent character and his five reports box makes it a little less living. So far, it is quieter on long journeys and offer higher daily a smooth and a pleasure.

Despite its D – 4 d less adapted to urban use, the Yaris is his favorite playground city. Thus, its reduced dimensions and its shorter turning radius diameter (9, 40 m against 10.20 m for the C3) make it a little more manageable. And once outside the cities, it reveals more dynamic driving with a more agile chassis and the movements of cash less marked as Citroën Privilégiant plush comfort, the C3 enjoys less than be brusquée on a winding route, despite a very safe chassis.

To live
From its predecessor which was equipped with a central instrumentation, the domestic presentation of this third Yaris appears more classic. But the main disappointment lies in the quality of plastic hard and unpleasant to the touch around dash … in the face, the C3 offers a little more worthwhile materials. Not to mention this atmosphere unique and light, especially if the windshield Zenith option was selected, charged 450 €.

Side practice, multi-purpose both have of sufficient storage pockets aumônières located on the back of the rear seats and a few pockets. On this point, the Toyota is more generous in front but less than its competitor in the back … but the Japanese surprise mainly by its livability to the rear seats. Difficult to find another car of less than 3.90 m long where two adults over 1.80 m are not embarrassed at the level of the legs.

The C3 reserve less space to the knees. However, it is more welcoming to install three children second with a better width elbows.

Back volumes of trunk of the two rivals to consider a departure in weekend to four, with enough luggage. The 14 additional litres of the Citroën are in fact anecdotal. Need to play the movers, each of them can count on fixed bases and with 2/3-1/3 fold. But Toyota is the only release a virtually flat cargo through a clever space floor of removable trunk.

To finance
Posted 750 € less than the C3 e – HDi 90 comfort, the Yaris 1.4 D – 4 d Style appears financially more interesting. And except for the absence of a (particularly regrettable) speed regulator, series offers a more provided staffing allowing it to further widen the gap.

However, the C3 has a catalog of options more provided and shows more economic daily with its slightly lower consumption and its taxation reduced (in finishing comfort with the pneumatic monte of origin). But it finally insufficient rest for the initial gap with Toyota.

Balance sheet
Compact outside and generous inside, the Yaris is a versatile well born. A little more habitable and clever than the Habs rival, it distills more dynamic sensations.

In the face, the C3 replicates by its unique domestic atmosphere, its silence, its suspension comfort and great softness of conduct. But she always invoice its qualities at high price, allowing the Japanese to win a short head.

Toyota Yaris Citroën C3 we love + the congestion/habitab report. + Plush comfort + generous series staffing + indoor presentation + six-speed + Stop & Start System On regrets – hollow and a little noisy diesel – high tariff – cheap plastics – L ' l of space ' back – the absence of cruise control – the movement of cash