Comparison of Toyota Yaris / Fiat Tipo / Fiat 500

Toyota Yaris Reviews:

How does the Toyota Yaris drive?

“There’s a personality to the Toyota Yaris that goes beyond its attractive appearance; it’s the first Yaris you can genuinely enjoy driving.”

The handling on the Toyota Yaris has a meaty weight to it that makes it feel confident in bends, there’s enough early front-end traction, and there’s not much body roll to cope with.

Okay, so if you push harder, it doesn’t cling on to corners with the same tenacity as a Ford Fiesta, its steering isn’t as consistently weighted as a Volkswagen Polo’s, and the drive select isn’t as responsive as it could be. Power mode merely makes the engine sound strained, but none of these drawbacks are significant.

You’ll even give the CVT transmission a pass. Sure, it’s not very responsive like all CVTs, but the hybrid engine’s electric boost successfully conceals that, and while you get the usual gearbox-induced engine drone, it’s less evident in the Yaris since its tiny engine isn’t that loud.

What other automobiles are comparable to the Toyota Yaris?

The Toyota Yaris’ main rivals are the more fun-to-drive Ford Fiesta and the more capacious and smoother-riding Volkswagen Polo, albeit neither provides the Toyota’s generous standard equipment levels or hybrid engine. If you’re looking for a hybrid, the Honda Jazz is a good option.

Other competitors include the Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio, both of which come with long warranties as standard, as well as the practical Skoda Fabia and well-equipped SEAT Ibiza. The Mazda 2 is a little older, but it’s still worth a look, and the current Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208 are both excellent.

Pros

  • Smart styling inside and out
  • Hybrid engine makes a camel look thirsty
  • Autonomous driving aids take the edge off long journeys

Cons

  • Perceived quality isn’t as consistent as you’ll find elsewhere
  • Tall adults will feel a little squeezed in the back
  • Steep starting price, though offset by generous kit

Fiat Tipo Reviews:

Is the Fiat Tipo a reliable vehicle?

Two petrol and two diesel engines in five different power levels are offered for the Fiat Tipo. The 1.3-liter diesel variant has a five-speed manual transmission, while the larger engines have a six-speed manual. On 1.6-liter petrol and diesel vehicles, a six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and Fiat has indicated that a dual-clutch version would be available. Its interior deviates from the retro-inspired Fiat 500 series, emphasizing simple utility and occupant comfort. The rear seats have a lot of legroom, and the tall rear roofline gives you a lot of headroom. As a result, three individuals over six feet tall can sit in the back for shorter trips. Some shoppers may be disappointed by the standard equipment on entry-level cars, but higher-spec versions include a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation.

The 440-litre box is larger than the Nissan Pulsar’s (350 litres) and Renault Megane’s (384 litres), but it still falls short of the Honda Civic’s 478-litre load bay. The rear seat bases may be flipped forward, allowing the seatbacks to be fully flat, and the lack of a visible load lip makes loading big or bulky things simple.

What’s it like to be behind the wheel?

The forgettable driving experience doesn’t help the plain inside — the Fiat Tipo is about average in a class with some highly accomplished rivals such as the comfy Renault Megane and sporty Vauxhall Astra.

The ride is reasonably pleasant, but sharp bumps may be uncomfortable, and the tight suspension makes the car seem unsettled at all times. This is especially noticeable on pitted or badly maintained roads.

Pros

  • Spacious cabin
  • Smart looks
  • Decent standard equipment

Cons

  • Drab interior
  • Build quality could be better
  • Unrefined diesel engines

Fiat 500 Reviews:

Is the Fiat 500 perfect for you?

If you’re looking for a stylish city car that sticks out from the crowd, the Fiat 500 is a good option. Although it falls short of its rivals in terms of value, performance, and practicality, it remains one of the most stylish little cars available.

What is the finest Fiat 500 model and engine?

Since its reintroduction in 2008, the Fiat 500 has undergone numerous changes. The 0.9-litre TwinAir and 1.2-litre petrol engines were launched in 2015, which marked the most significant change. Both engines are more fuel-efficient and refined than the 1.2 and 1.4 litre engines they replaced.

In 2019, a petrol mild-hybrid was added, combining a 1.0-liter engine with a 12v electric motor and a lithium-ion battery to minimize tailpipe emissions and improve low-gear acceleration. The 70PS 1.0-litre hybrid engine is connected to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission and offers exceptional fuel economy, according to Fiat.

How much does it cost to run a Fiat 500?

“The Fiat 500 is a tiny automobile with low fuel consumption. The 1.2-litre petrol is rated at 47 miles per gallon, while the 1.0-litre mild hybrid is rated at 53 miles per gallon.”

The Fiat 500 petrol models are fuel-efficient, with quoted mileage ranging from 47 to 53 miles per gallon. Older vehicles come with Fiat’s 1.3-litre diesel engine, which is rated at 72–83 mpg. Official fuel economy figures for the 0.9-litre TwinAir petrol are 67mpg. The first year ‘showroom’ rate for new cars is £175 for the 1.0-litre and £215 for the 1.2-litre.

Pros

  • Chic styling
  • Low fuel costs
  • Mid-spec models are well-equipped

Cons

  • Cramped cabin
  • Lackluster handling 
  • Unrefined Dualogic automatic gearbox

FAQ’S

What makes the new Toyota Yaris so costly?

True, the Toyota Yaris is pricey for a little car, but when you consider its extensive standard equipment list, you’ll find it compares favorably to other small cars that lack Toyota’s innovative hybrid technology.

What is the Fiat Tipo based on?

The Fiat Tipo is built on the Fiat-‘Small Chrysler’s wide’ platform, which has been used in a variety of Fiat-Chrysler vehicles since 2005. The Tipo is now closely connected to the Fiat 500L and 500X, as well as the Jeep Renegade.

What are the issues with the Fiat 500?

HonestJohn.co.uk, our sister site, has a long list of complaints about the Fiat 500, with the Dualogic automatic gearbox being a regular concern.

If the gearbox develops a defect, it will go into neutral and, in the worst-case situation, fail.