Hyundai i20 vs. Toyota Yaris: Complete comparison 2026

Hyundai i20, also known as the Elite i20 in some markets, is a stylish and technologically advanced hatchback that has established a strong position among small city cars over the years. Standing against it is the popular Toyota Yaris, a car globally renowned for its reliability and efficiency, which in the past or abroad was also sold under the names Toyota Vitz or Echo, and whose current hybrid technology is also available in Europe as the Mazda2 Hybrid. Let's take a detailed look at how these two popular B-segment representatives fare in a direct comparison and which of them represents a smarter choice for a used car purchase.

When looking at the exterior dimensions of roughly four-year-old used cars (the third-generation Hyundai i20 and the Toyota Yaris XP21 generation), we find that although both cars compete for customers' favor in the same small car segment, their overall philosophy differs slightly. While Hyundai tries to approach more mature compact cars from a higher class with its dynamic proportions, both visually and factually, the Toyota Yaris maintains a strictly urban character and bets on the shortest possible footprint, which facilitates daily maneuvering.

The most significant difference between the two models is the overall body length. The standard Hyundai i20 measures 4040 mm in length, which means it is exactly 100 mm longer than the standard Toyota Yaris (3940 mm). Furthermore, the South Korean representative is 30 mm wider and benefits from a 20 mm longer wheelbase (2580 mm compared to 2560 mm for the Toyota). In practice, these larger dimensions mean that the i20 gives a more stable and "planted" impression on the road. The longer wheelbase then becomes a key advantage in terms of interior layout, as it provides significantly more generous legroom for rear-seat passengers.

However, the Toyota Yaris successfully counters in the height parameter, where it exceeds its rival by 50 mm (1500 mm vs. 1450 mm). The taller body construction ensures slightly more comfortable and upright entry while providing more airiness in the head area for front passengers. Combined with the shorter overall length, the taller build makes the Yaris an absolute champion for weaving through tight city traffic and parallel parking in narrow gaps. In terms of overall choice, your personal priorities decide: for maximum agility and city parking, the shorter Yaris will be the ideal choice, while the wider and longer Hyundai i20 offers a more mature and stable alternative for drivers who more frequently hit the highways or regularly carry adult passengers in the back.

Luggage Space and Overall Practicality

When choosing a compact B-segment car, luggage space often plays a key role, not only for daily shopping trips but also in terms of overall family usability and weekend travel. Although the Hyundai i20 and Toyota Yaris belong to the same automotive class, their approach to interior layout differs significantly. For many buyers in the used car market, this difference can be a major deciding factor. While one model aims for maximum transport capacity, the other prioritizes more compact exterior dimensions, which you will appreciate especially when parking in the city.

The 3rd generation Hyundai i20 (produced since 2020) is considered one of the clear leaders in its class regarding luggage space. In its standard configuration, it offers a respectable 352 litres, which is perfectly sufficient for weekend shopping and luggage for a longer holiday. Once you fold down the rear seatbacks, you get up to 1,165 litres of usable space. However, those interested in the fuel-efficient 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) versions should take note. In these powertrains, the auxiliary battery is located under the boot floor, which takes up precious space and reduces the basic capacity to 262 litres and the maximum value to 1,075 litres.

The rival Toyota Yaris XP21 generation (also available since 2020) offers more modest parameters, stemming from its shorter rear section and overall sportier body style. The basic boot volume is 286 litres, and after folding the seats, it grows to a maximum of 768 litres. A major advantage of the Toyota Yaris, however, is that its popular and widely sold full-hybrid version does not reduce the boot space any further. The battery module found its ideal place under the rear seats, so the owner does not lose valuable litres or space for a few extra suitcases, which sometimes happens with partially electrified competitors.

The ability to tow a trailer is not always a given for small city hatchbacks, but for many buyers, it represents a key factor in terms of overall practicality. Whether you plan to transport garden waste or are considering a light caravan, the differences between four-year-old used cars (generations produced since 2020) in this class can be vast. A comparison of the Hyundai i20 and Toyota Yaris models shows a completely different approach by manufacturers to overall utility value.

The third-generation Hyundai i20 is surprisingly capable in this discipline and can even take on the role of a small workhorse. The standard naturally aspirated 1.2 engine can tow a braked trailer weighing between 610 and 910 kg. However, the maximum is offered by the turbocharged 1.0 T-GDI three-cylinder engines (including the 48V mild-hybrid versions) and the sporty i20 N variant, which boast a maximum capacity of up to 1,110 kg. In practice, this means space for several extra suitcases, or it is a value perfectly sufficient for a smaller caravan, transporting a motorcycle, or a heavier trailer with wood for the cottage.

The Toyota Yaris (XP21 generation), on the other hand, primarily reflects its focus on the most efficient city operation possible, which takes a significant toll on towing capacity. The highest values are achieved by the standard 1.5 petrol engine, which can tow a braked trailer weighing a maximum of 850 kg. For the base 1.0-litre engine, this value drops to 750 kg. However, the biggest compromise for those interested in a tow bar may be the most sought-after hybrid powertrain (1.5 Hybrid 116), whose braked capacity is limited to just 450 kg. The unbraked trailer limit for standard versions of both competitors is the same at 450 kg.

In practice, these tabular differences mean that while the Hyundai i20 easily allows for the full use of a braked cargo trailer even for longer holidays, the hybrid Yaris serves at most for installing a bike rack adapter or hauling the lightest garden waste. If a tow bar and the ability to pull heavier loads are a necessity for you, the South Korean representative simply represents an incomparably more versatile and practical choice.

Towing Capacity Comparison

When comparing the engine options of the Hyundai i20 and Toyota Yaris, the different approaches of both manufacturers to modern urban mobility are fully revealed. If you are looking for a nearly new car approximately four years old (generations launched around 2020), you should know that you will no longer find diesel engines in either model. Due to strict emission standards, diesel units have been definitively phased out in this segment. Hyundai has bet primarily on turbocharged petrol three-cylinders with the option of 48V mild-hybrid assistance, which helps reduce consumption and slightly improves acceleration. In contrast, the Toyota Yaris leads the way in the field of the most advanced full-hybrid drive. While it uses a naturally aspirated engine, thanks to a powerful electric motor, it can handle pure electric operation at low speeds. For drivers spending time in city traffic jams, the Yaris represents the benchmark for operational efficiency, while the Hyundai i20 will attract those interested in a more classic feel with a fast dual-clutch transmission or powerful turbo engines for more frequent motorway trips.

Hyundai i20: A bet on turbo and quick reactions

Under the hood of the 3rd generation Hyundai i20 (code name BC3, from 2020), you will find pure petrol engines focused on the ideal compromise between liveliness and economy. While 1.1 CRDi and 1.4 CRDi diesel units were very popular in previous generations, they have completely disappeared from the current range of nearly new used cars. The entry point is now the very reliable naturally aspirated 1.2 MPI four-cylinder, which with its 62 kW will ideally suit undemanding drivers without great ambitions. However, the main pillar of sales is the turbocharged 1.0 T-GDI three-cylinder (74 kW). If you are looking for maximum savings in a modern package, an 88 kW variant equipped with a mild-hybrid system is also available. This can effectively recuperate energy and switch off the engine during "coasting". A complete unique on the market is the hot hatch i20 N, which with its powerful turbocharged 1.6 T-GDI four-cylinder and limited-slip differential directly targets the hearts of purebred enthusiasts.

Toyota Yaris: The queen of urban efficiency

Similar to Hyundai, the Toyota Yaris XP21 generation (from 2020) has also completely said goodbye to the legendary diesel engines (1.4 D-4D) in the nearly new car market and put all its eggs in one basket: a three-cylinder architecture with a huge portion of efficiency. The base is a naturally aspirated 1.0 VVT-i engine (53 kW), intended more for courier services and undemanding users. The golden middle ground among classic internal combustion engines is the larger 1.5 VVT-i (92 kW). However, the main reason people buy this car is the 1.5 Hybrid 116 unit. The refined system connects the combustion engine with an electric motor via the proven e-CVT planetary gearbox. In city traffic, this model can achieve consumption well below 4 litres per hundred kilometres. In the market for the youngest used cars, a more powerful Hybrid 130 version can also be found from 2024. A special chapter is the legendary homologation "rocket" GR Yaris 1.6 Turbo, which as the only car in this segment brings permanent all-wheel drive and extreme power of 192 kW with a manual transmission.

Choosing the right engine is crucial for long-term satisfaction, which is why our recommendations are based on real-world operating experience, fuel consumption, owner feedback, and mechanical reliability. Both carmakers take different approaches with their roughly four-year-old models (the third-generation i20 and the XP21 generation Yaris) – while Hyundai tunes its turbocharged three-cylinders for a more traditional, slightly sportier feel and gives customers a wide choice of manual and automatic transmissions, Toyota dominates the market with its highly sophisticated and extremely fuel-efficient full hybrid powertrain for its flagship model.

For the Hyundai i20, we recommend: 1.0 T-GDI (74 kW / 100 hp)

This turbocharged one-liter three-cylinder (available for the 3rd generation since 2020) is an ideal compromise between daily dynamics and reasonable operating costs on the used car market. It can be found in both a standard pure petrol version and a 1.0 T-GDI 48V-Hybrid variant with mild-hybrid technology, which further smooths out the start-stop system and slightly reduces emissions.

• Best choice in the model range: Compared to the base naturally aspirated engine (1.2 MPI), the one-liter turbo is significantly more versatile and lively. It offers a very solid 172 Nm of torque available from low revs, making the car safer and more flexible when overtaking on country roads.
• Technical advantages and fuel consumption: The engine pulls very linearly and has no significant "turbo lag." Real-world fuel consumption in combined driving stays at very favorable values between 5.5 and 6.0 l/100 km, depending on driving style and the presence of the DCT automatic transmission.
• Risks and prevention: Since it is a direct-injection engine with a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), it is sensitive to constant low revs and exclusively short city trips. Such use carries the risk of carbon buildup on the intake valves and oil dilution with gasoline. You can prevent this problem by shortening the oil change interval to an ideal 10,000 to 15,000 km (or 1 year) and by regularly taking the car for a longer, smooth drive outside the city so that the GPF filter can safely regenerate.
• Who it's for: It is an ideal choice for drivers with a mixed route profile. The engine can handle agile city driving, daily commuting from suburban areas, and at the same time, it won't run out of breath even on weekend highway trips with more passengers on board.

For the Toyota Yaris, we recommend: 1.5 Hybrid 116 (85 kW / 116 hp)

The fourth generation of the Yaris (XP21 generation, on the market since 2020) saw a huge generational leap with the deployment of the completely new 1.5 Dynamic Force three-cylinder powertrain. With this engine, Toyota has created an absolute benchmark and a technological gem in the small city car segment.

• Best choice in the model range: The Yaris was primarily designed as a hybrid from the start, and on the used car market, this version makes by far the most sense. Combined with automatic smoothness, it provides unrivaled user comfort that the smaller conventional unit (1.0 VVT-i) simply cannot match.
• Technical advantages and fuel consumption: The heart of the system is a naturally aspirated three-cylinder with the Atkinson cycle and an auxiliary electric motor. Power transmission is provided by an e-CVT planetary gearbox. But the car's greatest weapon is its incredible real-world fuel consumption. In city and suburban traffic, where the car often coasts and accelerates purely on electricity, it is no problem to drive with a long-term average of 3.5 to 4.5 l/100 km.
• Risks and prevention: Toyota's full hybrid powertrain, including the traction battery and e-CVT transmission (which, unlike dual-clutch automatics, lacks traditional wear-prone clutches), is legendary for its mechanical indestructibility. The only real weakness is the ordinary 12V starter battery. During very frequent, extremely short trips, or if the car sits for a long time, the hybrid system may not have enough time to fully recharge it, which can prevent the car from starting. For a four-year-old used car, it is a good idea to have this small battery checked and possibly replace it preventively.
• Who it's for: A perfect car for those who drive mostly in big city traffic jams or on slower suburban routes, prefer a smooth and relaxed driving style, and want to just "pour gas and drive" after purchase with minimal costs for routine and unexpected service.

Official fuel consumption figures for modern cars often differ from reality, especially depending on the driver's style and the route profile. For the most accurate comparison, we have used real-world data from hundreds of drivers from the popular community portal Spritmonitor.de. Given the demand on the used car market, we focused on models roughly four years old, namely the current third-generation Hyundai i20 (from 2020) and the fourth-generation Toyota Yaris (XP21, also from 2020). The results clearly show that the chosen engine and the overall technological sophistication of the car have a fundamental impact on your wallet.

A detailed interpretation of this data clearly shows Toyota's technological dominance in the field of operational efficiency. The undisputed champion of this comparison is the full hybrid version of the Yaris with the 1.5 Hybrid 116 engine, which averages around 4.2 l/100 km. In purely urban and suburban traffic, this figure can be pushed even lower. An interesting paradox with Toyota is also the fact that the more powerful and larger 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine shows lower real-world consumption than the basic 1.0-liter three-cylinder, where drivers logically have to push the engine harder to maintain pace.

The Hyundai i20, on the other hand, represents a typical example of the current trend – small-displacement turbocharged engines simply aren't as economical in the real world as laboratory tests might suggest. The standard turbocharged 1.0 T-GDI version averages over six liters of fuel. The resulting consumption is only slightly improved by the more expensive 48V mild-hybrid variant of the same unit. A perfectly adequate choice for the Korean car is thus the basic 1.2 naturally aspirated four-cylinder, which is exceptionally simple in design and averages exactly 6 liters of gasoline without suffering from the whims of more complex technology. Although very economical diesel engines were offered for both cars in older generations (1.4 D-4D for Toyota, 1.1 and 1.4 CRDi for Hyundai), they have completely disappeared from the market in modern four-year-old iterations due to emissions regulations.

What do these values mean for a typical used car buyer? If you spend most of your time in heavy city traffic, often crawl in traffic jams, or regularly commute on longer suburban routes, the Toyota Yaris with a full hybrid powertrain is the absolute ideal. Although its purchase price on the used market is higher, the extremely low fuel consumption ensures that your additional investment will pay off relatively quickly. On the other hand, if you are carefully watching your initial budget and looking for a car primarily for quiet commuting on rural roads with minimal stops, the naturally aspirated versions of the Hyundai i20 1.2 or Toyota Yaris 1.5 make a lot of sense.

In summary, fuel consumption will be a very strong argument when deciding between the Hyundai i20 and the Toyota Yaris. While neither of these cars is outright inefficient, if everyday running costs are your most important metric, the technologically sophisticated Yaris Hybrid simply has no competition in its class. The Hyundai i20, conversely, makes economic sense primarily if you benefit from its more favorable purchase price on the secondary market and slightly more frequent visits to the gas station do not represent a major obstacle for you.

Looking at the used car market – focusing on cars roughly 4 years old (2021–2022 models) that belong to the current generations of both models – we find quite significant differences in purchase costs. The Toyota Yaris traditionally holds its value much better than most direct competitors, aided by its renowned reliability and high demand for its fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. The Hyundai i20, on the other hand, appeals to buyers looking for the best possible value for money.

Hyundai i20 (3rd generation)

A used Hyundai i20 from 2021 to 2022 represents a very affordable choice. Prices for standard but well-equipped versions with the reliable 1.2i naturally aspirated engine or the 1.0 T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder start on the market at around €11,000 to €12,000.

If you are aiming for more attractive examples with very low mileage, higher trim levels, the DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, or the sporty N Line version, expect to pay roughly €13,000 to €15,000. Only nearly new stock cars tend to exceed this limit.

Toyota Yaris (4th generation)

The Toyota Yaris is noticeably more expensive on the used market. If you look at the basic, pure petrol engines (typically the 1.5 Dynamic Force), four-year-old cars start at approximately €14,000.

However, the vast majority of those interested in this Japanese hatchback prefer the full hybrid powertrain (1.5 Hybrid). For these models, prices typically range from €15,000 to €18,000, depending on the specific equipment (Selection or Premiere Edition versions are very popular, for example) and a verifiable service history.

Note: We do not include the extremely powerful and sought-after GR Yaris sports version in this standard price comparison, as used examples command prices approaching (and often exceeding) €40,000 and represent a specific car for enthusiasts.

Overview of approximate prices (2021–2022 models)

Although models from both manufacturers have historically commonly achieved prestigious five-star Euro NCAP ratings, when choosing a used car from recent years, it is extremely important to view the results in a broader context and take the testing year itself into account. The methodology and safety protocols of this independent organization are constantly evolving and becoming stricter, which means that percentage scores from different years cannot be fairly compared directly. While in the past, excellent structural body resistance was enough for a maximum rating, tests in recent years place a huge emphasis on the presence and reliability of advanced assistance systems – from cyclist and pedestrian detection to automatic braking when turning at intersections.

Hyundai i20

The current generation of the Hyundai i20 underwent Euro NCAP crash tests in 2021 with an overall result of four stars. The car lost valuable points mainly in the category of advanced safety assistants (67%), where the newly tightened requirements for the accuracy and reaction speed of autonomous elements were fully reflected. Despite the absence of a fifth star, the i20 demonstrates high passive safety with excellent structural integrity of the cabin and very reliably protects both adult occupants (76%) and child passengers (82%). It is therefore still an excellent and above-average safe hatchback for daily use, whose overall grade largely only reflects the stricter bar for evaluating modern electronics.

Toyota Yaris

The fourth-generation Toyota Yaris entered testing in 2020 and made history as the first car on the market to undergo completely new and radically redesigned Euro NCAP protocols. These newly included a significantly more demanding frontal collision with a moving deformable barrier and stricter metrics for side impacts. The Yaris excelled confidently in this difficult test and received a maximum rating of five stars. The positive result was supported not only by a new center airbag (which actively prevents the heads of front passengers from colliding during a side impact) but also by the highly effective Toyota Safety Sense safety package, which handles even complex situations such as detecting oncoming vehicles when turning as standard equipment.

From the perspective of an overall comparison, both models represent exceptionally safe companions on the road that will not let their occupants down in critical situations. However, if your absolute priority is maximum adult protection and the most comprehensive active accident prevention, the winner of this comparison is the Toyota Yaris. With its five-star achievement from the tightened tests, it offers a safety standard that is a step more advanced according to current European standards.

In addition to standard equipment, each of the models offers several unique features that can be decisive for the customer, and each takes a completely different approach to offering drivers maximum added value.

Hyundai i20: Technological Sophistication and Sporting Genes

In its third generation, the South Korean representative attracts primarily with its sharp-edged design, vast interior space, and advanced digital technologies borrowed from higher-class vehicles.

• Infotainment and Telematics: The interior can be dominated by two visually connected 10.25" displays (a digital instrument cluster and a main touchscreen). The car supports wireless smartphone mirroring via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A significant bonus is the Bluelink system, which allows remote access to the car via a mobile app – you can remotely check the lock status, vehicle location, or send a destination directly to the navigation system.
• Transmissions and Drivetrain: A completely unique feature is the Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) with an electronically controlled clutch. When the accelerator pedal is released, it can decouple the engine from the transmission, allowing the car to "coast," which significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions in mild-hybrid powertrains.
• Comfort Electronics: Compared to many competitors, the i20 can offer a premium Bose audio system with eight speakers, including a subwoofer, which is still quite a rarity in the small city car segment. The interior impression is further enhanced by elegant ambient LED lighting.
• Sporty Variants: For drivers seeking emotion behind the wheel, Hyundai offers the N Line trim level with more aggressive bumpers and a sportier sound. At the very top stands the full-fledged "hot hatch" Hyundai i20 N, which completely transforms the car's character into an uncompromising sporting experience.

Toyota Yaris: Pioneer of Hybrid Technology and Safety

The fourth generation of the Toyota Yaris builds on decades of experience with electrification. It focuses on unprecedented efficiency in the city, extraordinary safety even in the base trim, and surprisingly agile driving characteristics.

• Powertrain and Engines: The biggest draw is the fourth generation of the renowned full-hybrid system (1.5 Hybrid). In city traffic, this system can operate in pure electric mode for a large portion of the time without needing to be plugged in. The result is extremely low real-world fuel consumption and smooth, quiet operation.
• Safety and Assistance Systems: Toyota is democratizing safety. The advanced Toyota Safety Sense package is often available from the base trim. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. A major innovation of this generation is the deployment of a center airbag between the driver and front passenger, which prevents them from colliding in a side impact – a feature the Yaris was the first to bring to its class.
• Chassis and Architecture: The transition to the new TNGA-B platform has radically benefited the car. Thanks to it, the Yaris has a significantly lower center of gravity, a stiffer body, and offers much more confident and fun driving characteristics than its predecessors.
• Technological Gadgets: In higher trim levels, the Yaris can delight with a 10-inch color head-up display. This is not the cheaper version with a pop-up screen, but a full projection of driving data and navigation directly onto the windshield, helping the driver stay focused on the road.

The Hyundai i20 represents an exceptionally practical choice for those looking for a versatile everyday car with an emphasis on generous interior space and modern digital equipment. Thanks to its long warranty and lower purchase price, it is an ideal affordable car for young families or pragmatically minded drivers.

The Toyota Yaris is a perfect solution primarily for city and suburban drivers who prioritize the lowest possible fuel consumption, long-term reliability, and easy parking. The car will be most appreciated by individuals or couples who don't mind compromises in spaciousness but demand an agile, safe, and technologically advanced hatchback.

Based on data from service reports, long-term owner experiences, and insights from our own comprehensive car audit, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems for both compared models from the generations produced since 2020.

Hyundai i20

The third generation Hyundai i20 (designated as BC3) is mechanically very solid, but specific shortcomings may appear in some engines and onboard systems.

• Carbon buildup in the 1.0 T-GDI engine: Turbocharged direct-injection three-cylinder engines can suffer from carbon deposits on the intake valves during frequent short trips. This usually manifests as rougher idling, reduced power, or minor jerking. Prevention involves using fuel with additives and occasionally warming up the car on a longer route.
• Problematic Start-Stop system (ISG): The electronics controlling engine shutdown in the i20 are often very sensitive, leading to unwanted engine shutdowns even in inappropriate situations. Furthermore, the system puts excessive strain on the battery during frequent activation in the city.
• Timing chain: Although the timing chain in the one-liter engine should be maintenance-free, delaying oil change intervals can cause it to rattle and stretch in vehicles with higher mileage.
• Creaking plastics and noisier chassis: Many owners point out that hard plastics in the interior start to creak on uneven surfaces after several tens of thousands of kilometers. Especially when driving through larger potholes, more pronounced thumps from the chassis can be heard.

Toyota Yaris

The fourth generation Toyota Yaris (XP210) is considered one of the most reliable cars on the market. The hybrid system itself works flawlessly in the long term, so most owner complaints are directed elsewhere.

• 12V battery discharge: This is by far the most widespread problem with hybrid Yarises. If the car sits for a long time or is used exclusively for very short city trips, the hybrid system does not have time to recharge the standard 12V battery. It can discharge completely, and the car then cannot be started.
• Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) clogging: Like most modern cars, the gasoline Yaris is equipped with a particulate filter. Constant stop-and-go driving risks clogging it, which can slightly reduce performance and trigger an error message on the dashboard.
• Software recalls: In the first model years (2020 and 2021), software errors appeared, for which Toyota issued free recalls. These included, for example, an incorrectly calibrated front radar or minor glitches in the hybrid control unit software.
• Slabší odhlučnění kabiny: This is not a defect in the true sense of the word, but a frequent topic of discussion among users is the higher noise level. The three-cylinder engine makes itself more acoustically known under load, and at highway speeds, aerodynamic whistle penetrates the cabin more clearly.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. Although both models are considered reliable on the used car market, each has its own specifics that are worth focusing on during a test drive and visual inspection. To ensure you are not buying a pig in a poke, it always makes sense to have a thorough used car inspection by an experienced mechanic.

When choosing a Hyundai i20:

• Dual-clutch transmission (DCT) behavior: In models equipped with the seven-speed automatic, focus on the smoothness of starts and shifting when crawling at low speeds. Any jerking, hesitation, or unusual noises can indicate excessively worn clutches, which represents a more expensive service intervention.
• Mild-hybrid system and iMT functionality: If you are testing the 1.0 T-GDi engine with mild-hybrid technology and the so-called intelligent manual transmission (iMT), test the coasting function. After releasing the accelerator pedal, the car should be able to smoothly disconnect the engine and maintain speed without engine braking.
• Infotainment responsiveness and phone mirroring: Check if the on-board system responds quickly and does not freeze. Test the phone connection via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Older software versions could suffer from connection drops, which is usually resolved by a system update at an authorized service center.
• Chassis noises: During the test drive, specifically look for a poor surface with potholes. Listen for any dull knocking coming from the front axle. This could signal prematurely worn stabilizer links or bushings, which are inexpensive parts but indicate the overall condition of the chassis.
• Interior creaks: After several years of operation, the South Korean model may be prone to resonance from harder plastics in the interior. Focus on sounds coming from the dashboard or door panels when driving over bumps.

When choosing a Toyota Yaris:

• Hybrid system smoothness and battery condition: In the most popular 1.5 Hybrid version, carefully monitor the switching between pure electric and petrol power. The transition must be absolutely imperceptible and smooth. The condition of the traction battery is also crucial, which can only be accurately revealed by diagnostics – provided by a comprehensive car inspection.
• 12V battery condition: The Hybrid Yaris often suffers from the small 12V starter battery draining, especially if the previous owner only drove very short distances or the car sat in a dealership for a long time. This manifests as a lengthy "start-up" of systems after unlocking or error messages on the dashboard.
• e-CVT transmission behavior: Try stepping sharply on the accelerator while driving. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission should smoothly and linearly bring the revs up without any jerking or mechanical grinding.
• Transition between recuperation and braking: When braking, focus on the sensitivity of the brake pedal. The switch from electrical recuperation (battery charging) to mechanical braking with brake pads must be smooth. In cars that have stood for a long time, surface corrosion of the rear brake discs also often appears.
• Paint thickness and condition: Inspect the front hood, bumper, and fender edges in detail. Toyota's modern eco-friendly paints are relatively thin and more susceptible to stone chips, which can lead to the onset of corrosion in neglected units. For a detailed mapping of hidden body damage, a physical inspection of the car using a paint thickness gauge is best.

Sources: ADAC, forbes.cz, e15.cz, auto-mania.cz, techfocus.cz, csas.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.