Our day didn’t end as soon as we reached the hotel each night either. We still had a debrief to complete. In the debrief we spoke about the day’s drive and what we had learned. Each debrief started with the drive leaders thanking the participants for driving safely, which was a nice touch. Then we broke into smaller groups based on the cars we were in and had internal discussions about the drive experience and the car’s performance as well. I offered my perspective as a passenger and as a local. On day one I was placed in an Innova Crysta, and sitting in the passenger’s seat all I experienced was comfort and relaxation. With armrests on either side, ample leg room, and my own AC vent, I had everything I could possibly need to be comfortable in the second row of the Crysta.
This was a fascinating insight into how Toyota works and I was glad for the opportunity to get an inside look into the process. Hopefully, some fantastic cars will come as a result of the Indian leg of the 5C drive.
The Yaris Drive Experience
We may not have been able to get some time in the driver’s seat on this 5C trip, but we have experienced the Yaris in the past. This luxurious sedan from Toyota has been on the market for nearly a year and a half now and has garnered its fair share of admirers during this period. There are a few reasons why the Yaris has gained its level of popularity on Indian shores. Firstly, the 1.5-litre petrol engine is powerful and refined. It offers 107 hp and 140 Nm of torque on tap. This along with the six-speed manual and the option of the frugal yet fun CVT makes the Yaris an absolute joy to drive.
The Yaris’ driving capabilities have been further enhanced thanks to its sorted suspension setup. When you have to deal with pothole-ridden streets of India, the suspension has been perfectly set up and soaks up all the undulations without transmitting them into the cabin. And when you’re out enjoying some cornering fun in the hills, the Yaris is dependable and holds its line predictably to help elevate the experience.
The Yaris’ interior matches up to its exterior, offering a luxe cabin to keep you comfortable. The two-tone dash with silver accents has a premium feel, and the seats offer superior support levels. The extensive features list is another big plus. From the smart touch infotainment system to rain-sensing wipers, and the very useful roof mounted ac vents for rear seat passengers, the Yaris has all bases covered. Lastly the safety and security that comes with having seven airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist Control and Vehicle Stability Control makes the Yaris a compelling package overall.
