The Namibia Economist

Light, lighter, Yaris

The newly released Toyota Yaris will be available at Pupkewitz Toyota later this month.
The car set the fuel-saving benchmark on the annual ALD Automotive/Shell Fuel Save MPG Marathon recently held in Britain, eking out the juice to finish as first-time winner.
At the end of its debut test, the Yaris had used just 23.2 litres – a shade more than five gallons and less than half a tank – to complete the 560 km route. Its overall consumption figure of 3.91 litres/100km earned it a top spot in its class for petrol cars emitting less than 120g/km of CO2 - an average consumption that is almost 23% better than the model’s official combined figure of 4.8 litres/100km.
The car entered for the event was powered by Toyota’s 1.0-litre VVT-i engine, a three-cylinder unit that is renowned for its efficiency and a multiple winner in the International Engine of the Year awards. With the benefit of Toyota Optimal Drive technology and the overall light weight of new Yaris, it returned the kind of economy typically associated with smaller more expensive, diesel-powered cars.
Toyota made it a double success in the marathon with Prius emerging a clear winner in the class for hybrids and electric vehicles. In spite of the marathon route including few miles in urban traffic, the world’s best-selling hybrid also topped 4 litres/100 km.
The annual marathon is designed to demonstrate how smarter driving techniques can help motorists save money at the pumps. This year’s event saw 38 cars and vans competing in five classes over a mixture of A and B roads and motorways in the UK.
‘The Toyota Yaris combines a well-tailored, roomy interior with agile performance and a fuel efficient engine in an entry-level car. Add to that this achievement of the Yaris and one can clearly understand why the Yaris is leading the way in the entry level market in Namibia.’ Says Etienne Steenkamp, general manager of Pupkewitz Toyota.

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