Toyota Yaris (2006-2026) First Car Review: Insurance, Running Costs and What to Watch

Who is this car for?

The Yaris's biggest advantage is financial predictability. Toyota's reliability means fewer surprise repair bills. The hybrid's fuel economy means lower monthly running costs. And strong resale values mean less depreciation loss when you sell.

"The car can absorb the punishment of a learner driver and keep coming back for more. That resilience is worth paying for."

The used market splits into three tiers. XP90 (2006-2011) for £2,000-£4,500. XP130 (2011-2020) for £4,000-£12,000. XP210 (2020-present) for £12,000-£20,000+. Each generation has different strengths and a different ownership experience.

The three generations: XP90 vs XP130 vs XP210

In short: The XP90 is the cheapest to buy and insure, with legendary mechanical reliability but dated tech. The XP130 is a nice choice: the hybrid gives you automatic driving, exceptional fuel economy and the lowest running costs in the class. The XP210 is the safest and most refined, but higher insurance groups and purchase prices put it beyond most first car budgets.

Driving and performance

The Yaris has never been the driver's car in the supermini class. That's the Ford Fiesta.

"It's never going to be the most exciting car, but it's fuss-free and comfortable."

XP90 (2006-2011)

The XP90 is more predictable than exciting. Steering is light at low speeds and accurate enough for town driving. It's easy to place on the road and simple to park.

1.0 VVT-i 68bhp (the budget pick):

• 0-62mph in 15.3 seconds
• Adequate for town driving. Slow so needs planning on motorway slip roads.
• Real-world fuel economy: 48-52mpg
• Insurance Group 2-3
• Three-cylinder, mechanically simple. No turbo, no timing chain or belt concerns.

1.33 Dual VVT-i 99bhp (the all-rounder):

• 0-62mph in 11.7 seconds
• Comfortable at motorway speeds with the six-speed manual. Enough torque for safe overtaking.
• Real-world fuel economy: 42-48mpg
• Insurance Group 7
• Toyota's "Optimal Drive" tech with stop-start. A more powerful engine for regular motorway use.

1.4 D-4D 89bhp (diesel, niche):

• Exceptional fuel economy (real-world 55-60mpg)
• Makes sense if doing regular long journeys
• Check ULEZ compliance: pre-September 2015 diesels may not meet Euro 6
• Higher torque makes it more relaxed on motorways, but DPF issues on short urban journeys

XP130 (2011-2020)

The XP130 was a step up in refinement. Sharper styling, better noise insulation and the introduction of hybrid technology. The 2017 facelift (over 900 new parts) is the one to look for: better engine, Toyota Safety Sense and an improved multimedia system.

1.0 VVT-i 69bhp (budget manual):

• Similar character to the XP90's 1.0. Adequate in town, strained on motorways.
• Real-world fuel economy: 48-52mpg
• Insurance Group 2-4
• Available only on early (2011-2014) models

1.33/1.5 VVT-i (naturally aspirated manual):

• The 1.33 was replaced by a 1.5 in the 2017 facelift
• Real-world fuel economy: 42-48mpg
• Insurance Group 5-8
• Solid, unexciting, reliable. A safe choice for manual-only drivers.

1.5 Hybrid 100bhp (great car):

• Combined petrol-electric powertrain with e-CVT automatic
• Real-world fuel economy: 58-65mpg (achieving nearly 98% of official figures according to Honest John Real MPG data)
• Insurance Group 8-10
• Silent around town at low speeds on electric power alone
• No clutch, no traditional gearbox. The e-CVT uses a planetary gearset. Mechanically simpler than any conventional automatic.
• The engine can drone under hard acceleration (a characteristic of all CVT hybrids) but it settles quickly once up to speed

XP210 (2020-present)

Built on Toyota's TNGA platform, the XP210 is shorter and lower than the XP130 but with a longer wheelbase. The result: a more planted, more confident feel. It's quicker and more expensive to insure.

"The XP210 handles noticeably better than the XP130 while staying calm in town."

1.5 Hybrid 114bhp (standard):

• 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds
• Noticeably quicker than the XP130 hybrid. Adequate for every UK driving scenario.
• Real-world fuel economy: 55-65mpg
• Insurance Group 13-14
• 36% more powerful and 20% more efficient than the previous generation's hybrid

1.5 Hybrid 129bhp (GR Sport / Premiere Edition, 2024+):

• 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds
• More powerful electric motor for stronger acceleration
• Insurance Group 15
• The keenest Yaris to drive, but not feasible for 17 year olds looking for affordable insurance.

Real-world driving context

City driving: All three generations are excellent city cars. Light steering across makes urban driving easy. The hybrid models are near silent at low speed, which takes some getting used to.

Motorway: The 1.0 engines sit at high revs at 70mph. The 1.33/1.5 and hybrid engines are more relaxed. The XP210 is the most refined cruiser.

Technology and interior

XP90 (2006-2011)

Infotainment: CD player and basic Bluetooth on higher trims. The centre-mounted instrument cluster is unusual but easy to see what's happening.

Interior quality: Functional and hard-wearing. The sliding rear seat lets you adjust the split between rear legroom and boot space.

XP130 (2011-2020)

Infotainment: 2017 facelift introduced Toyota Touch 2 with reversals camera and, on some trims, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Interior quality: Build quality is solid throughout. The 2017 facelift improved cabin plastics noticeably.

XP210 (2020-present)

Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Physical buttons for climate control.

Interior quality: A big improvement from the XP130 with better materials and a modern design.

Safety

XP90 (2006-2011)

Euro NCAP (2005 test): 5 stars for occupant protection (35/37 points). Up to nine airbags and still a very solid structure for a 20-year-old design.

XP130 (2011-2020)

Euro NCAP (2011 test): 3 stars initially (83% adult, 80% child, 60% pedestrian, 57% safety assist - lower score due to missing aids, not crash safety). However, the 2017 facelift added Toyota Safety Sense (AEB, lane departure) to most trims. European NCAP updated the rating in 2025 to include these improvements, making the post-2017 models a safe choice for new drivers.

XP210 (2020-present)

Euro NCAP (2020 test): 5 stars under stricter 2020 protocols (86% adult, 81% child, 78% pedestrian, 85% safety assist). It was the first car to be tested with a centre mounted airbag between driver and passenger to prevent heads bashing together.

Toyota Safety Sense suite (XP210):

• Pre-Collision System (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Intersection Turn Assistance (detects oncoming vehicles when turning right)
• Emergency Steering Assist
• Lane Keep Assist and Lane Trace Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control from 0mph

"The Yaris's safety tech isn't just about avoiding crashes; it's about the car being a second set of eyes for a driver who is still learning to read the road environment."

Running costs and ownership

The Yaris hybrid's running costs are super-low. Over three years, the fuel savings and low road tax (pre-2017) add up.

Insurance

Fuel

Tax (VED)

XP90 (all pre-April 2017): CO2-based, typically £20-£35/year.

XP130 Hybrid (pre-April 2017): Many qualify for £0 or £10-£20 annual tax.

Post-April 2017 models: Flat rate £170-£190/year for hybrids.

Annual running cost summary

Based on the 1.5 Hybrid XP130 in Icon trim (pre-April 2017):

What to watch: known issues

XP90: rust (rear axle and door sills)

Rust is what eventually kills XP90 Yaris models. Check underneath the rear of the car for corrosion on the axle mounts - more likely on cars living near the sea. If structural metalwork is heavily pitted or corroded, walk away.

XP90: water pump failure

The 1.0 and 1.33 engines can develop weeping water pumps at 70,000-90,000 miles. Listen for a high-pitched whine or look for pink crusty deposits around the engine belt area.

XP90 and XP130: ABS sensors

ABS warning lights are common. Often it's just a wheel speed sensor, but it's an MOT fail and can cost £150-£250 to fix.

XP90 and XP130: MMT automated manual gearbox (avoid)

Toyota's "Multi-Mode Manual" (MMT) uses a robotic clutch. It is jerky in traffic and prone to expensive clutch actuator failures. If you want a trouble free automatic Yaris, the hybrid is the one to go for.

Hybrid battery degradation (rare)

Because Toyota's hybrid system manages the battery's charge state so strictly and they've been doing it in the Prius for decades, failure is rare. The Toyota Relax warranty extends coverage to 10 years or 100,000 miles if the car is serviced at a Toyota dealer.

XP90/XP130: Interior plastics

The cabin can start to rattle as it ages. It's not a sign of structural failure, but it can make the car feel older than it is.

What to check when viewing

1. Full service history (Needed for Toyota's Relax warranty benefits)
2. Hybrid Health Check evidence (An annual report from Toyota dealers confirming battery health)
3. Rust inspection (Especially on XP90 and early XP130 models)
4. MMT check (If it's NOT a hybrid but says 'automatic', it's an MMT. Avoid.)
5. MOT history on gov.uk (Look for recurring advisories on 'corrosion' or 'brake pipes')

The best variant to buy

Best overall: 2013-2016 XP130 1.5 Hybrid in Icon trim

Why: Exceptional fuel economy (58-65mpg), ultra-reliable e-CVT automatic, and pre-April 2017 registration often means £0 road tax.

Budget conscious: 2009-2011 XP90 1.0 VVT-i in TR trim

Why: Group 2-3 insurance, mechanically simple, and very cheap to buy (£2,000-£4,000).

Safest option: 2020-2022 XP210 1.5 Hybrid in Icon trim

Why: 5-star Euro NCAP (2020), full Toyota Safety Sense suite, and modern tech like Apple CarPlay. This is as safe as small cars get for new drivers. Budget £12,000-£15,000.

Avoid

• MMT automated manual gearbox (jerky, unreliable)
• XP90 with visible structural rust
• Models with no service history (loses warranty benefit)
• Yaris diesel for short urban journeys (DPF issues)

The verdict

Final word: The Toyota Yaris is the lowest risk choice for a first car. It's not the most exciting, but nothing matches it for total cost of ownership. The hybrid is the key: it cuts fuel costs and drives nicely.

2013-2016 XP130 1.5 Hybrid Icon. That's the one to buy.