About the Toyota Yaris Mk3
AI-generatedThe Toyota Yaris Mk3 (2011-2020) represented a significant leap forward from the previous generation, built on Toyota's new B-platform and designed entirely in Europe at the company's French facility. This generation was lighter, more spacious, and better to drive than its predecessor, with sharper styling penned by ED2 design studio. The Mk3 featured improved interior quality, a more engaging chassis setup, and better refinement throughout. It was available with a choice of 1.0-litre and 1.33-litre petrol engines, plus a 1.5-litre hybrid variant introduced in 2012 that became increasingly popular in the UK market. Major changes from the Mk2 included a completely redesigned interior with better materials, improved rear legroom despite similar exterior dimensions, and the introduction of Toyota Safety Sense from 2017 onwards. A significant facelift in 2014 brought revised styling, updated infotainment systems, and enhanced trim levels. The hybrid version proved particularly popular in urban environments, offering impressive fuel economy and low running costs. Throughout its production run, the Mk3 maintained Toyota's reputation for reliability whilst offering a more dynamic driving experience than previous Yaris generations, making it a popular choice in the supermini segment.
Known Issues
Known Issues
Mk3 (2011-2020)
2011-2020
- Clutch wear on manual gearbox models, particularly pre-2014 cars, with some needing replacement before 40,000 miles
- Door lock actuator failures causing central locking issues, most common on 2011-2014 models
- Rear wheel bearing noise developing around 50,000-70,000 miles
- MMT automated manual gearbox (2011-2014) can be jerky and suffer from clutch actuator problems
- Dashboard rattles, particularly around the glovebox area on early models
- Hybrid battery cooling fan can become noisy or fail on high-mileage hybrid models
- Air conditioning condenser vulnerable to stone damage due to positioning
- Boot lock mechanism can fail, particularly on 2011-2013 models
- Bluetooth connectivity issues with certain smartphones on pre-2017 infotainment systems
Running Costs
Running Costs
Annual Fuel
£1,100-£1,400
Insurance Group
4-14
Average Service
£250
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional reliability and low running costs across all variants
- Hybrid version offers outstanding fuel economy for urban driving
- Spacious interior with good rear legroom for the class
- Excellent five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, especially post-2017 models with Toyota Safety Sense
- Low insurance groups and strong residual values
- Compact dimensions make it ideal for city driving and parking
Cons
- Interior materials feel cheaper than rivals like VW Polo or Ford Fiesta
Best & Worst Years
Best & Worst Years
Best Years
- 2019 - Final production year with all updates, Toyota Safety Sense as standard, improved infotainment, and benefiting from all manufacturing refinements. Still has reasonable warranty coverage remaining.
- 2018 - Fully updated with Safety Sense, more affordable than 2019 models, and avoids early production issues whilst offering the latest technology.
- 2017 - First year with Toyota Safety Sense as standard across the range, improved multimedia system, and all mechanical issues from earlier years resolved.
Worst Years
- 2012 - Early production issues including clutch problems and door lock failures more prevalent. MMT gearbox particularly troublesome. Pre-facelift interior feels dated.
- 2013 - Still suffers from early production issues, and being pre-facelift means outdated infotainment and interior. Better to wait for 2014 facelift or buy earlier for value.
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
The Mk3 Yaris was the first Toyota to be designed and engineered entirely in Europe at their French facilities
The Yaris Hybrid uses the same hybrid system as the Prius but in a more compact package, achieving up to 80.7mpg on the combined cycle
This generation won the UK What Car? 'Best Supermini' award multiple times during its production run
Toyota offered a 5-year warranty on Mk3 Yaris models from 2014 onwards, extended to 10 years on hybrid battery packs
Gallery
Alternatives to Consider
Honda Jazz Mk3
More practical with clever Magic Seats and larger boot, similarly reliable, though less efficient and pricier
Mazda 2 Mk3
More engaging to drive with better interior quality, but less reliable and higher running costs than Yaris
Volkswagen Polo Mk5
Superior interior quality and refinement, but more expensive to buy and maintain with less reliability
Ford Fiesta Mk7
Best-in-class driving dynamics and better engines, but can't match Yaris reliability or hybrid economy
Hyundai i20 Mk2
Better warranty and equipment levels, competitive pricing, but less refined and no hybrid option
Owner Tips
- 1Check service history carefully - hybrid models benefit greatly from regular Toyota dealer servicing to maintain hybrid battery warranty
- 2Avoid MMT automated manual gearbox; opt for manual or hybrid CVT instead
- 3Ensure all recalls have been completed, particularly for door locks and steering column
- 4Hybrid battery cooling fan should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent overheating
- 5Check for dashboard rattles on test drive, especially around glovebox and centre console areas
- 6Air con condenser is vulnerable to damage - check for leaks and reduced cooling performance
- 7Replace rear wheel bearings at first sign of noise to prevent further damage
- 8Models from 2017 onwards with Toyota Safety Sense offer significantly better active safety features
Check a specific Toyota Yaris
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