The Yaris is well known and loved in South Africa for its reliability, features, and attractive pricing – whether it be new or on the second-hand market.
As an entry-level hatchback there’s no arguing that R269,500 for the Yaris 1.5 Xi is a fair price considering what you’re getting.
For R376,500, however, the Corolla Hatch 1.2T Xs is a bit of a harder sell when compared to its humbler sibling.
This is especially true if you consider that the more spacious Corolla sedan is only R11,300 more expensive than the hatch.
Additionally, you can throw the Corolla Quest sedan into the mix, which is is over R100,000 cheaper than the Corolla Hatch.
If your heart is set on either these hatchbacks from Toyota, the comparison below provides an overview of what you get for your money.
Head-to-head
As standard, both of the the Corolla Hatch and Yaris receive the following features:
- ABS
- USB ports
- Central locking
- Push start button
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Multi-information display
- Alarm and immobiliser system
For the higher price, the Corolla Hatch is fitted with more powerful engine, albeit lower in capacity.
A 1.2-litre turbocharged motor sends 85kW and 185Nm of torque to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox, and lets the Corolla Hatch reach a top speed of 200km/h.
The Yaris has a bigger 1.5-litre motor, but unfortunately it’s not turbocharged and produces less power than that in the Corolla – coming in at 79kW and 140Nm of torque.
This is then mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox that allows you to reach a top speed of 180km/h, according to Toyota.
In contrast, the Yaris gets a better fuel consumption at a claimed combined 5.9l/100km, whereas the Corolla achieves a higher combined 6.3l/100km.
On the inside
The interior is where the Corolla Hatch really shows off, however.
Cruise control, automatic dual-zone climate control, central infotainment display, reverse camera, all one touch electric windows, wireless charger, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, and a 6-speaker sound system is what you can expect as standard across the range.
The Yaris is not as kitted, but it does get the important necessities such as a Toyota audio system, front electric windows for the driver, door ajar warning, illuminated entry, and a 4-speaker sound system as standard.
Exterior features then bring the cars back onto the same playing field, relatively speaking, as both were given smart entry doors as well as follow-me-home headlight functions.
The light systems on the Corolla Hatch are automatic, however, whereas the Yaris is all manual.
The Corolla receives LED lights front and rear, as well as daytime running lights, and a rear spoiler to set it apart even further.
Standard safety features include electronic brake force distribution, hill assist control, and vehicle stability control in both vehicles, and the Yaris then gets one extra feature in the form of brake assist.
Even though the Yaris is a smaller car – 4.14m vs 4.38m in length for the Corolla Hatch – it has a larger luggage capacity at a volume of 310 litres.
This is compared to the 294 litres of the Corolla.
Services
In terms of services and a warranty, both cars are sold with Toyota’s 3-year/100,000km warranty.
The Corolla Hatch receives a 6-services/90,000km service plan, while the Yaris gets a 3-services/45,000km service plan.
It must also be noted that the Corolla Hatch has a starting price of R376,500 and can go up to R444,600 for the top-of-the-range bi-turbo model fitted with a CVT transmission.
The Yaris has a cheaper starting price of R269,500 – but can go as high up as R334,300 for the Sport model – which is pictured below.
Toyota Corolla Hatch 1.2T XR CVT – R433,700
Toyota Yaris 1.5 Sport – R334,300
Keyword: Toyota Corolla Hatch vs Toyota Yaris – Worth the extra R107,000