Five-Point Inspection: Toyota Yaris Hybrid

The Yaris is sold as a Hybrid, just not here.

The Toyota Yaris is generally a pretty lamentable little car. This sub-compact hatchback is about as stylish as the grease-disposal bin behind your local truck stop.

Additionally it’s less fun to drive than a double-decker bus under a bridge that’s too low, plus its interior is as welcoming as an airplane restroom.

In spite of these pretty significant downsides the Yaris does have a couple of trump cards in its admittedly weak hand. It’s efficient and affordable, delivering small MSRP and large fuel-economy numbers on its window sticker.

Americans are exclusively offered a gasoline-powered version of the car but there’s more on the kiddies’ menu than just that. Instead of settling for grilled cheese, European customers can opt for a corn-dog, or in this case a hybrid version of the car.

How well does Toyota’s electrified Yaris fare? Does the addition of an amped-up drivetrain correct some of the standard car’s flaws? Let’s find out.