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I was a bit disappointed (another niggle!) to discover that my recently acquired 2020 Yaris Excel did not have the mobile phone charging mat that the later Excel trim (supposedly) has. Not only that but the Android Auto feature (or Apple Car-Play if you are that way equipped) does not work through bluetooth. The phone must be plugged into the meagre single USB port that the Yaris is fitted with. Now, this discovery coincided with a set of magnetic USB charging cables and plugs I recently purchased for my mobile phone as I was needing to use a toothpick to regularly clean out the fluff and other crud that was building-up in the micro-usb socket. I’ve been pretty impressed with these. Easy to attach / detach without risk of wearing out the phone-socket either. My better-half was impressed too - she snaffled two cables for her own phone! I wondered if I could use one of the shorter magnetic leads from the pack in my Yaris, to make it easier to attach the phone to the infotainment system without having to mess about plugging in the USB wire and pulling it out all the time. The magnetic connection worked a treat. Not only did Android-Auto kick in OK on the infotainment head-unit but the phone charged too. Smashing! Pity about that magnetic USB cable still floating about though… I was suddenly afflicted with the insane idea of hiding the cable behind the dash of the car. Feeding it under the USB ‘module’ (for want of a better word) and perhaps behind the climate control unit and up into the top shelf of the dash. I had already decided that the bottom shelf (near the lighter socket) was not really the right shape (or even the right size) for my phone. The top shelf was just perfect for a mobile phone. It would mean rashly drilling a hole in the side of the top shelf though - hmmmm! Anyway, after much indecision, I decided to go ahead. Despite much trepidation, it has turned out very satisfactory IMHO. On entering the car, I now can just chuck (well, perhaps place!) my phone on the top shelf. Power on, and Android-Auto kicks in on the head-unit (I suppose Apple Car Play would do the same). The phone charges - no need for a charging mat. I have access to my music and maps. No cables strewn about and no need for one of those mobile phone docking stations. Bingo! These are the pics of my progress in case anyone would like to have a go at something similar themselves. Just a note about the magnetic cables - I was careful to get the fast-data type. You can get cheaper cables but they are only good enough for charging and often tend to be problematical with simultaneous data transfer. I ended up making a kind of 3D printed 'housing' to prevent the phone occasionally moving around and disconnecting itself when driving. Looking back, this was probably a bit of 'overkill'. The extra rubber blue matting I've subsequently used seems to achieve the same thing perfectly well.

Brilliant, thanks for all the help. Really appreciated. Only having had the car for three days, I'm still reaching for the gear lever and clutch as I move off but I can't believe how easy the car is to drive. The only annoying thing is, why didn't I do it years ago?

I've had the 1.8 TS for the last year, done several motorway trips 200-300 miles, no issues at all - flick it into sports mode and you get a real boost if needed. Otherwise put into normal mode, activate the 'autopilot' cruise control and the miles click away, a very relaxing drive. Excellent boot space.

The garage I use has sourced a subframe in reasonable shape, and is supplying and fitting that, and a rear wheel bearing, for approx £350. My yaris lives to fight another day 🙂

You'll be fine - the default is "display only". You could set a warning buzzer if you really wanted to but I haven't ... 🙂

As above but if you have it in acc mode the radio will turn off after 15 mins - leaving it in ready mode is the best bet

It's the same as any other modern vehicle. The car must be in accessory mode if you want to use accessories. To get into acc mode with push button start you press the start button once while not holding down the brake pedal. The keys will have to be in the car at the time. However it would also be a very good idea to have the car fully powered up. The hybrids have smaller than normal 12v batteries and it won't take long to discharge them. Having the car fully started means that it can keep the 12v battery topped up. It will also mean that the engine will run for a minute or two every now and again.

If you don't intend taking the car out of the UK or only to a few other countries you can cut this time down significantly by selecting to load only those few selected maps that you will use. If you are moderately techie you can also edit the file with the authorisation code so that you don't have to manually input during installation it but tbh that's as much/more effort than inputting it manually anyway. 🤣

To be fair, I've never had such a small car with so much stuff in it so while it is annoying knowing what else I could have had, it's not as bad as it could have been. I can't think of any other cars in this segment with a proper HUD! I just don't understand why Toyota have such limited options and weird limitations, like the lower specs not being able to have addons for things that they have wiring harnesses for anyway, or even weirder ones like the top spec having less colour options than the low spec - If you look at, say VW, the amount of options you can spec up are huge by comparison, and often are applicable to all base specs for that car except where they conflict. Toyota's options tend to be limited to overpriced trim pieces and other cosmetic bits, vs VW having actual options like sunroofs, sensors, heated xyz etc. Limited options has long been a thing with Toyota tho', but in their defence their base specs do tend to be more loaded than a lot of other manufacturers - A lot of the stuff that are options with VW come as standard with Toyota, but I wish they'd just be a bit more flexible, esp. if they're going to be charging these kinds of prices! It would be nice to be able to add stuff I wanted without being forced to goto higher specs that have things I don't want!

A career, so I assume short journeys making up the 30 miles. I would go Eco mode and gain the benefit of the hybrid battery economy.

On the multifunction display (through the steering wheel) - top left - the speed limit shows as a speed limit sign and it simply turns red if the limit is exceeded. Set speed for the cruise control is in the same position on the screen. It works just fine - pay attention or ignore it as one wishes. You may also get it on the HUD - but I don't have one of those ... 😉

I appreciate that this doesn't help, but the PHEV does appear to be as described in the UK Spec Document as available for download today ...

Leave it in normal drive and let the technology determine otherwise........and...............oh, read the Handbook.

Next maps are due Oct/Nov.

You are not charging the hybrid battery, it is the 12v. In hybrids cars the 12v is a small capacity and will be in the boot area so it will be an AGM type battery for safety reasons. There is no starter motor on Toyota hybrid (no alternator, no clutch-you probably know that). The 12v has to charge up brake pressure and kick in the computer bits to light up the dash etc, so it does not need a lot of power. Having said that, during COVID lockdown and the cold winter weather, due to lack of use 12v batteries were going flat. The CTEK5 battery charger is slow charge and suitable for AGM and normal “wet” type acid batteries. It’s a very clever charger, Swedish I think. A good supplier, where I got mine from, is TAYNA.co.uk. They supply batteries as well from their depot in north Wales. Tel number 01745 823399.

I feel you - I keep lamenting that we don't get the jappy-spec Mk4 Yaris here - It is narrower on the outside (But not the inside?!), which suits my city use better, and also has options for 360 top down view, auto parking (!), an actual proper handbrake (not the rubbish electronic ones you normally get now!), satnav (Not that I actually want OEM satnav but for this kind of money you normally expect it as standard!), wireless phone charging, heated seats and steering wheel and even AWD!!! Even compared to the euro-spec ones we miss out on a lot of stuff; I really don't understand what Toyota GB were thinking when they picked the specs for the UK - I feel like they don't understand their core customers at all!

The 1.8 is ‘adequate’ for all scenarios - it’s an older generation engine than the 2.0, but much more efficient. The 2.0 is tuned differently, and has much more performance to offer. I think the 2.0 is more effortless as there is a bit more mid-range torque than the 1.8. The 2.0 delivers fuel economy comparable with an efficient 2.0tdi (say a 150bhp variant), the 1.8 is as efficient as a small diesel on the motorway and more efficient than any other petrol or diesel car around town (new Yaris aside). I'm quite happy with 57-58mpg on average, and wanted the performance of the 2.0 (after 5 years of Golf R ownership). for those seeking the ultimate in fuel economy, or just not bothered with power in excess - the 1.8 is fantastic!

https://www.toyota.co.uk/tme#/my-toyota/eStore

Just to be clear, that is Toyota.co.uk and not Mytoyota App. Now I logged in. Selected Explore Maps and Apps Clicked Basket Selected Maps Clicked the 2021v1 map Clicked Purchases Selected Active Selected the 2021 v1, and had options to Download to USB, print the key etc Nb, when I just returned as typing this I only got instructions. === As I say, very poor Intereface

The problem I find is lack of familiarity. We update no more frequently then 6 months and the process is not intuitive. I suggest start with a pencil and paper and record all the steps you taje6, including false, and then write out the proper steps. Keep it safe (says someone who has yet to do it).

I find it easier going through the estore on MyToyota than https://www.toyota-mapupdates.eu/. It's not particularly intuitive as at first it may look like you will charged for the update but you won't be - you'll get used to it.

Have a look at the thread on here 2021v1 map update now available.

My wife had a Yaris with the same floating display. We really liked it.

You are correct Roy. Quite a few people, myself included, have reported missing speed cameras when updating via Wi-Fi. USB is the way to go.

https://www.toyota-mapupdates.eu/ You should be able to stumble through it. I believe the direct Wi-Fi download to your car might be only GB and I and I am not sure if that includes cameras. if you use a clean 32Gb USB drive and a PC you can get the whole of Europe. I may be wrong here.

Me too!! It's taken a few months to unlearn that, although my left foot still goes for the non-existent clutch when some moron forces me to stop abruptly! At the moment, if I'm going to be stationary in a car park for a while, I normally put it into P, turn the car off, then turn it back on in Ready mode again, so the DRLs aren't on (I found, at least with my Mk4, when I first turn the car on the DRLs don't light up until I shift it out of P, then they stay on until the car is turned off again.) That way I'm not blinding everyone with the DRLs while I'm stationary! I don't think people realize how obnoxiously bright DRLs can be as they can't see their own.

Yes I had a look and you can find clutch kits for £100 or even less, price is all down to quality and as the clutch change takes a few hours it's best to use the best quality available.

Thanks for the help Scott. I've go and check which one I have.

Yes, in car, headunit> Setup>General>System Information . At the top there should be displayed software version & map version If you have registered your head unit you can probably do it via MyToyota by simply seeing what map updates are offered for your car in the estore.

……and you can set the over speed limit to 1mph, 3mph or 5mph.

Car manuals often specify a range of oil grades that are acceptable. So check to see if that is the case for your car, and then check if 0W/40 is within it. I have a T27 rather than a T25 so I can't help with your car, but if you don't have a manual I'm sure somebody with one will be along very soon.

Is it not possible to turn this off? It's a perfect example of why I hate this stuff.

I agree when you say "why didn't I do it years ago". I feel I have found the car I been searching for since I was 17, though I didn't know that at the time.

Hello Shahen - welcome to Toyota Owners Club.

I'd stick with Normal as others have mentioned. I did a 700-mile round trip on an early June weekend in my 1.8 HB, just my wife and I plus a couple of small suitcases. Mostly motorway and sticking to the speed limits so major use of ACC. Climate control on, Android Auto for navigation and streaming music, averaged +/- 63mpg and hybrid driver score average across all segments of the trip of 84. Very acceptable. If I'd turned all that off, I'm sure the numbers would be even better. But that's no fun! ECO is focused on maximum fuel economy and minimising emissions embracing everything to achieve that, concisely described on page 408 of the PDF manual as: "Helps the driver accelerate in an eco-friendly manner and improve fuel economy through moderate throttle characteristics and by controlling the operation of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling)." I've not used ECO mode at all in the year since I bought my Corolla.

Welcome from another new member

Welcome to the club, Shahen.

It's the estate he's going for.

"I also got to see my son in university who's based in Kent. I live in Birmingham which is about 200miles 1 way. So we looking to see him once in 2 months. Then in about another year my daughter will be going to university somewhere in England UK." Rather than engine size, is it the right model? I am delighted with the Corolla but with 3 up its lugage capacity is limited. For an annual holiday I might consider hiring a larger car or using an airport taxi. For 6 to 12 University runs per year capacity will be an issue. Sticking with a Corolla I would lokk at the estate rather than hatchback.

2021 model Aygos do not have integrated satnav. You can only use navigation apps when the phone is connected by cable, they do not work via a Bluetooth connection.

Lovely car to drive, very relaxing. It’s coming up to 5 year old end of sept, I have had it just over 3 years. Due to lockdown and lack of regular use, in this last cold winter I did get caught out with a 12v battery that was not strong enough to power the car up (no starter motor, nor alternator, nor clutch). I have a small mobile phone size battery pack with crocodile clips I jumped across the battery (under the bonnet) which started it. Now have a modern day slow charger, CTEK 5, which keeps both our hybrids on top of the game, recommended purchase. Went on holiday mid July to Norfolk 210 miles each way, about 750 miles in total week, and did just over 80 mpg. It loves summer days for good mpg, easy get over 70 mpg but in winter about 8 mpg less. Does yours have 15” tyres? If so you will get a comfy ride, the 17” low profiles a bit harsh.

Thanks for the information, will sort out a double usb for it.👍

It is a straight swap. I took the sat nav 2 button touchscreen out of my daughters 2014 Aygo and replaced it with the 3 button carplay/android auto unit. Because the previous unit was the sat nav version, you have to unplug the sat nav module behind the unit in the wiring, took me a whole hour to figure that out, as it will not work without doing this.

Hi Wasim, welcome to TOC (btw you may want to remove your registration no. from your profile) There are so many interlinked systems that can cause a cascade from one to the other to bring this up that you need to get it properly code read. Assuming that it has been serviced according to spec. & is under 100k then it should still be under warranty - take it to a dealer (I have been happy with A Bishopbriggs).

Buying a Toyota hybrid it’s never a wrong choice, therefore either if the engines you pick you will be happy with, the only time you may wish you went for the 2.0 is when you overtake someone on the motorway and he steps on the accelerator, my advice will be like Andrew’s, take it easy and safely. Enjoy your new car 🚗👍

Just don't do what a customer was talking about when I was last at our local Toyota dealer. He was a farmer and had been concerned about his Land Cruiser being stolen. Someone had suggested he should shut his keyfob in the microwave oven overnight as that would block the signal. Great idea, and I'm sure it's very effective. However he apparently came in from working late one evening and popped a ready-meal in the microwave. After a few minutes he was concerned to see black smoke and flames inside it. He'd forgotten to remove the key fob first...

Don’t think thieves are interested in Toyota except their catalytic converters., although you can put the key fob into a cola can and that stops the transmission of any signal from and to the key. 👍

Hi, yes the display on dashboard is not exact representation of what actually happens under the bonnet. When battery is fully charged the ice can kick in to spin the mg1 to use some power and reduce the battery state of charge, ecu is there to do this job. Also when battery level is full the actual battery charge is around 85-90% , it is same with electric cars and many people are worrying too much about it and not charging them full etc. No need to worry about anything, just make sure you have enough fuel in and enjoy your drive. Sometimes on full battery and after a stop on traffic lights for example your car engine may be running, this is in connection with the above event, to discharge the battery to more appropriate levels. , the car also may refuse to go into ev mode too, often happens to me and I have mostly full battery when back home, long downhill where I live😉👍

I'm getting paranoid about my Cat Converter. My 2010 Prius had it's Cat stolen and i had the Catloc fitted afterwards. I traded the Prius in for a 2018 Auris Hybrid and had the Catloc fitted immediately. Within a few days I noticed a fresh dent in the sill under the drivers door where (I'm sure) some scumbag (in a Sainsbury's car park) had lifted the car up with a jack, seen the Catloc and moved on to find easier pickings. (See photo)