The nifty, fuel-efficient Yaris subcompact is the lowest-priced vehicle in Toyota’s lineup. It first appeared for model year 2007 as a replacement for the Echo, and was offered in three-door Liftback and four-door Sedan versions. For 2009, Toyota has added a new five-door Liftback model.
All three versions have front-wheel drive and are available in Base and S (sporty) trim levels. Power comes from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard; a four-speed automatic is optional (about $800).
Pricing for the three-door Liftback ranges from $12,205 for the Base model with manual gearbox to $14,825 for the S grade with automatic. The new five-door Liftback starts at $13,305 and goes to $15,125. The Sedan’s price range is $12,965 to $15,880.
New for 2009, all models have anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear curtain side airbags as standard equipment. Cruise control is now available on Liftback models, and audio systems are satellite-capable.
My tester was a Base Sedan with automatic transmission. Included among its standard-equipment features were air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, six-way adjustable front seats, halogen headlamps, and intermittent windshield wipers.
I’d call the optional ($1,500) Power Package on my tester the Necessary Package. It adds power windows and door locks, power outside mirrors, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, an AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/WMA playback capability, and a few other less-essential items. Without this package, the Base Sedan would have four-speaker audio prep only (no actual radio), and a fixed rear bench seat.
Over the life of a car loan, the small increase $1,500 makes is well worth the driver satisfaction and resale potential these added features would provide.
Other options available on the Base Sedan include fog lamps, remote keyless entry, 15-inch alloy wheels, a cold weather package, engine immobilizer and a rear spoiler.
Yaris doesn’t weigh much — only about 2,300 pounds — so its four-cylinder engine makes easy work of propelling the car adequately, while delivering fuel economy of 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The automatic transmission is equipped with an uphill/downhill shift logic system, which reduces gear-hunting in hilly terrain. The engine and transmission make a lovely couple.
Yaris has an extremely rigid structure, giving it great stability and a smooth, solid ride. Cabin noise is kept in check thanks to damping materials strategically placed throughout the car’s body. Calling the cabin quiet would be a big fat lie, but for a small car with a small price, the noise level is low.
In Toyota tradition, the Yaris interior shows superior fit-and-finish, seat fabric and other materials are high quality, handy storage spaces are plentiful, and controls — which are in logical places — are easy to see and use.
A long wheelbase on the Yaris translates into generous room inside the passenger cabin as well as a sizable trunk.
You’re not traveling First Class in a Yaris, you’re definitely in Coach. But you’re not in a middle seat in Row 42, either. You’ve got one of the good seats.
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