Teresa’s View
My daughter informed me that the Yaris sitting in my driveway is going to be her next car. She decided this without even seeing the interior. I guess it was love at first sight.
The Yaris replaces the ECHO as Toyota’s smallest offering in the states. While it may be new to these shores, it’s been a huge hit on the Continent and in Asia since its introduction in 1999. In 2000, it was named “Car of the Year” in both Europe and Japan — the first vehicle to win both awards in the same year.
The 2007 version is built on an all-new platform. The sedan, like the one I tested, has a wheelbase that is 3.5 inches longer than the 3-door liftback that Don drove. Both body types are longer, lower and wider than the ECHO they replace.
The interior certainly does feel roomy, but it will be the cargo area that will make or break it for my daughter. Even though the four-door sedan’s low liftover will ease loading, the liftback that Don tested may be more practical for her and her portable massage table.
Both the liftback and sedan are offered in a base CE trim or up-level LE. The sedan also comes in “S” for sporty.
The base version is as sparsely appointed as Katie’s first apartment. The sedan CE includes air conditioning, tilt steering wheel and intermittent windshield wipers. The LE adds a rear defogger and an audio system with CD player and MP3 capability. The S is mostly an exterior, cosmetic upgrade that includes a sporty side rocker panels and rear under-bumper spoiler. Power door locks, windows and mirrors are included in an optional Convenience Package that, for the sedan, also includes cruise control.
As Katie’s Mom, I’d prefer more safety features on the standard side of the list. Side airbags for front-seat occupants and a set of side curtain airbags are available for an additional $650, while anti-lock brakes are part of the $1,425 Convenience Package. Advanced, dual-stage front airbags are standard.
According to Toyota, fuel efficiency is among the highest in the subcompact segment. The 106 horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced preliminary EPA ratings of 34 mpg city and 40 highway when equipped with the five-speed manual and 34 city/39 highway for models with the four-speed automatic.
What seemed to catch Katie’s eye were the clean, contemporary lines of the Japanese-designed sedan. For an even more mod profile, she should check out the European-designed liftback.
Toyota officials expect the subcompact to be the most economic and youthful passenger car to come from the Japanese manufacturer. If my 23-year old daughter is any indication, Toyota has a hit.
What Is It?: The Yaris is a five-passenger subcompact three-door hatchback — Toyota calls it a “liftback” to avoid hatchback backlash — or four-door sedan. Liftback prices start at just under $12K, including destination charges. Sedan prices start at just over $12K.
Recommended Fuel: Regular unleaded.