The early
2007 Toyota Yaris has entered the growing market for gas-stingy compact cars with low base prices. It might do well because it is Toyota's best-selling model in Europe.
Such small cars include the new Honda Fit and Nissan Versa, along with the revamped Chevrolet Aveo, Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent. They're aimed at the youth market, with the hope that their buyers eventually will move to higher-line models as they become older and more affluent.
All feature small, fuel-sipping four-cylinder engines that provide adequate performance, fairly roomy interiors and dirt-cheap operation. None have the "econobox" styling that once branded such autos as low-rent transportation.
The new, second-generation Yaris being sold here has a longer, wider platform, stiffer construction, newly developed suspension and more refinement. It replaces the Echo coupe and sedan as the entry Toyota-badged auto in America.
The Echo flopped, partly because it had quirky styling. But Toyota has succeeded in the youth market here with its fairly new Scion brand autos.
The second-generation Yaris arrives for 2007 as a chic $10,950-$11,850 two-door hatchback or a larger, smoothly styled, more upscale-looking four-door sedan, which I tested in base form with an automatic transmission.
The base sedan begins at $11,825 with a manual gearbox and costs $12,550 with an automatic transmission. The higher-line "S'' sedan is $13,325 with manual and $14,050 with an automatic.
The sportier S version adds to the base sedan an AM/FM/ CD/MP3 player, split-folding back seat, rear defogger and 15-inch (up from 14-inch) wheels and 60-series (vs. narrower 65-series) tires. A racier appearance comes from side rocker panels and front/rear under-bumper spoilers.
The base Yaris sedan with the automatic is moderately equipped with such items as air conditioning, tilt wheel and intermittent wipers. But it lacks a radio, tachometer (standard on the manual-transmission base sedan) and anti-lock brakes.
The $2,100-$2,175 Power Package is needed to equip the base sedan the way most folks want it, with power windows, door locks and mirrors. That option package also includes anti-lock brakes, cruise control, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, rear defroster, 15-inch wheels and 60-series tires.
Remote keyless entry is $230 for all Yaris models and requires the Power Package. One might think it would come at no extra charge with the power door locks.
As for safety, anti-lock brakes are a stand-alone $300 option, and front side air bags and side curtain air bags cost $650 for all Yaris versions.
The Yaris has a 1.5-liter engine with dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. It once was an accomplishment to coax 60 horsepower from that size engine, but the Yaris produces 106 horsepower. That's enough to allow brisk 65-75 mph passing and a 0-60 mph run in a fairly quick 8.9 seconds. The engine is moderately loud during hard acceleration, but the Yaris is a relaxed, quiet highway cruiser at steady speeds.
The engine is hooked to a standard, five-speed manual gearbox or extra-cost four-speed automatic transmission.
The manual works well, but calls for lots of shifting to get the best performance; that's always the case with a small engine because lots of revs are needed for decent power. The smooth, responsive automatic allows decent performance and more relaxed driving in congested areas.
The Yaris provides an estimated 34 mpg in the city 40 on highways with the manual and a nearly identical 34 and 39 with the automatic, although a five-speed unit would be preferable.
The Yaris has Toyota's new, quick electric power steering. The ride is supple, but sharp bumps can be felt. There's good stability on highways. Handling is OK, but handicapped by narrow tires. (Even the larger ones are suited for high fuel economy, not sporty driving.)
The brake pedal only becomes really effective halfway through its travel, although stopping distances are impressive.
Large outside door handles allow easy entry, and front seats provide good side support in curves. A big windshield and wide outside mirrors help allow good driver visibility. Climate controls are large and, though smaller, sound-system controls are easy to work.
Main gauges are atop the center of the dashboard instead of in front of the driver. That positioning is supposed to make them easier to read without shifting focus from the road, but I found that layout distracting. Also, I couldn't get the tilt steering wheel high enough to be a comfortable distance from my legs.
There's good room for three tall adults, with decent space for a shorter one behind the driver. The interior has average-quality plastic, and visor vanity mirrors are unlit. There are a fair number of cockpit storage areas for small items and a center rear armrest.
The roomy trunk has a low opening and the inside of its lid has a cover to prevent it from having an unfinished look. Rear seatbacks flip forward to enlarge the cargo area, but the pass-through area from the trunk is just moderately large.
The engine compartment is surgically neat, but a prop rod is needed to hold the hood open.
Toyota's reputation for quality and reliability will help sell the Yaris, which has the style, economy and utility to be a strong contender.
2007 TOYOTA YARIS SEDAN
PRICES: $11,825-$14,050
LIKES: Peppy. Fuel-stingy. Supple ride. Fairly roomy.
DISLIKES: Center-mounted gauges. No standard radio. Average handling.