Toyota Yaris

Toyota's second-generation Yaris compact car is set to go on sale in the U.S. in spring 2006 as a 2007 model. Serving as a replacement for the automaker's Echo, the Yaris will be available in two-door-hatchback or sedan form. It will be Toyota's most affordable car in the U.S. market, according to the automaker. Now in its second generation, the Yaris has been sold in Europe since 1999.

The Yaris' hatchback design recalls the xA, a car built by Toyota's Scion brand. Styled in Europe, the Yaris has short overhangs, a forward-swept rear hatch and a snub nose.

A 1.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 106 hp and 103 pounds-feet of torque (preliminary specifications) powers the Yaris. Either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission can be installed.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the typical subcompact hatchback to the dealership as the Toyota Yaris. The typical subcompact hatchback consumes a lot of gas compared to the Toyota Yaris. With respect to MSRP, the Toyota Yaris doesn't cost much less than the typical subcompact hatchback. With respect to final price, the typical subcompact hatchback doesn't cost much less than the Toyota Yaris.

Utility
The Yaris and the typical subcompact hatchback can accommodate the same number of passengers.

Convenience
You'll indubitably take the average subcompact hatchback for a fill-up about as often as the Toyota Yaris.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the typical subcompact hatchback offers a bit more head room than the Yaris, there really isn't much of a difference. While the rear of the typical subcompact hatchback offers a bit more head- and leg-room than the Toyota Yaris, there really isn't much of a difference.

Dimensions
The typical subcompact hatchback is a bit more ponderous than the Yaris. The Yaris's tank is approximately the same size as the average subcompact hatchback's, though the typical subcompact hatchback's is somewhat larger. The average subcompact hatchback and the Toyota Yaris compete for the same parking spaces.

Performance
Both the Yaris and the typical subcompact hatchback are likely to feel slightly slow because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio.

Handling
The typical subcompact hatchback and the Toyota Yaris have roughly comparable tires. With their similar turning radiuses, the typical subcompact hatchback and the Yaris most definitely handle approximately the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The typical subcompact hatchback's engine is markedly bigger than the Yaris's. Note that more massive engines may use more gasoline than smaller ones. Torque equals pickup, and the typical subcompact hatchback will have picked up and gone by the time the Yaris finally gets moving.

Overview
Although the basic warranty that comes with the Toyota Yaris is somewhat longer than the average subcompact hatchback's, the difference isn't too marked.

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