Showing posts with label Toyota Yaris. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toyota Yaris. Show all posts
Thursday, July 9, 2015
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Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Toyota Yaris vs Honda Fit vs Nissan Versa
Economy Car Comparison
Fuel costs continue to rise, and you've been digging for coins under the couch
to fill the tank. Time for a reality check: subcompacts are no longer just for
the credit-card challenged.
By Allyson Harwood, Photography by John Kiewicz
Back in the halcyon days of $2.50-a-gallon gas, subcompacts were perceived mostly as transportation for college students. If there wasn't a Delta Tau chi sticker on the back window, you could expect to see a rental-car frame around the license plate. Either way, premium unleaded isn't getting cheaper, and you have to stop raiding the kids' piggybank to fill up your prized sport/utility. No wonder subcompact gas-sippers are becoming more appealing-and more sophisticated. Variable valve timing, side-curtain airbags, and six-speed transmissions are now standard equipment in some of these cars-and most of them now cost less than $13,500. Add to that three hot new entries from Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, and the niche that was once a punch line is now all grown up.
The Honda Fit, known as the jazz around the world, is a five-door that slots into the American lineup below the Civic. It's the smallest offering from Japan's big Three, but, as is Honda's way, contains concentrated doses of ingenuity and Versatility. The Nissan Versa is a more powerful version of the Tiida hatchback. It has the most European styling of the trio, along with the longest wheelbase and heaviest curb weight. Like the others, the Toyota Yaris has already been on sale in Europe and Japan. It's offered here as a three-door hatch or a four-door sedan, but for a fair interior comparison, we put the sedan up against two hatchbacks. Our testers were the loaded models, equipped with optional transmissions and all available safety items, including ABS and front, front side, and side curtain airbags.
The styling of all three fits their differing personalities. Despite the limited success of the tall-wagon-meets-micro-hatch in America, the Fit's design works and is instantly likeable. It's clear Honda's aiming at a younger market, and this car's lines and attitude are edgy enough to steal sales from Scion. The Versa, which one staffer describes as "a Quest that shrank in the dryer," takes longer to get used to. Most of the lines are pleasant enough, but the rear side windows that slant forward at the bottom, countered by the back-sloping rear hatch, creates an odd triangular c-pillar (a combination that won't be in the sedan, available in early 2007). The attractive if nondescript four-door Yaris takes on a familiar shape: Meet the corolla jr. The Yaris doesn't need to appeal to the youth market-that's what Scion's for. This one will bring more conservative subcompact buyers to dealerships.While none is lightning fast, all do an admirable job of getting up to speed. The Yaris and Fit have 1.5-liter fours with variable valve timing, producing 106 and109 horsepower, respectively. The Toyota uses a four-speed automatic, and our Fit Sport came equipped with a five-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mount EZ paddle shifters. The Versa, the heaviest of the three, is powered by a 122-horse,1.8-liter four, controlled by a CVT for improved fuel economy and performance. The Nissan has the second best weight-to power ratio, but its gearing advantage over the four-speed Toyota made it the best performer at the track, reaching 60 mph in9.7 seconds, over two seconds faster than the Fit (11.9) and 0.7 second faster than the Yaris. It also clinched the quarter mile, reaching that distance in 17.4 seconds at78.6 mph. The middle-of-the-road Yaris came in second-best in acceleration, braking, and handling. The Fit, however, is the agile go-kart-like handler of this test: it ran the slalom at 64.1 mph, a speed 2.1mph higher than the Yaris's and 3.5 better than the Versa's.
The Yaris has the most comfortable freeway ride. Its soft suspension absorbs road irregularities and potholes better than those of the other two-though its numb steering does a poor job of communicating road feel to the driver. That's fine for stop-and-go traffic, but a real letdown anywhere else. The Versa is sportier than the Yaris and slightly quicker getting up to speed, and with much more responsive steering, it's a nicer drive on freeways and in canyons. The CVT doesn't let you do much to control what's going on-there's an "O/D Off" button, and low for downhill engine braking-and its whirring sound without an audible gearshift payoff isn't for everyone, but it allows a decent compromise between fuel economy and enthusiastic driving. The Fit is easily the runaway sporty car of the three. Its steering is quick and smooth, and the suspension is firm, but not jarring. You can push the Honda in corners, and it stays well planted. The ride isn't as comfortable as the others on the highway but is certainly acceptable. While the Fit is the slowest in a straight line, its paddles let you control the shifts to get the most out of the power it does have.
Anyone who endures the grind of the daily commute has certain needs: interior space, flexible layout, a good stereo, and cupholders. As expected from these three automakers, Fit and finish are excellent, even in the preproduction Versa. Each contains a unique definition of "attractive" seat cloth, and there are budget-minded hard-touch plastics, but the interiors all have style. The Fit's is the sportiest, with brushed-metal-like accents, backlit blue gauges and radio display screen, and a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel. The Versa has the most interior space overall and offers the most shoulder room, but the Fit has the most supportive seats, the most headroom, and, though the narrowest, provides the most hip room. The Fit also has by far the most transformable cabin. Its interior passenger volume is greater than the 88.0 cubic-feet in the Accord coupe and is almost as much as the Accord sedan's The second row's seat bottoms can flip back, making room to accommodate something tall behind the driver; if you need to carry larger items, fold the seats forward (without removing the headrests) to reveal a near-flat load floor. if that's still not enough space, the front passenger seat can recline to make room for items up to 7.8 feet long. And, if you need a place to catch some shut-eye, the front seats can ratchet back flush with the rears, creating a decent place to rest.
Each car is a fine commuter-there's more room than you'd think, with plenty of standard items and cool options, and they're great values. it comes down to what you want. The Yaris gets the best fuel economy (34 city/39 highway), has the best weight to-power ratio, and has the softest, most comfortable freeway ride. but it's the least engaging drive and the cabin doesn't have enough flexibility-so it earns third place.
Anyone who endures the grind of the daily commute has certain needs: interior space, flexible layout, a good stereo, and cupholders. As expected from these three automakers, Fit and finish are excellent, even in the preproduction Versa. Each contains a unique definition of "attractive" seat cloth, and there are budget-minded hard-touch plastics, but the interiors all have style. The Fit's is the sportiest, with brushed-metal-like accents, backlit blue gauges and radio display screen, and a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel. The Versa has the most interior space overall and offers the most shoulder room, but the Fit has the most supportive seats, the most headroom, and, though the narrowest, provides the most hip room. The Fit also has by far the most transformable cabin. Its interior passenger volume is greater than the 88.0 cubic-feet in the Accord coupe and is almost as much as the Accord sedan's The second row's seat bottoms can flip back, making room to accommodate something tall behind the driver; if you need to carry larger items, fold the seats forward (without removing the headrests) to reveal a near-flat load floor. if that's still not enough space, the front passenger seat can recline to make room for items up to 7.8 feet long. And, if you need a place to catch some shut-eye, the front seats can ratchet back flush with the rears, creating a decent place to rest.
Each car is a fine commuter-there's more room than you'd think, with plenty of standard items and cool options, and they're great values. it comes down to what you want. The Yaris gets the best fuel economy (34 city/39 highway), has the best weight to-power ratio, and has the softest, most comfortable freeway ride. but it's the least engaging drive and the cabin doesn't have enough flexibility-so it earns third place.
At a close second, the Versa has the lowest estimated EPA fuel economy but second-best observed mileage on our drive and the most space inside, and is the fastest through the quarter mile. It's a good compromise between comfort and sportiness and impresses with its levels of polish and sophistication. but, at an estimated $17,000 (as tested), it's too pricey: The interior's not as Versatile as it should be, the fuel economy isn't good enough to justify the extra cost, and being faster to 60 is nice, but not worth the added money.
The winner: the Honda Fit Sport. It combines excellent steering and handling with a fantastic interior package and paddle shifters that make it feel like it has more juice than it really does. Of the three, it's the one you'll want to drive and the most capable of performing the cargo- and people-toting duties. The Fit is the right choice for the enthusiast who wants a car that handles twisties as well as it does chores, saves gas, and eases your budget.
FIRST PLACE Honda Fit SportCrisp, responsive steering, excellent handling, plus an unbeatable interior package. This one's the driver's car, and it can tackle day-to-day hauling duty, too.
SECOND PLACE Nissan Versa SLUnusual Euro styling plus high admission price were too much to earn it the gold, but it's fun to drive-and quick.
THIRD PLACE Toyota YarisToyota quality is present here. But the behind-the-wheel experience is forgettable. Enthusiasts need a car they like to drive, even if it's only to and from the office.
The winner: the Honda Fit Sport. It combines excellent steering and handling with a fantastic interior package and paddle shifters that make it feel like it has more juice than it really does. Of the three, it's the one you'll want to drive and the most capable of performing the cargo- and people-toting duties. The Fit is the right choice for the enthusiast who wants a car that handles twisties as well as it does chores, saves gas, and eases your budget.
FIRST PLACE Honda Fit SportCrisp, responsive steering, excellent handling, plus an unbeatable interior package. This one's the driver's car, and it can tackle day-to-day hauling duty, too.
SECOND PLACE Nissan Versa SLUnusual Euro styling plus high admission price were too much to earn it the gold, but it's fun to drive-and quick.
THIRD PLACE Toyota YarisToyota quality is present here. But the behind-the-wheel experience is forgettable. Enthusiasts need a car they like to drive, even if it's only to and from the office.
find here
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
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.
from here
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.
from here
Toyota Corolla vs. Toyota Yaris
Cost
Regarding MSRP, the Toyota Corolla costs considerably more than the Yaris.
Utility
Neither the Toyota Corolla nor the Toyota Yaris has a marked advantage with respect to seating capacity.
Comfort
While the front cabin in the Toyota Corolla offers a bit more head room than the Toyota Yaris, there really isn't much of a difference. While the rear of the Toyota Corolla offers a bit more head- and leg-room than the Yaris, there really isn't much of a difference.
Dimensions
The Corolla is a little more ponderous than the Toyota Yaris. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Toyota Corolla than the Toyota Yaris because of its larger tank. The Toyota Yaris and the Toyota Corolla compete for the same parking spaces.
Performance
Both the Toyota Corolla and the Toyota Yaris are likely to feel slightly slow because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio.
Handling
The Toyota Corolla has considerably bigger tires than the Yaris. Remember that wider tires could look and feel better, while smaller tires can improve gas mileage. With its tighter turning circle, the Toyota Yaris is very likely more agile than the Toyota Corolla, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the other hand, remember that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Corolla has a more sizeable engine than the Toyota Yaris. Remember that smaller engines typically get better gas mileage, but smaller engines can be stressed more. Torque equals pickup, and the Toyota Corolla will have picked up and gone by the time the Toyota Yaris finally gets moving.
Overview
The Toyota Yaris and the Corolla have the same basic after-sale protection.
from here
Regarding MSRP, the Toyota Corolla costs considerably more than the Yaris.
Utility
Neither the Toyota Corolla nor the Toyota Yaris has a marked advantage with respect to seating capacity.
Comfort
While the front cabin in the Toyota Corolla offers a bit more head room than the Toyota Yaris, there really isn't much of a difference. While the rear of the Toyota Corolla offers a bit more head- and leg-room than the Yaris, there really isn't much of a difference.
Dimensions
The Corolla is a little more ponderous than the Toyota Yaris. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Toyota Corolla than the Toyota Yaris because of its larger tank. The Toyota Yaris and the Toyota Corolla compete for the same parking spaces.
Performance
Both the Toyota Corolla and the Toyota Yaris are likely to feel slightly slow because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio.
Handling
The Toyota Corolla has considerably bigger tires than the Yaris. Remember that wider tires could look and feel better, while smaller tires can improve gas mileage. With its tighter turning circle, the Toyota Yaris is very likely more agile than the Toyota Corolla, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the other hand, remember that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Corolla has a more sizeable engine than the Toyota Yaris. Remember that smaller engines typically get better gas mileage, but smaller engines can be stressed more. Torque equals pickup, and the Toyota Corolla will have picked up and gone by the time the Toyota Yaris finally gets moving.
Overview
The Toyota Yaris and the Corolla have the same basic after-sale protection.
from here
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