2007 Toyota Yaris

Interior

The Liftback comes in only one model, while the Sedan is offered in base or sporty S versions. All roll on P175/65 R14 tires on 14-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, but 15-inch steel or aluminum alloy wheels are optional. Front and rear under-bumper spoilers, side rocker panels and standard 15-inch steel wheels or optional alloys distinguish the S Sedan.


Given their diminutive size, both Yaris body styles offer better-than-expected room, style and comfort. The seats are fabric-covered, and there's reasonable room for three in back, depending on size and relationships, with headrests for all. The shorter-wheelbase Liftback can be a bit rear-legroom-challenged but offers (optional) 60/40 split rear seats that recline for passenger comfort or fold down to provide nearly 13 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sedan, with the longest wheelbase among key competitors, provides more rear legroom. Available on the base car and standard on the S are 60/40 rear seats with armrest, and cupholder that can fold down to join cabin to trunk, which expands total cargo capacity to nearly 14 cu. ft.


The instrument panel is low and featureless in front of both driver and passenger with a hooded center-mounted cluster atop a silver-painted vertical console. Instrumentation is economy-car sparse—just speedometer and LED fuel read-out with automatic plus a tachometer with manual transmission. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, a gated shift lever (automatic), tinted glass, digital clock, map light, intermittent wipers with mist control and dual sun visors with vanity mirrors, and there are ample storage bins and cupholders front and rear.

Performance

The only Yaris engine is the same 106-horsepower 1.5-liter four with variable valve timing "with intelligence" (VVT-i) that motivates the Scion xA and xB and Toyota's Prius Hybrid. Five-speed manual is standard, a four-speed automatic (with shift logic that helps reduce unnecessary shifting during uphill and downhill driving) is optional. Performance is adequate from a stop but it does get better at freeway cruising speeds.


Yaris' fuel efficiency is among the highest in the subcompact segment. Preliminary EPA ratings for both body styles are 34 mpg city and 40 highway with the five-speed manual and 34/39 with automatic. In addition, the 2007 Yaris will be EPA-certified as an Ultra-Low Emission vehicle (ULEV II).