Just like its biggest competitor, the Honda Fit, this is the second year for the Toyota Yaris to be sold in the U.S. Introduced in Europe in 1999, it finally appeared on American soil for the same reason so many other fuel-sipping subcompacts did: The rising cost at the gas pumps. The Yaris entered the Toyota line-up in March of 2006 as a replacement for the insipid Echo.
Offered as both a liftback model and a sedan, the Yaris is generally considered the leader of the subcompact triumvirate, which includes the Honda Fit and the Nissan Versa. The Yaris has an immediate advantage over many other brands, simply for the reason that it offers two separate variants (unlike the Fit). And visually, what sets the Yaris apart, is its deliberate urban persona. Originally designed for the tight metro centers of Europe and Asia, the Yaris is highly citified.
Carried over from last year’s model, the 2008 version of this entry-level car still offers energetic styling, a finely-finished interior, and a well-balanced, surprisingly cushy ride for a little commuter. Structurally, its Toyota build quality is rivaled only by Honda.
Due to its efficient four-cylinder, 106 horsepower engine, the Yaris is certified as an EPA Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) achieving fuel economy numbers of 29 city/36 highway with its five-speed manual transmission. With a four-speed automatic, it comes in at 29 city/35 highway. Those figures top both the Nissan Versa (26/31) and the Honda Fit (28/34).
From a performance standpoint, don’t expect to be overwhelmed by the Yaris. But at the same time, it has adequate enough power to handle everyday traffic. In other words, it won’t leave you in the lurch as you try to merge onto higher speed highways and bi-ways. It splits the difference between the underpowered Honda Fit, and the more athletic and sporty Nissan Versa.
For 2008, the Yaris brings Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring to its roster of amenities. This feature ensures optimum fuel efficiency as a function of properly inflated tires. Also new this year is a Parking Brake Unlock Reminder system, another tool that can potentially keep your fuel economy numbers from dropping off unnecessarily.
To match the Honda Fit, the Yaris now also offers a sport grade package to make the car more appealing to young buyers. But ultimately, its the Yaris’ conservative approach to motoring that makes its such a shining star in the world of green. The Yaris liftback is pound-for-pound one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid small cars on the road.
