2009 Toyota Yaris

Model strengths:
Excellent value; terrific fuel efficiency; compact dimensions with easy maneuverability.

Big news for 2009 is a five-door liftback, which joins the three-door liftback and four-door sedan. Now standard across the entire Yaris range are anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags. Cruise control is now available on liftback models, and new colors include Yellow Jolt, Carmine Red, Blue Streak Metallic and Zephyr Blue Metallic.

The Toyota Yaris ranks as one of the lowest-priced small cars for 2009, and has especially low running costs and a reputation for reliability. Fuel efficiency ranks among the best in the segment, and with its tight turning radius and good maneuverability the Yaris makes a very frugal city commuter. The new 5-door liftback body style offers up to 25.7 cubic-feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded down.

The 2009 Toyota Yaris small-car family consists of a four-door sedan, a three-door hatchback and a new five-door liftback. The sedan is nearly 19 inches longer than the hatches, and its wheelbase is several inches longer as well.

All models come with a 106-horsepower, 1.5L inline four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional across the line. The automatic has a shift logic feature to help reduce hunting while climbing/descending steep grades.

Fuel economy is very impressive; with the manual gearbox the Yaris returns EPA estimates of 29 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.

The Yaris has a suspension that is tuned for quick steering response and maneuverability; it has a MacPherson strut layout in front with a stabilizer bar, and a torsion beam-axle setup in back. The turning radius is a tight 32.6 feet.

All body styles include seating for five, with headrests for all seating positions. The fixed rear seatback expands cargo space up to 25.7 cubic feet on the liftback.

The Yaris has a unique instrument panel layout, with the gauges mounted high in the center of the dash. Front and rear occupants get cup holders and storage spaces. Standard equipment on both models includes air conditioning, tilt steering, and intermittent wipers.

Noteworthy options include a Power Package, which brings a CD/MP3-compatible sound system with mini-jack input, a rear defroster, power windows, locks and mirrors. On sedans, the Power Package adds a tachometer and cruise control, while on liftbacks it adds a 60/40-split back seat that slides and reclines.

Yaris S models add sport seats with upgraded fabric, amber-toned Optitron gauge lighting, leather trim and larger 15-inch wheels. 15-inch alloys are an option.

Standard safety features across the Yaris line include anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags.