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Time was, econoboxes were just that: bare-bones vehicles with tiny doors, cheap plastic interior bits, limited safety features and putt-putt engines.
Today it’s a new game, with carmakers -- both domestic and foreign -- rapidly upping the ante as technology trickles down from luxury models.
The Toyota Yaris, which was new for 2007, marks its second generation this year. The sedan is gone, leaving three- and five-door hatchbacks, starting at $14,875 and $16,740, respectively. That’s not the least expensive hatch (Kia Rio gets that honor), but it’s ballpark for the genre.
The new Yaris is about 3 inches longer than its predecessor and a little taller. Cargo space benefits, as does headroom.
The 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine carries over for now, but fuel efficiency has improved along with the driving experience.
Base price includes the 5-speed manual transmission, but the $725 4-speed automatic is new.
That, coupled with an improved suspension, gives the Yaris some spunk. You can have fun zipping around corners and down the highway with confidence. Starting at about 17 grand for a five-door manual, the SE model takes that up a notch and has a sportier look.
Fuel economy barely edges up with the automatic, to 30 miles per gallon in the city and 35 on the highway, from 29/35. Manual models, however, jump to 33/38 from 29/36. Still, that lags some competitors such as Chevrolet Sonic, Hyundai Accent and Ford Fiesta, which can hit the 40 mark.
Cargo room is noticeably larger than in the previous generation -- but, as with all compact hatchbacks, it is limited. Rear seats fold down easily for added space, but the base model does not have the 60-40 split. Legroom isn’t bad in back.
The Yaris gets kudos for its nice-looking interior. Sure, you’ll find lots of plastic and cloth, but the designers used interesting grains and patterns to give it a quality appearance.
The lineup of standard safety equipment also is excellent. There are nine airbags: front, front side, rollover side in front and rear, and a knee bag for the driver. All Yaris models also come with traction and stability control, and antilock brakes with assist and sudden-stop features.
Toyota also is trying something different with a single front windshield wiper, saying it is lighter and more efficient. Big surprise, no rain the week I had the car in Phoenix, so I didn’t get to test that theory.
Standards on the base L model include halogen headlamps, rear defogger and wiper, air conditioning, USB port with iPod connection, cargo cover, and sound system with AM/FM, CD player and MP3 playback.
Upgrading to the LE’s additional content adds $1,365 to the tab.
I have always held on to my cars until they gave out, but I’m not sure that’s the way to go anymore. If your car is 10 years old, you’re missing out on key technology and features, even in budget-minded cars like the Yaris.
Toyota Yaris
Subcompact hatchback
Base price: $14,875
MPG range: 33/38, manual; 30/35, automatic
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: 5-door, 4 of 5 stars for front crash; 5 for side impact; 4 for rollover resistance; www.safercar.gov
Web: www.toyota.com
Competitors: Chevrolet Sonic, Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Kia Forte, Nissan Versa, Scion iQ and xD, Suzuki SX4
Bottom line: Good-looking small, economical ride
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