2010 Toyota Yaris

Toyota upgrades the Yaris's standard safety features for 2010, equipping the subcompact car with the Toyota Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control with traction control, as well as antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution. In addition, the automaker adds a rear window defroster as standard equipment to all Yaris trims, and offers an optional manual transmission on the five-door Liftback trim. New optional 15-inch steel or alloy wheels are also available for 2010.

In addition to the five-door Liftback, Yaris trims for 2010 include the three-door Hatchback and the four-door Base Sedan. The Liftback and Hatchback, designed for a sportier driving experience, have a wheelbase of 96.9 inches and an overall length of 150.6 inches, while the more family-oriented Sedan offers a longer wheelbase of 100.4 inches, with an overall length of 169.3 inches. The Sedan also sits 2.5 inches lower than the Liftback/Hatchback.

All Yaris trims feature a highly rigid body structure designed to reduce noise and vibration, which helps ensure a quiet, comfortable ride. In addition, the reinforced cabin keeps passengers safe with front and rear crumple zones and energy-absorbing materials in the doors and roof.

Exterior features for all Yaris trims include aerodynamic halogen headlights, integrated bumpers, color-keyed outside mirrors and door handles, and a "T" face Toyota grille. The wide liftgate on the Liftback/Hatchback provides easy access to the rear cargo area. Arcing lines and a mono-form shape give the Yaris an aerodynamic appearance.

A 1.5-liter, DOHC four-cylinder engine provides power for all Yaris trims. The engine produces 106 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque, and comes equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence, which helps improve performance and efficiency. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard, although owners can opt for a five-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logic, which ensures smooth shifting when driving on hills. The EPA estimates fuel economy numbers for the Yaris at 29/36 mpg with the manual transmission and 29/35 with the automatic.

All Yaris trims seat five passengers in a comfortable cabin. Standard interior features include air conditioning, cruise control, four-way manually adjustable front seats, three cupholders, and a tilt steering wheel. The Sedan also adds a tachometer, a covered console with a storage compartment, and a height adjuster for the driver's seat. An optional Power Package adds power door locks, windows, and side mirrors. In addition, a Sport Package, available on the Liftback and Sedan, adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front sport seats with sport fabric, an amber illuminated tachometer, and an AM/FM audio system with a CD player and an MP3 input jack, as well as such exterior features as a rear spoiler, front and rear underbody spoilers, front foglights, and side rocker panels. Owners can also add remote keyless entry as an option.

In the Liftback/Hatchback, the rear seatback folds down to expand cargo capacity from 9.3 cubic feet to 25.7 cubic feet. The Liftback and Hatchback also include under-floor storage. The Sedan offers nearly 12 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the trunk. All trims come standard with 14-inch steel wheels.

By R. Feeman