Toyota Brings Yaris to the U.S.

The Toyota Yaris was first launched in Europe in 1999 and went on to win both the 2000 European "Car of the Year" and the "Japan Car of the Year" awards. Now, the Yaris comes to the U.S. for the 2007 model year in Liftback and Sedan form to replace the Echo in Toyota's subcompact segment. The Yaris we're getting here is longer and wider than its European predecessor, and will form the basis for a wide variety of future vehicles.

Powering both the Yaris Liftback and Sedan is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that features Toyota's variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for better breathing. The engine produces 106 hp and 103 lbs-ft of torque. Both the Liftback and Sedan will be mated to either a five-speed manual or available four-speed automatic transmission. Like the Echo it replaces, Yaris fuel efficiency will be among the highest in the subcompact class. A preliminary EPA fuel economy rating for both models is estimated at 34 mpg city and 40 mpg highway for the five-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmission maintains the city rating and drops the highway rating to 39 mpg. In addition to its exceptional fuel efficiency, Yaris will be EPA-certified as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle.