Today we’ll finish the week with the Yaris Liftback and give a complete summary.
The Yaris was introduced in two-door-hatchback and four-door-sedan form in model-year 2007 as a replacement for the Toyota Echo. Toyota added the four-door hatchback body style for model-year 2009, expanded safety features for 2010, and added the brake-override for 2011.
The 2011 Toyota Yaris remains basically the same as the previous year except for the brake-override, and the only new feature is a sunvisor extension for the hatchbacks. It may seem like a small item, but it was needed because of the expansive glass area. If you’ve ever driven into the bright Denver sun without one, it isn’t easy to see.
The Yaris doesn’t offer anything fancy, but economy car shoppers are looking for a choice that's frugal to operate and easy to live with. There is no navigation system, heated seats, leather upholstery, or sunroof, but it does come with the latest in safety technology with systems like antilock brakes, traction control, and an antiskid system.
Curtain side airbags also are standard, as is air conditioning and a tilt steering wheel. Oddly enough, the 2011 Yaris is in fact among the few cars that doesn’t come with an audio system and must be included in the optional Convenience and Power packages. Other options can be ordered like a split/folding rear seatback, rear-window defogger, cruise control, and power mirrors, windows, and locks.
With its 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter engine, the Yaris is more than adequate when it comes to performance. And the four-cylinder boasts as much as 29/36 city/highway mpg with the manual transmission making it a strong candidate as gas prices continue to rise at the pump. The 2011 Toyota Yaris subcompact leverages light weight and modest power to achieve hybrid-like fuel economy for Denver drivers.
Prices for the 2011 Yaris start at a economical $13,615 if you stay with the basic model. As options are added, the price can go over the $16,000 figure. The 2011 Toyota Yaris is the best car for Denver commuters if you want a no-worries fuel-sipper that acts bigger than its tiny size suggests.
Tomorrow we’ll finish up the week with the Yaris with a full report with recaps and pictures.
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