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Of course, I haven't seen the car yet, but I thought I'd write about putting heavy things on top of the folded-down rear seats. I did that a couple of years ago in my 4Runner when purchasing cases and cases of water and soda for a disaster drill. I ended up ripping the upholstery at the seatback's pivot point on both sides when the heavy load compressed the rear seat cushion beyond where it normally lies. Yaris may be built differently with no seam at that point, but it is something to check out first.
Bigger capacity fuel tank would be better, of course. But there may be design limitations.
I think that may be the case. Ford increased the size of its gas tank, only when it upgraded the gas tank to satisfy the longevity/vapor release requirements for PZEV certification in California. (The VW Golf, on a similar sized platform, has always managed a 15 gallon tank.)
I suspect the following factors enter into gas tank design:
(i) Cost - plastic is cheaper than metal.
(ii) Crash design - must survive in a "crush space." Metal and plastic may have different "crash" characteristics (how does each deform? how resistant to punctures is each material?).
(iii) Thickness (is metal thinner than plastic?).
(iv)Fuel economy ratings - most test cycles presume a certain percentage full tank, and smaller gas tanks mean a lighter car during economy tests. (Also a reason in some cars for compact spares - the low mileage rated VW Golf has a full sized spare in addition to that large sized gas tank....)
I think there is also the unspoken "11 gallon" rule for Toyota. No matter what they make in the way of a small car, it always works out to 11 gallons.
It's the 4 door JDM sedan/saloon variant of the Yaris/Vitz, which for the prior generation was called the Platz and Echo sedan. It's supposed to be the Yaris sedan coming to the Us next year.
Supposed to be here last week of Dec.. It was ordered a week ago. Don't know if it is a 2006 or 2007. Probably 2006.
I'd sure be happy with that.
The engine is very responsive and peppy...revs freely, feels quick, even without pushing it too hard (I took it pretty easy, there were only 25 km on this baby!).
The transmission was great. Clutch was light and smooth, the shifter felt nice...very precise, a little bit notchy (brand new). Felt Honda-like to me, more-so than other Toyotas I've driven. Downshifts were incredibly easy (5th down to 4th was effortless). Only thing I noticed was that the brake and accelerator are pretty close together...I kept catching the left edge of my shoe on the brake while shifting. I think the placement is probably fine, might just take a little getting used to.
Handling was quick and precise, steering feel was very good. Ride was very nice for such a small car, helped no doubt by the relatively long wheelbase and the 15 inch (versus 14 inch base) tires on the RS. Felt very stable on the highway at speed, and was surprisingly quiet when cruising in 5th as well.
Seats were comfortable, and the car was actually quite roomy inside. Compared to the Echo hatch, there seems to be a lot more shoulder room...the claustrophobic feeling is gone. And no more punching your passenger's knee while shifting into 5th, as was the case in the Echo.
Overall I have to say I was very impressed. It is a step above the Echo hatch in every way...styling (although I admit that's a subjective thing), better and more responsive engine, nicer tranny, improved ride and handling. Quieter, and roomier.
Ain't no re-badged Echo, that's for sure. Yaris is different and significantly better, in my opinion. Feels solid in terms of quality, not "econo-boxy".
Also asked the salesman about the 2006 versus 2007 model year issue. He confirmed that the 2007s will come out early, in spring, to coincide with the US release. However, between now and then they expect to continue to receive 2006's. Production of 2006s has not stopped, at least according to him.
He also firmly believes that Toyota will hold the line on 2007 pricing, to keep the entry-point competitive with Hyundai, Kia etc.
I am a little disappointed with this, but it is a first tank (don't know how well the dealer filled it). I hope to see improvement after a few tankfuls.
I can't see how to remove the inner panels. I suspect they pull off after removing the single screw in the inner door pull (rear door), but I am afraid of breaking something by pulling too hard.
Any tips?
~alpha
I think the 4 door is much more attractive than the 2 door...but to each his own. :confuse:
Happily, edmunds.com seemed satisfied with the power and refinement of the 1.5L as well. And Optitron instrumentation in the LE sedans, thats pretty darn nice. Im actually a HUGE fan of the styling of this sedan as well.
~alpha
Me too. The preview motivated me to check out this Yaris thread.
~alpha
Unlike the previous butt-ugly Echo sedan, the Yaris sedan looks really nice! Much nicer and more modern looking than the Rio or Accent...which are OK cars but pretty sleep-inducing, style wise.
C'mon Toyota Canada...bring 'em on.
I asked him to call me when he gets one in, so he started a "Yaris call list" on his computer.
And it'd make a great starter car for my son. (albeit he wants a Saab convertible)
Hmmm... Has Toyota announced US Pricing yet?
$14,000 for an LE automatic sedan with all the safety gadgets sounds highly reasonable.
94% BETTER not be the automatic mix for the entire model run. :mad:
I will certainly be interested exclusively in a manual.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
~alpha
That said, I would still probably pay the $1000 difference and get the Toyota. Hyundai has made huge improvements in quality, and the 2006 Accent has got some pretty good press, BUT the Yaris design is more cutting edge, and the reliability and long term driveability will likely turn out to be bulletproof.
And a final note....in terms of resale value, the minute you drive it off the lot, you'll be happy you bought the Toy vs. the Hyundai. The Echo hatches in Canada have retained their value VERY strongly. The Accent... well, fair or unfair, you can pick up a used Accent for a song.
Barnee
But if I wait a year or two for prices to come down, I may be able to snatch one at invoice + $500ish.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=108501#18
Will that version of the sedan come out in Canada in april 2006 too? Here we already have the Yaris hatchback, but the sedan is still the previous generation Echo.
Anybody know when we will get the new generation?
the Scion has no haggle pricing while the price of a Yaris is subject to negotiation.
the xA is a five door hatchback. The Yaris comes in either a 3 door hatchback or a sedan.
Otherwise, the Yaris is basically the xA repackaged.
Final drive ratio is more acceptable for a highway drive technically and anecdotally speaking, there's more rear leg room, engine controls are more advanced, etc., etc. Face it, the xA is a 4-5 year old design, and it's starting to show it's age.
If importing a 5-door from Canada wasn't such a pain, I'd already have a Yaris. Here's hoping the give us the 5-door in the Fall, as some have suggested.
I've owned a 1981 Starlet and a 1997 Tercel and I can't wait until I can get rid of my current car (2002 Suzuki Aerio SX) so I can buy a new Yaris 3 door liftback. It'll be as close to my old Starlet as I can possibly find. I had that car for 18 years and 205,000 miles. Hopefully my new Yaris will last as long.
I thought about of getting a Camry (sometime in the future), but this is a nice alternative.
~alpha
Yaris appears "fast" in the picture link.
Nice.
The new Yaris has completely different body work. You can see pics of the new Yaris on the Toyota sites. It's already being sold in Canada, here's a couple links to test-drive articles with pics.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/06yaris2.htm
http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/06yaris.htm