Frugal, Safe & Fun: 2017 Toyota Yaris hatchback
With the right size for drivers who need an agile and functional vehicle, the Toyota Yaris Liftback features sporty styling, outstanding safety features and improved fuel economy. The Yaris features a remarkable attention to detail in the design and engineering of the vehicle. From its smart, interior design and quiet, refined passenger cabin to its responsive driving dynamics, the Yaris answers car-shoppers’ demands for a no-compromise vehicle.
The Yaris is available in three grades, with the entry-level L and value-packaged LE editions available either as a three-door liftback or five-door liftback. The sport-tuned SE is available only as a five-door. The Yaris SE provides even more driving fun with its sport-tuned suspension, quicker ratio steering, standout styling and driver-oriented interior. It makes a distinctive statement with smoke-trim multi-reflector halogen headlamps, integrated fog lamps and color-keyed grille with sport mesh insert. It features color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, rear spoiler and rear diffuser, set off by a chrome exhaust tip and SE badge.
Upgrades and enhancements for 2017 includes Toyota Safety Sense™ C (TSS-C), now standard. Toyota Safety Sense™ C is designed to help address three key areas of driver assistance: preventing or mitigating frontal collisions, helping keep drivers within their lane, and to help enhance road safety during nighttime driving.
On the fun side, Yaris will offer a vibrant new color, Ruby Flare Pearl, a premium paint imbued with large metallic flakes. For the total custom look, this color will also be available in combination with a Black Sand Pearl roof.
Power for the Yaris is generated by a 1.5L four-cylinder engine equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The broad torque curve provides plenty of response for both manual gearbox and automatic transmission vehicles. L and SE models are bolted to the standard smooth-shifting five-speed manual gearbox, while a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is standard for the LE model and optional for L and SE.
Control pieces consist of the front MacPherson-strut and rear torsion-beam suspension hardware tuned to deliver a better ride and improved driving feel. Standard tire sizes are 15-inch on L and LE versions, and 16-inch on the SE. Electric power steering provides good road feel at highway speeds while aiding low-speed parking maneuvers.
Inside the passenger cabin, the interior provides a level of detail not often seen on cars in this price class. The doors close with a smooth, solid feel. Additional sound-absorbing and insulating materials make for a quiet ride. Upgraded fabrics and soft-touch dash highlight a premium, sporty interior. The front seats are wide and sculpted to reduce fatigue on long trips.
The driver experience is heightened with a tilt three-spoke steering wheel, featuring a thick grip and a flat-bottom shape to reduce knee interference. The instrument cluster is in front of the driver and includes a multi-instrument display with odometer, twin trip meters, clock, outside temperature reading, fuel economy display, average speed and Eco-Driving indicator.
Yaris L models feature a one-piece folding rear seat, while LE and SE editions include a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat.
The Yaris SE includes a sporty instrumentation package that faces the driver, with an analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and digital Multi-Instrument Display. The leather-trimmed tilt three-spoke steering wheel includes audio controls and standard cruise control. Exclusive sport seats add shoulder-level support for more comfort and control. The Yaris SE also includes a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and four-way adjustable passenger seat with sport fabric trim.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 98.8; overall length: 155.5; width: 66.7; height: 59.4
All vehicle measurements are in inches
Engine: 1.5L four-cylinder – 106 hp at 6,000 rpm and 103 lbs-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm
Transmission: five-speed manual, four-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 30 city/36 hwy. (manual); 30 city/35 hwy. (automatic)
Cargo capacity: 15.3 cu. ft (3-door); 15.6 cu. ft. (5-door)
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual front/rear roll-sensing curtain side-impact airbags, dual front seat cushion airbags, driver’s knee airbag, four wheel anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, vehicle stability control, pre-collision system, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, daytime running lights, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, and
tire pressure monitoring system. LE adds remote keyless entry. SE adds fog lamps, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, and LED daytime running lights.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 2-year/25,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Toyota Yaris hatchback starts from $15,250 for the Yaris L 3-door manual upto $18,000 for the Yaris SE 5-door automatic. Destination charges add $885.