Description
The small city car proved to be one of the most fuel-efficient options on the market, and Toyota introduced the facelifted Yaris in 2008.
Both the 5-door and the 3-door hatchback body styles were refreshed in terms of exterior design and mechanicals.
The carmaker had to work and add some changes to the drivetrain and fit the car within the Euro 5 emission limits, which were mandatory from January 2009.
At the front, Toyota changed the headlights with clear-glass covers and introduced a mesh-grille design. Depending on the trim level and options, the carmaker installed fog-lights at the bottom of the front bumper or just left black caps instead of them. In the rear, the taillights received a slightly modified design. Toyota offered the Yaris range with a choice of 12 colors, including a new "Ash-Brown."
Inside, the carmaker completely changed the dashboard. It moved the instrument cluster in front of the driver, while its predecessor it installed in the middle of the dash. Toyota made some changes to the upholstery and added a few colors to the options list. A few silver trims around the center stack, steering wheel, and gear-stick enhanced the interior look.
For the drivetrain, Toyota installed a new 1.33-liter Dual VVT-i gasoline engine under the Yaris' hood. To further reduce the CO2 emissions, it added the "Stop&Start" technology. It was paired as standard to a 5-speed manual while an automated gearbox was on the options list.
Press Release
Toyota announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the three fuel efficient 2009 Toyota Yaris subcompact models. MSRPs will range from $12,205 for the 3-door Liftback Base model to $15,880 for the Sedan S model when the vehicles hit dealerships later this summer.
Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 29 mpg city/35 mpg highway/31 mpg combined for all three body styles with an automatic transmission and 29/36/32 mpg for the manual transmission models.
The excellent fuel economy, combined with extensive standard equipment and fun-to-drive features make Toyota Yaris an outstanding value. For 2009, Toyota Yaris is available in three body styles: a sedan, 3-door Liftback, and an all-new 5-door liftback, each in Base and Sporty "S" grades.
All Toyota Yaris grades will now feature a number of standard safety features, including anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags. New exterior colors for the 2009 Toyota Yaris include Zephyr Blue Metallic and Blue Streak Metallic on Sedan and Yellow Jolt and Carmine Red Metallic on Liftback.
Prices for the Toyota Yaris 3-door Liftback models range from $12,205 for the Base grade with four cylinder engine and manual five-speed transmission to $14,825 for the S grade with four cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission.
The all-new Toyota Yaris 5-door Liftback model prices range from $13,305 for the Base grade with four cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission to $15,125 for the S grade with four cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota Yaris Sedan model pricing ranges from $12,965 for the Base grade with four cylinder engine and manual five-speed transmission to $15,880 for the S grade with four cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission.
