New for 2015

For the 2015 model year, the Yaris is redesigned inside and out with a plusher interior, more stylish exterior, and new standard Entune Audio system. Navigation is also available as an option for the first time.

Bigger Isn't Always Better

You know what they say about big things coming in small packages. The 2015 Toyota Yaris proves that saying still holds true. Redesigned for the coming model year, the Yaris features exterior styling and interior trim that defies the stereotype of the cheap subcompact hatchback.

While it delivers more than what you’d expect from a car in its class, the Yaris also comes with the benefits of a small car, including a low price and high fuel efficiency, all in a car that’s quite easy to park.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2015 Toyota Yaris is offered with a single powertrain that emphasizes efficiency, but won’t leave you bored out on the road.

The 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque, and features Toyota’s variable valve timing (VVT-i) system for added responsiveness. It drives the front wheels through either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.

Not surprisingly, a small engine in a small car leads to big fuel economy. The Yaris is EPA-rated at 33 mpg combined (30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway) with the manual transmission,* and 32 mpg combined (30 mpg city, 36 mpg highway) with the automatic.*

Features and Trims

The 2015 Yaris is a subcompact hatchback available in both three- or five-door body styles and multiple trim levels, starting at $14,845. There are enough options to build whatever Yaris you want, from basic and thrifty to stylish and connected.

The base Yaris L comes standard with multi-reflector halogen headlights, Entune Audio with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, a tilt three-spoke steering wheel, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

In addition to the applicable features from the Yaris L, the LE model includes 15-inch alloy wheels, a black grille with chrome accent, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and cruise control, among other features.

Building on the features available in the Yaris L and LE, the Yaris SE adds LED daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, sport fabric-trimmed front seats, and an LCD driver-information display.

Finally, the 2015 Yaris is also available with navigation. A first for the model, the system can be had as a port- or dealer-installed option.

Exterior/Interior

For 2015, the diminutive Yaris makes a big impression with new exterior styling. It gets the new grille that’s proliferating across the Toyota model lineup, and keeps the same compact proportions as the previous model despite some slight growth to increase interior space. All of those changes also make for a slightly more aerodynamic model, to boot.

Those looks only improve with the visual enhancements of the SE model, which include piano-black grille trim, 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and a rear diffuser.

The Yaris’ interior also gets a makeover for 2015, with soft-touch material on the dashboard and front doors (in five-door models). The seats get upgraded fabrics as well, and a new cushion shape to make them more comfortable on long drives. Toyota has also made reducing noise, vibration, and harshness a priority, creating a quieter cabin.

Safety

Safety was a priority for the Toyota engineers as well. The 2015 Yaris comes standard with the Star Safety System, which includes stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and a brake override system.

Other standard features include nine airbags and an Advanced Whiplash Injury-Lessening front-seat structure that helps to ensure that the region from the head to lower back are equally supported, helping to reduce injuries during certain rear-end collisions, according to Toyota.

Bottom Line

The 2015 Toyota Yaris proves that downsizing doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Buyers will save money and fuel by choosing this subcompact hatchback, but without sacrificing style, comfort, or safety. For technophiles, the Yaris even offers impressive entertainment and connectivity features one would normally expect to find on a more expensive model.

In short, the Yaris has all of the benefits of a small car, with almost none of the drawbacks. Those needing to haul a load of Ikea boxes are still out of luck.

For more information on the 2015 Yaris or any other Toyota model, contact or visit 3 Birds Marketing today.

*2015 EPA-estimated mileage. Actual mileage will vary

**Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, excludes the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee of $825 for Cars, $885 for Small/Light Trucks (Sienna, RAV4, RAV4 EV, Highlander Gas, Highlander HV, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Tacoma and Venza), $1100 for Large Trucks (Tundra), and $925 for Large SUVs (Sequoia and Land Cruiser). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota's charge for these services is called the "Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee" and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota's overall pricing structure. Toyota may make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee.) Excludes taxes, license, title and available or regionally required equipment. The Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX will be higher.

Image: Toyota (Vehicle shown with optional equipment)