2010 Toyota Yaris Review

Overview

The 2010 Toyota Yaris is an affordable passenger car in the Toyota lineup. It is available in three distinct models - a four-door sedan, three-door Liftback and a five-door Liftback. For 2010, Toyota gains Star Safety System. A manual transmission with standard tachometer is now available on the five-door model. Rear window defroster is now standard on all Yaris models.

Power and performance

A 106 horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers the 2010 Toyota Yaris. The five-door hatchback model is fitted with a four-speed automatic transmission. The three-door Liftback and sedan models come standard with a five-speed manual transmission; a four-speed automatic is available as an option. The Liftback and sedan models have been designed separately and have subtle interior and exterior differences but have similar standard features. With the five-speed manual transmission, the Yaris is EPA-rated to achieve 29 MPG city / 36 MPG highway; the ratings are 29/35 with the smooth-shifting four-speed electronic automatic transmission.

Body and styling

Sleek design and plenty of interior space define the 2010 Toyota Yaris. Multi-reflector halogen headlamps, integrated fog lamps, intermittent windshield wipers, rear window wiper, color-keyed outside mirrors-door handles, rear spoiler, and a roof-mounted antenna are some of the standard exterior features while the 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels with P185/60R15 tires is available as an option. Optitron speedometer and tachometer with LCD odometer, twin tripmeters and fuel level gauge, airbag, seatbelt, low-fuel level, door-ajar, battery, check engine, oil pressure, ABS and brake warning lights, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio capability, and CD text display function with iPod interface are some of the standard interior equipments. The available cargo space is 9.32 cubic feet.

Safety Features

The 2010 Toyota Yaris gets Star Safety System which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Yaris is the only vehicle in its segment to offer this set of safety features as standard equipment.