With an average fuel economy of 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers (achieved through moderate use of the throttle), the 42-liter tank allows a range of over 500 kilometers, maybe more with smooth accelerations and calculated braking maneuvers. Now that's a game I like to play -- and it pays!
The 4-speed automatic transmission of my tester helped make the driving experience smoother by making shifts virtually seamless. This option will cost you $1,000, but it will make your life easier and more enjoyable in rush-hour traffic. Obviously, Gran Turismo fans will prefer the standard 5-speed manual.
Should you trust TomTom?
For 2009, Toyota offers a TomTom navigation system with the Yaris. It features a 9-cm display, which is not very big, but it does add a premium touch to this small entry-level car.
However, at over $1,650 (prices vary from one dealership to another), this GPS device isn't cheap. Furthermore, during my road test, TomTom had troubles with accuracy at times. Funny mistake: the system failed to recognize the civic number (420) of our very own headquarters in Laval. It gave me another number (419) that does not even exist! Go figure...
On the other hand, the fact that TomTom is removable makes it less likely to be stolen... provided that you safely store it away when you leave the car!
Appropriately priced
The 2009 Toyota Yaris Hatchback starts at $14,360. My LE tester featured the automatic transmission ($1,000) and the Convenience Package ($2,205), which includes ABS brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), air conditioning, the aforementioned split-folding rear seats (coming standard is a one-piece seatback, which is a lot less handy), power windows, cruise control and keyless entry. Adding TomTom and including taxes pushed the bill above $20K.
Let's face it: that's the price you have to pay these days to own a brand-new econobox!
photo:Luc Gagné
The 4-speed automatic transmission of my tester helped make the driving experience smoother by making shifts virtually seamless. This option will cost you $1,000, but it will make your life easier and more enjoyable in rush-hour traffic. Obviously, Gran Turismo fans will prefer the standard 5-speed manual.
Should you trust TomTom?
For 2009, Toyota offers a TomTom navigation system with the Yaris. It features a 9-cm display, which is not very big, but it does add a premium touch to this small entry-level car.
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| The 2009 Yaris Hatchback can be equipped with a TomTom navigation device which adds a premium touch to this small entry-level car. However, the system has troubles with accuracy and it certainly isn't cheap! |
However, at over $1,650 (prices vary from one dealership to another), this GPS device isn't cheap. Furthermore, during my road test, TomTom had troubles with accuracy at times. Funny mistake: the system failed to recognize the civic number (420) of our very own headquarters in Laval. It gave me another number (419) that does not even exist! Go figure...
On the other hand, the fact that TomTom is removable makes it less likely to be stolen... provided that you safely store it away when you leave the car!
Appropriately priced
The 2009 Toyota Yaris Hatchback starts at $14,360. My LE tester featured the automatic transmission ($1,000) and the Convenience Package ($2,205), which includes ABS brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), air conditioning, the aforementioned split-folding rear seats (coming standard is a one-piece seatback, which is a lot less handy), power windows, cruise control and keyless entry. Adding TomTom and including taxes pushed the bill above $20K.
Let's face it: that's the price you have to pay these days to own a brand-new econobox!
photo:Luc Gagné
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