Canada First in Line for Yaris Global Subcompact
In the automotive world, the Georgian College Auto Show isn't even on the radar, let alone a tiny blip. Despite celebrating its 20th anniversary, the event is small; some manufacturers were absent, while others were represented by local dealerships. But late last week, the town of Barrie, Ontario held what might be one of the most important positions this year
out of any auto show in Canada. On September 16th, Toyota pulled the wraps off of its all-new Yaris subcompact, just days after its global premier at this year's 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.
While Toyota's name has been built up by earning high value-for-money ratings, consumer satisfaction with gold-star reliability, or the environmentally friendly Prius and Highlander Hybrids, subcompact cars have also long been the automaker's strong hand. Currently the Echo is the sales leader in its B-segment. For a car that originally debuted in 2000, it has done an excellent job at staving off rival subcompacts, such as the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and the GM-DAT-designed Chevy Aveo, Pontiac Wave and Suzuki Swift+ triplets.
In many ways, Canada's response to the Echo sedan and coupe prompted Toyota Canada (TCI) to take our small market very seriously. Therefore, it brought the Echo hatchback (Yaris/Vitz Mk.I) over exclusively for the Canadian market in 2004. Brand strength in Canada means that we'll be getting the special treatment once again; aside from Japan, where the Yaris has been on sale as the Vitz since February, Canada will be the second market in the world to receive this new car. Yes, our scheduled
date of this October beats out Europe, Australia, Africa and even the United States, which will receive the three-door Yaris down the road as a supplement to the Scion range. As a matter of fact, Canadian dealers are taking orders currently.
The Yaris will be available in two body styles and three different trim levels. For the three-door and five-door hatchbacks, a well-equipped LE and sporty RS models are available. While specifications have not been engraved in stone, the RS features 15-inch alloy wheels, a 6-disc MP3/CD head unit, colour-keyed mirrors, sports seats, tachometer, body kit and spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift-knob, plus fog lamps, while the LE, such as the metallic blue one shown at the Georgian auto show, which featured 'Package B', includes keyless entry, power windows and air conditioning. Unique to the three-door is the CE trim level which will act as the most basic, 'value-driven' model. A notchback sedan or notchback coupe have not been announced for the new generation, however, the current versions will continue to be on sale until the end of the year.
In the automotive world, the Georgian College Auto Show isn't even on the radar, let alone a tiny blip. Despite celebrating its 20th anniversary, the event is small; some manufacturers were absent, while others were represented by local dealerships. But late last week, the town of Barrie, Ontario held what might be one of the most important positions this year
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| On September 16th, Toyota pulled the wraps off of its all-new Yaris subcompact. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
While Toyota's name has been built up by earning high value-for-money ratings, consumer satisfaction with gold-star reliability, or the environmentally friendly Prius and Highlander Hybrids, subcompact cars have also long been the automaker's strong hand. Currently the Echo is the sales leader in its B-segment. For a car that originally debuted in 2000, it has done an excellent job at staving off rival subcompacts, such as the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and the GM-DAT-designed Chevy Aveo, Pontiac Wave and Suzuki Swift+ triplets.
In many ways, Canada's response to the Echo sedan and coupe prompted Toyota Canada (TCI) to take our small market very seriously. Therefore, it brought the Echo hatchback (Yaris/Vitz Mk.I) over exclusively for the Canadian market in 2004. Brand strength in Canada means that we'll be getting the special treatment once again; aside from Japan, where the Yaris has been on sale as the Vitz since February, Canada will be the second market in the world to receive this new car. Yes, our scheduled
 |
| Canada will be the second market in the world to receive this new car. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
The Yaris will be available in two body styles and three different trim levels. For the three-door and five-door hatchbacks, a well-equipped LE and sporty RS models are available. While specifications have not been engraved in stone, the RS features 15-inch alloy wheels, a 6-disc MP3/CD head unit, colour-keyed mirrors, sports seats, tachometer, body kit and spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift-knob, plus fog lamps, while the LE, such as the metallic blue one shown at the Georgian auto show, which featured 'Package B', includes keyless entry, power windows and air conditioning. Unique to the three-door is the CE trim level which will act as the most basic, 'value-driven' model. A notchback sedan or notchback coupe have not been announced for the new generation, however, the current versions will continue to be on sale until the end of the year.