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| 2006 Toyota Yaris (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123) |
There aren't a lot of things that I'll wake up at 3 am for. There are even less things I'll get up at 3 am for on a Friday morning. Let me think now...what might convince me... hundreds of vehicles on display in an energetic, outdoor venue? The Canadian release of Toyotas new Yaris? Yes, that would do the trick without a doubt. Held at Georgian College in beautiful Barrie Ontario, the Canadian Automotive Institute is celebrating its 20th anniversary of the show this year, which is organized by the Students of their program alongside carmakers and others in the industry. The event is the event the largest outdoor Auto show in North America and has been held successfully, rain or shine, for the past 2 decades.
These students love cars, and it really shows through their enthusiasm and professionalism- some of them become "product ambassadors" who get to know one make or model inside and out and then talk your ear off about it when you go in close for a look. I love it. This enthusiasm is after a sleepless night as well. "I didn't sleep last night at all." One student told me. "None of us did. This is like Christmas at our school".
Next year, I'm signing up.
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| 2006 Acura RSX Type-S (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123) |
One car that had every student as its product ambassador. The Acura RSX Type S was undoubtedly the favorite car among students. While inspecting a new Carerra at the Porsche exhibit, a few students came up to me, saw my media pass and advised me that the RSX type S was that-a-way. I began walking towards the exhibit and was told a few more times, each by a person more excited than the last. I got to the Acura tent and a young guy told me the same thing again. "She's inside" he said "and looking gorgeous". I could see what all the fuss was about. The A-Spec package adds some boy-racer flare to the refined little compact. The flame orange paint, chrome clad alloy wheels and body kit bring the RSX to a whole new level of styling. "You don't have to do anything to it" one freshman told me. "It's just beautiful, perfect like that." He's right, I think.
So far, it was a big day for me, a big day for the CAI students, but it was also a big day for Toyota as well. The official unveiling of the new Yaris would take place this morning, bringing to light the replacement Echo Hatchback and showing off the interesting new name it's called by every other country it's sold in. The Echo would be put to rest, and its new replacement would take over, and attempt to re-define perceptions about what a small, efficient car should offer. The crowds gathered well in advance and the students could barely contain their excitement- this was a BIG deal for Toyota and the CAI. The response was incredible. I remember a time when people would cheer for new performance cars, but with gas prices being as such, I suppose it fits! The sheet was pulled back and the crowds erupted into applause, cheering the arrival of the little car that means big business. It looks not hugely unlike the Echo Hatchback it replaces at first glance, but if you spend a little more time looking you'll notice a few things. The wheels are very close to the very corners of the car, stretched for every bit of track and wheelbase they can offer. There is little overhang in front or rear, giving the Yaris a big stance. Its center of
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| 2006 Toyota Yaris (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123) |
gravity is squat as well. This design not only adds a more competent degree of handling but also helps maximize interior space too. Toyota wants to have the best car in this class, and it looks like they may be onto it. A 1.5 liter engine with just a tick over 100 horsepower sits up front: not bad for its size at all. The suspension layout, with Mac Struts up front and torsion beams in back promise that the Yaris will be fun to drive. Side curtain airbags and antilock brakes promise that it will be safe. You can get an MP3 player, power accessories, and even a sliding / folding rear seat too! I can promise you something as well- I'm going to go drive one of these as soon as I can.
