Is Japan's Belta a Preview of a new North American-bound Yaris Sedan?
Toyota has just unveiled its latest model to the Japanese market, the Belta subcompact sedan and successor to the
Platz (Japanese Echo sedan). Normally, we tend to ignore subcompact vehicles offered in non-North American markets as they rarely become available here, but the Belta is special. Despite its funky name, derived from the Italian word for "beauty", this is essentially the four-door notchback version of the Yaris hatchback, arguably the reigning king of the subcompact world.
The Belta is the next logical addition for Toyota's lineup in North America. As with the Echo, and the Tercel before it, Toyota's subcompact lineup has long featured a proper four-door sedan variant in addition to three- and five-door
hatchbacks versions. While the current Echo sedan has become an increasingly rare sight in Canada and even rarer south of the border due to an early cancellation, the notchback has greater appeal in the United States where the hatchback is not yet sold.
Undoubtedly, the Belta is a more attractive vehicle than the old Echo, thanks to Toyota's new 'Vibrant Clarity' styling language. Prominent design cues, such as large headlamps and a friendly-looking grille, link the Belta to the Yaris, while the bulging Toyota logo on the grille and the forward-kinked tail lamps are shared with the forthcoming Camry and Corolla. Kudos to Toyota's stylists, who have cohesively integrated the notchback trunk without making the car look frumpy or ungainly.
Toyota has just unveiled its latest model to the Japanese market, the Belta subcompact sedan and successor to the
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| Despite the Belta's funky name, derived from the Italian word for "beauty", this is essentially the four-door notchback version of the Yaris hatchback. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
The Belta is the next logical addition for Toyota's lineup in North America. As with the Echo, and the Tercel before it, Toyota's subcompact lineup has long featured a proper four-door sedan variant in addition to three- and five-door
 |
| The Belta is a more attractive vehicle than the old Echo, thanks to Toyota's new 'Vibrant Clarity' styling language. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
Undoubtedly, the Belta is a more attractive vehicle than the old Echo, thanks to Toyota's new 'Vibrant Clarity' styling language. Prominent design cues, such as large headlamps and a friendly-looking grille, link the Belta to the Yaris, while the bulging Toyota logo on the grille and the forward-kinked tail lamps are shared with the forthcoming Camry and Corolla. Kudos to Toyota's stylists, who have cohesively integrated the notchback trunk without making the car look frumpy or ungainly.