Inside, there is much that is the same as in the hatchback but, just like the Yaris sedan's exterior, a fair bit that has changed.
The most noticeable is its centre stack, wider than the liftback and featuring its three rotating HVAC dials positioned in a triangle rather than atop one another. The audio system, just above, is fully integrated into the panel, which should appeal to four-door buyers who probably won't be looking to upgrade to an aftermarket system - the hatchback audio interface, large, square and appearing easily removable, looks to be ideal for modification. Just above, the vents are black plastic instead of coloured in aluminum-like silver, a more subtle approach.
Atop the dash is a revised set of gauges, classier with its silver-finished dial faces. Yes, faces, as in plural gauges, the new model doubling its instruments to include a tachometer beside the speedometer, an upgrade over the black-faced speedo-only hatchback.
Compartment lovers may experience loss when noticing that the sedan doesn't include the handy second glovebox, but the one to the left of the gauge cluster, in front of the driver remains. The rear seatbacks aren't split like the liftback's but they fold forward nonetheless, expanding the trunk's useful proportions if no rear passengers are aboard.
Other than this comprehensive list of changes, all things mechanical are identical. The Yaris sedan moves forward via a 106-horsepower 1.5-litre four-cylinder
engine with four-valves per cylinder and dual overhead cams, sporting 103 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual comes standard with a four-speed automatic being optional. While this package is more than adequate for most subcompact buyers, some may be lured by rival B-segment carmakers that offer engines featuring more power and torque, while the aforementioned new models from Honda and Nissan offer higher output levels and, in the case of the former, a five-speed automatic transmission, the first of its kind in this subcompact class.
While new competitors will no doubt cause a little chaos in the entry-level market, it's great news for consumers who need to maximize every penny. Toyota's Yaris sedan should appeal to these needs driven buyers, especially those factoring in long-term reliability and resale values, both expected to be good.
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| The most noticeable change inside the Yaris sedan is its centre stack,wider than the liftback and featuring its three rotating HVAC dialspositioned in a triangle rather than atop one another, plus the audiointerface is neatly integrated into the surface. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
Atop the dash is a revised set of gauges, classier with its silver-finished dial faces. Yes, faces, as in plural gauges, the new model doubling its instruments to include a tachometer beside the speedometer, an upgrade over the black-faced speedo-only hatchback.
Compartment lovers may experience loss when noticing that the sedan doesn't include the handy second glovebox, but the one to the left of the gauge cluster, in front of the driver remains. The rear seatbacks aren't split like the liftback's but they fold forward nonetheless, expanding the trunk's useful proportions if no rear passengers are aboard.
Other than this comprehensive list of changes, all things mechanical are identical. The Yaris sedan moves forward via a 106-horsepower 1.5-litre four-cylinder
 |
| Toyota's Yaris sedan should appeal to these needs driven buyers, especially those factoring in long-term reliability and resale values. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
While new competitors will no doubt cause a little chaos in the entry-level market, it's great news for consumers who need to maximize every penny. Toyota's Yaris sedan should appeal to these needs driven buyers, especially those factoring in long-term reliability and resale values, both expected to be good.
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