TO THE POINTWhat’s New? The Toyota Yaris is an all-new subcompact for 2007, replacing the Toyota Echo and complementing the Scion xA and xB models.s Selling Points: Price, relatively spacious cabin, EPA-estimated fuel economy Deal Breakers: Lack of engine grunt, low-grade materials, cupholder and gauge cluster design, ABS and side airbags are optional
For those unfamiliar with the current new car market, the first thing to know is that well- or even decently-equipped vehicles under $20,000 are a rarity. Among the few available is the 2007 Toyota Yaris, and in order to provide an inexpensive ride with at least a few must-have features, corners had to cut somewhere. That’s where the headliner, hard as cardboard and finished in a fuzzy material, and the liberal use of hard plastics come in to play. Look all you like – aside from the seats, you will go crazy trying to find a soft-touch surface within the Yaris’ interior. The fabric on the seats and door panels has a very low-rent feel, and with our tester we unwittingly proved that it was easy to stain.
