Toyota Yaris 5-door rolls into U.S. for '09
by Alex Nunez on Jul 1st 2008 at 11:17AM 
Click above image for a gallery of the 5-door Yaris
How do you know gas prices are high? Well, for one thing, your wallet feels a whole lot lighter after you fill up your car. Another indicator is that Toyota is adding a second Yaris liftback to its U.S. lineup. So much for the red-white-and-blue being averse to hatches. For the '09 model year, we're finally getting the 5-door Yaris hatch, which has been available in other markets, including Canada, since the current car arrived in 2005. The 5-door is basically the same size as the three-door, but the added points of entry make for a more usable overall package, especially if you're going to be using the back seats often. Parents, for one, should be pleased with the new offering. Other changes made to the Yaris range for '09 include the addition of standard front side and rear curtain airbags and the addition of optional cruise control for the Liftback. Toyota hasn't announced pricing yet, but it should be in line with what it already asks for the 3- and 4-door cars. Photos of the U.S. market car haven't been released yet, but the enclosed gallery of the UK-market version show you just about all you need to know. Just mentally flip that steering wheel over to the other side.
[Source: Toyota]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MarcT 11:33AM (7/01/2008)
Good timing. With the 5 door xD moving more upscale, this was sorely needed. Consumers asked for this, Toyota had it available in other markets, Toyota responded and brought it here. No delay, no wait for next generation, no excuses. The 2.8 should learn something from this.
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GoodCheer 11:49AM (7/01/2008)
"The 2.8" Very nice.... :-D
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David Cabral 1:33PM (7/01/2008)
I'm sure part of the reason is Toyota wants to compete against Honda Fit and Nissan Versa, two hatchbacks heads and shoulders better than the Yaris.
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Sasparilla 1:45PM (7/01/2008)
Its about time, thanks Toyota. Canada got the 5 door right off, finally the ugly Americans get it too.
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c40mark 11:20AM (7/03/2008)
Americans are anything but ugly.
We are saints compared the rest of the world>
ps> your comments on the diesel jetti are funny if your a five year old but if your not they are a bad joke>
Dad 1:58PM (7/01/2008)
Just don't get rear ended in a Yaris.
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/head_restraints/headrestraints.aspx?toyota
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s10 3:10PM (7/01/2008)
@DAD orin a highlander or a Sienna... it just proofs that small doesn't mean less safe.
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s10 3:12PM (7/01/2008)
@DAD or a Ford Explorer or Fusion or Ranger... they are worse.
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joe cross 6:10PM (7/01/2008)
What we really need is the wide range of engines they offer elsewhere.City dwellers would be happy to buy the 1.0 and 1.3 gas engines and the diesel 1.4 would really change the game.Toyota has a 1.6 with Valvematic technology that increases hp by 10% while increasing mpg also.This engine would be a great replacement for the current 1.5.Also for hotrodders the Corolla 1.8 that is avilable in the UK Yaris SR would be fun.Toyota should fastrack the replacement for the Yaris(it has been sold elsewhere since 05),less NVH,better crashworthiness and lots of engine choices could hurtle the Yaris to the top of the salescharts.
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Rich 12:38PM (7/02/2008)
I agree about the engine choices. We will be looking for a new small commuter car soon and MPG is near the top of the list. The smaller gas and diesel options might push us to buy a Yaris.
5 Door is a big PLUS.
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Mark Davis 1:59PM (12/18/2008)
In view of the cunsumer charge toward down sizing from larger much more luxury type vehicals to gain maximum mpg,Toyota has totally missed the fact that people don't want to and shouldn't have to equate small or excellent mpg. with "cheap looking vehicals".
If Toyota was to take a really astute look at this point, they might realize that these people would like to make the transition to an "upscale" small vehical with some cutting edge styling and high quality interior and i don't mean elctronic gadgets, i mean an "upscale" look and feel instead of small plain and very cheap.
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Mark Kiernan 12:43PM (7/03/2008)
We in Europe have had this car since about 2000, it drive something similar. It is very good.
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Lara S. 2:45PM (8/10/2008)
The 5 door Yaris looks great. I'd like to see the Matrix go Hybrid. Everyone that compliments mine, thinks it's already a hybrid, and I have to tell them it unfortunately isn't. You would think with all the popularity 5 doors have right now, there would be more hybrids in this make. Why do I only get to choose from Hybrids that are too small, or a large SUV, or ugly? I would have totally bought a Prius, but the back look and function really bothered me. Why do hybrids have to be ugly? The 5 door Yaris has got a nice look. It's a matter of opinion, that's just mine.
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