2015 Toyota Yaris First Look
Competes with: Nissan Versa, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit
Looks like: The 2012-2014 Yaris got some Darth Vader treatment
Drivetrain: 106-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Aug. 3
Toyota calls the subcompact 2015 Yaris hatchback “redesigned,” but it’s really just a refresh of the current generation, which dates back to the 2012 model year. The 2015 model gets a lot of visual updates; chief among the updates are a reworked nose with a deeper, Darth Vader-like maw that stretches from the grille to the lower bumper.
Related: What’s the Most Affordable Car in 2014?
The Sith have infiltrated Toyota, whose Avalon and refreshed Camry sport similar bumper treatments. And so it goes with the Yaris — at least the range-topping Yaris SE four-door hatchback, which is what you see in these photos Toyota released. The car also comes in base L and midlevel LE trims, which are also available in two-door hatchback form. (The SE is four-door hatch only.)
The Yaris goes on sale Aug. 3. Pricing runs from $15,670 for a two-door, stick-shift Yaris L to $18,445 for a four-door automatic Yaris SE (prices include destination). Prices for equivalent trims have increased $280 to $490 versus the 2014 Yaris, Toyota claims; this is for a car whose 2014 model placed midpack for small-car affordability.
Exterior
A new grille sports a chrome line that visually continues into the headlights. Immediately below it stretches the large bumper opening, which the SE flanks with fog lights. The Yaris L has 15-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, while the LE adds 15-inch alloy wheels. The SE gets 16-inch alloys, plus LED daytime running lights and a rear spoiler.
Interior
The Yaris’ shelflike dashboard carries over from last year, with straightforward climate knobs below a now-standard 6.1-inch touch-screen with HD radio, USB/iPod compatibility, six speakers and Bluetooth phone/audio streaming. Dealer-installed navigation is optional.
Power windows — previously unavailable on the Yaris L — are now standard. So are power door locks and air conditioning. The LE adds cruise control, power mirrors, steering-wheel audio controls and remote keyless entry, while the SE adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, sportier gauges, unique seating fabric and gloss-black interior accents.
Under the Hood
Toyota’s familiar 1.5-liter four-cylinder is back, with 106 horsepower and 103 pounds-feet of torque. It works through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Toyota says it retuned the Yaris’ suspension, stiffened the chassis and added more sound insulation to reduce noise and smooth out the ride. SE models have a sport-tuned suspension.
The Yaris’ low-30s EPA combined mileage should carry over, Toyota says. That’s a few mpg short of the competitors like the 2015 Honda Fit and Nissan Versa Note.
Safety
The Yaris’ nine standard airbags include front-seat cushion airbags, which deploy in a frontal collision to keep occupants from sliding under their seatbelts. Other features include the federally required antilock brakes — front discs and rear drums on the L/LE, with four-wheel discs on the SE — and an electronic stability system.
Manufacturer images
