The 2009 Yaris Hatch: Toyota's savvy, fuel-sipping subcompact adds new features and upgrades, and sports great attitude that Canadians love

(TORONTO) – Canadians looking for the savvy urban subcompact with attitude turn to the vibrant Yaris Hatchback. The Yaris Hatch is the subcompact liftback that looks and performs like nothing else in its class – squeezing an enormous amount of fuel-saving technology, innovation and driving fun into the contours of its compact frame.

“Whether it’s the value-conscious three-door CE model, or a fully-loaded RS, Canadians know there’s something special about the Yaris Hatch,” noted Warren Orton, Director of Toyota Canada Inc. “The Yaris Hatch combines fresh styling, fun-to-drive performance, and the benefits of an urban-friendly subcompact. With new standard equipment and available features like a TomTom personal navigation device, there’s a Yaris Hatch for everyone.”

Canadians will recognize the Yaris Hatch as one of the best value options on the lot. Slip into a well-equipped 3-door CE or step up to the Yaris Hatch 5-door LE for additional comfort and convenience features. Drivers will enjoy surprising, sporty performance with the Yaris Hatch RS, in 3-door or 5-door configurations. For 2009, Toyota makes things better with new standard features, such as:

Satellite radio-ready audio system featuring an auxiliary input jack for portable MP3 players;

Power remote heated mirrors on five-door models;

Additional airbag systems (standard on RS; available on CE and LE models);

Cruise control on automatic transmission models (standard on RS; available on CE and LE models)

Now also available for 2009 CE and LE models is a TomTom personal navigation device. With its compact 9 cm touch panel display and convenient detachability feature, the TomTom can go along with Yaris Hatch owners on any adventure.

The 2009 Toyota Yaris Hatch is on sale in Canada now. The Yaris Hatch 3-Door CE carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at $13,620. The Yaris Hatch 5-Door LE starts at $14,770, while the Yaris Hatch RS starts at $18,795 for the 3-Door and $19,225 for the 5-Door edition.

2009 TOYOTA YARIS HATCH – PRODUCT DETAIL

Models

The 2009 Yaris Hatch is available in eight models, as follows:

Power and performance

The secret is out. With a curb weight of under 1,100 kg, a high-revving 106-horsepower 1.5 litre 4-cylinder engine, and a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed Super Electronically Controlled (Super ECT) automatic transmission with overdrive, the 2009 Yaris Hatch is a blast to drive.

But this sporty subcompact’s surprisingly big performance doesn’t come with a hefty gas bill. With a city/highway combined fuel consumption rating of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres for manual-transmission Yaris models (6.4L/100km for automatics), Canadians will spend more time on the road and less time at the pumps.

Handling and control

The Yaris Hatch rewrites the rules for what a subcompact car can be – and nowhere is this more evident than in its handling systems.

Electric rack and pinion power steering is not only more fuel-efficient, it also delivers lightning-quick responsiveness for crisp handling. This technology also eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid, making it even more environmentally friendly. Meanwhile, the Euro-tuned suspension features Macpherson gas struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar up front, and a coil spring-equipped torsion beam suspension at the rear. This combines with front wheel drive and wheels spaced at the four extremes of the vehicle to deliver lively performance, marked by a sporty feel and stable handling that will make Canadian drivers seek out twisty roads.

The Yaris Hatch sets the pace for busy urban lifestyles. Downtown dwellers will marvel at its ability to slip through traffic, turn on a dime, and squeeze into even the tightest parking space. And everyone will love the quiet, comfortable ride.

Brakes and tires

Superior brake systems are a necessity in busy urban cores, which is why the Yaris Hatch features the braking power of Toyota’s Antilock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) as standard on RS models and available on the CE and LE trim level. All models are equipped with power assisted brakes – front discs and rear drums – to deliver ample stopping power.

Ride comfort and vehicle dynamics are further enhanced with 15” all season radials fitted on all trim levels.

Comfort and versatility

Have stuff to haul? The Yaris Hatch is a life-sized liftback that squeezes a surprising amount of versatility into its compact frame. Enjoy an expanded sense of interior space and extra legroom thanks to the central instrument panel, or fold down the rear seats and fill the Yaris Hatch with everything from skateboards and school projects, to groceries and garden gear.

With a front centre console box, upper and lower glove boxes, driver and front passenger seat back pockets, door pockets, and front and rear cup holders, all models feature plenty of smart storage for everything from road maps to double-doubles.

Safety

The Yaris Hatch provides 360-degree security. With a body designed to absorb shock and disperse energy, the Yaris Hatch’s innovative shape is not only stylish and versatile, it also minimizes the force of any impact. What’s more, the Yaris features a highly rigid cabin forged from high strength steel – a lightweight metal that delivers amazing safety performance in a subcompact body.

Inside, the Yaris Hatch steps up the protection with dual stage driver and passenger airbags fitted as standard, plus front seat mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags fitted as standard on RS models and available for CE and LE editions.

Three-point lap and shoulder seatbelts are fitted in all five passenger positions, and include pre-tensioners and force limiters for the front seating positions. Five-door models feature adjustable “B” pillar shoulder belt anchors. Younger occupants are protected with anchor points for child-restraint seats. Five-door models include child protector locks on the rear doors.

All 2009 Yaris Hatch models are also equipped with an engine immobilizer.

Customization

Buyers may customize their 2009 Toyota Yaris Hatch Toyota Canada’s web site (www.toyota.ca) or in any Toyota Dealership across Canada.

Peace of mind

The 2009 Yaris Hatch is provided with Toyota's no deductible, no transfer fee, comprehensive warranty that covers the entire vehicle for three years/60,000 kilometres. Power train components are covered for five years/100,000 kilometres, major emission control components are covered for eight years/130,000 kilometres and corrosion perforation for five years with unlimited distance.

Toyota also provides 24-hour Roadside Assistance for all models. Help is just a phone call away at 1-888-TOYOTA-8. Roadside emergency services include battery boost, lockout service, fuel delivery, tire change, winching, and even towing. Optional Extended Care Protection is also available, which includes travel planning and trip interruption assistance, vehicle rental help, lubrication maintenance, and mechanical protection of 17 major mechanical component groups for up to six years/200,000 kilometres.

2009 Toyota Yaris Hatch – features and specifications by model

2009 Yaris Hatch – Available upgrade packages

LE Package

Yaris Hatch 3-Door CE

Includes: Four speakers for the audio system; 60/40 split fold down rear seat; Rear splash guards; Power remote heated exterior mirrors; Rear window wiper/washer.

LE Convenience Package 5M

Yaris Hatch 3-Door CE (manual transmission)

Includes LE Package contents, plus: Antilock Braking System; Electronic Brake Force Distribution; Air conditioning; Power windows; Power door locks with keyless entry.

LE Convenience Package 4A

Yaris Hatch 3-Door CE (automatic transmission)

Includes LE Convenience Package (5M) contents, plus: Cruise control.

LE Enhanced Convenience Package 5M

Yaris Hatch 3-Door CE (manual transmission)

Includes LE Enhanced Convenience Package (5M) contents, plus: Front seat mounted side airbags; Front and rear / side curtain airbags.

LE Enhanced Convenience Package 4A

Yaris Hatch 3-Door CE (automatic transmission)

Includes LE Enhanced Convenience Package (5M) contents, plus: Cruise controlr.

A la carte enhancements

Yaris Hatch 3-Door CE

Air conditioning; In-dash six-disc CD changer with MP3 capability; Detachable TomTom personal navigation system; Toyota DVD based navigation system.

Convenience Package 5M

Yaris Hatch 5-Door LE (manual transmission)

Includes: Antilock Braking System; Electronic Brake Force Distribution; Air conditioning; 60/40 split fold down rear seat; Power windows; Keyless entry.

Convenience Package 4A

Yaris Hatch 5-Door LE (automatic transmission)

Includes: Antilock Braking System; Electronic Brake Force Distribution; Cruise control; Air conditioning; 60/40 split fold down rear seat; Power windows; Keyless entry.

Enhanced Convenience Package 5M

Yaris Hatch 5-Door LE (manual transmission)

Includes Convenience Package (5M) contents, plus: Front seat mounted side airbags; Front and rear / side curtain airbags.

Enhanced Convenience Package 4A

Yaris Hatch 5-Door LE (automatic transmission)

Includes Enhanced Convenience Package (5M) contents, plus: Cruise control.

A la carte enhancements

Yaris Hatch 5-Door LE

Air conditioning; Air conditioning plus in-dash six-disc CD changer with MP3 capability; Air conditioning plus detachable TomTom personal navigation device; Air conditioning plus Toyota DVD based navigation system.

2009 Yaris Hatch – Technical information

Engine: 1.5L 4-cylinder

(All models)

Horsepower: Up to 106HP @ 6,000 RPM

Torque: Up to 103 lb-ft @ 4,200 RPM

Features: Lightweight aluminum alloy block; Dual overhead cams; 16 valves; Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i); Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection.

Emissions rating: Tier 2, Bin 5.

Transmission: 5-speed manual

(All models with a manual transmission)

Fuel efficiency 7.0L/100km city; 5.5L/100km highway; 6.3 L/100km combined.

Transmission: 4-speed auto super electronically controlled transmission

(All models with an automatic transmission)

Features: Overdrive.

Fuel efficiency 7.0L/100km city; 5.6L/100km highway; 6.4 L/100km combined.

Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)

(All models)

VVT-i is a Toyota engine system that continually varies the intake valve timing to deliver optimal valve timing for a full range of driving conditions. It improves drivability, performance and fuel efficiency, and reduces emissions.

Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (Super ECT)

(All models with an automatic transmission)

Electronic control of Toyota automatic transmissions has delivered several breakthroughs in driving comfort and vehicle efficiency. Super ECT helps to ensure optimal gear change timing according to throttle position and vehicle load, and judges the most suitable time to initiate torque converter lock-up for increased fuel efficiency. It also networks with the engine’s computer to co-ordinate with other control systems, as appropriate.

Capabilities

Seating capacity: 5 adults

Cargo capacity (with rear seats stowed):

3-door models: 0.728m³ (25.7ft³)

5-door models: 0.723m³ (25.5ft³)

Cargo capacity (behind rear seats):

CE and LE models: 0.26m³ (9.3ft³)

RS models: 0.27 m³ (9.5ft³)

Towing capacity: 318 kg (700 lbs)

Antilock Braking System

(Standard on RS models; Available on CE and LE models)

Toyota’s Antilock Braking System (ABS) uses sensors to monitor speed, traction, vehicle load and the driver’s applied brake force. The ABS then controls brake applications to minimize wheel lock-up, reducing the chance of the vehicle skidding. The result is shorter stopping distances on wet, gravelly, sandy or other surfaces where traction is questionable.

Electronic Brake Force Distribution

(Standard on RS models; Available on CE and LE models)

Toyota’s Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system minimizes stopping distances by maximizing the braking power applied to those wheels that have the best grip. This system also automatically adjusts the fore/aft brake balance according to vehicle load, and the right/left brake balance if brakes are applied during cornering.

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