The 2009 Yaris: The surprisingly roomy subcompact arrives with new style and packages for even more value

(TORONTO) – Canadians looking for a fuel-friendly, low-emissions subcompact that’s big on space and style are slipping behind the wheel of the Yaris and discovering driving fun at every turn. For 2009, Toyota designers make things better with an enhanced front grille design and upgrade packages, enabling those downsizing their gasoline budgets to enjoy all the performance and features they’ve come to expect from a larger vehicle.

“For many of us, the Yaris is the best of both worlds: A small car that’s easy on fuel and Canadian wallets, yet fully capable of moving five adults or a trunk packed with luggage when the need arises,” explained Warren Orton, Director at Toyota Canada Inc. “Canadians will discover new levels of comfort, convenience and style in the Yaris.”

Canadians looking for great value will recognize the well-equipped Yaris as one of the best offers on the lot. Adding available features and packages – including a new Appearance Package and newly available heated mirrors and cruise control – enables Canadians to customize their Yaris to their unique driving needs. Regardless, all Yaris models come with impressive performance, comfort and safety features making it the subcompact that’s big on value.

The 2009 Toyota Yaris is on sale in Canada now, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at $14,300.

# # #

 

2009 TOYOTA YARIS – PRODUCT DETAIL



Models

The 2009 Yaris is available in two well-equipped models:

Power and performance

Who said small couldn’t be fun to drive? A 1.5 litre 4-cylinder engine and a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed Super Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with overdrive, make the 2009 Yaris zip on the road.

But this subcompact’s surprisingly big performance doesn’t come with a big 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

A polished, sophisticated exterior joins Euro-tuned elements under the hood to make the Yaris a joy to drive. Careful attention to handling and control make the Yaris fun to drive, even on long trips.

Electric rack and pinion power steering is not only more fuel-efficient, it also delivers quick responsiveness for crisp handling. 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 – perfect for negotiating tight city streets or busy highways.

Downtown dwellers will marvel at the ability of the Yaris to slip through traffic, turn on a dime, and squeeze into even the tightest parking space. And Canadians will love the quiet, comfortable ride.

Brakes and tires

Driving situations develop quickly in busy urban cores, which is why the Yaris is available with Toyota’s Antilock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. 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.

Comfort and versatility

Wait – five adults in a subcompact? Sure – because the Yaris is the not-so-tiny subcompact that’s surprisingly easy to get along with. Have stuff to haul? Pop the trunk, drop the 60/40 split folding back seat, and pack it up.

Enjoy an expanded sense of interior space and extra legroom thanks to the central instrument panel. Keep your motoring life organized and within easy reach, thanks to a front centre console box, driver and front passenger seat back pockets, door pockets, and front and rear cup holders that provide plenty of smart storage for everything from road maps to double-doubles.

Safety

The Yaris provides 360-degree security. With a body designed to absorb shock and disperse energy, the Yaris keeps occupants safe. 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 steps up the protection with dual stage driver and passenger airbags fitted as standard, plus available front seat mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags.

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

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

Customization

Buyers may customize their 2009 Toyota Yaris using the Vehicle Configurator on Toyota Canada’s web site (www.customizeyourtoyota.ca) or in any Toyota Dealership across Canada.

Peace of mind

The 2009 Yaris 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 – features and specifications

2009 Yaris – Available upgrade packages

A/C Package

Includes: Air conditioning.

Convenience Package

Includes: Antilock Braking System; Electronic Brake Force Distribution; air conditioning; power windows; power remote exterior mirrors; power door locks with keyless entry; rear trunk chrome trim; colour-matched mirrors and door handles; blacked-out side window frames; front and rear splash guards.

Enhanced Convenience Package

Includes: Antilock Braking System; Electronic Brake Force Distribution; front seat mounted side airbags; front and rear / side curtain airbags; air conditioning; power windows; power remote heated exterior mirrors; power door locks with keyless entry; rear trunk chrome trim; colour-matched mirrors and door handles; blacked-out side window frames; front and rear splash guards.

Enhanced Convenience and Appearance Package

Includes: Antilock Braking System; Electronic Brake Force Distribution; front seat mounted side airbags; front and rear / side curtain airbags; air conditioning; power windows; power remote heated exterior mirrors; power door locks with keyless entry; rear trunk chrome trim; colour-matched mirrors and door handles; blacked-out side window frames; front and rear splash guards; aluminum alloy wheels with wheel locks; fog lamps; cruise control.

Aero Package

Includes: Antilock Braking System; Electronic Brake Force Distribution; front seat mounted side airbags; front and rear / side curtain airbags; air conditioning; power windows; power remote exterior mirrors; power door locks with keyless entry; rear trunk chrome trim; colour-matched mirrors and door handles; blacked-out side window frames; aluminum alloy wheels with wheel locks; fog lamps; cruise control; front chin spoiler; rear spoiler; colour-matched full-skirt package.

2009 Yaris – 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; Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i).

Emissions rating: Tier 2, Bin 5.

Transmission: 5-speed manual

(All models with a manual transmission)

Fuel efficiency 6.9L/100km city; 5.5L/100km highway; 6.3L/100km combined.

Transmission: 4-speed auto super electronically controlled transmission

(All models with an automatic transmission)

Features: Overdrive.

Fuel efficiency 7.0L/100km city; 5.7L/100km highway; 6.4L/100km combined.

Variable Valve Timing with intelligence

(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.

Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i)

(All models)

The principle behind ETCS-i – sometimes called “drive-by-wire” – is used on all modern racing cars. When the driver depresses the accelerator, the engine instantaneously receives an electronic signal demanding more power. By replacing the traditional, less-efficient cable link between pedal and engine, ETCS-i can provide better fuel efficiency, faster response and smoother acceleration. It also networks with the engine’s computer to co-ordinate with other control systems, as appropriate.

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: 0.365m³ (12.9ft³)

Towing capacity: 317.5 KG (700 LBS)

Antilock Braking System

(Available)

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

(Available)

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.

, , ,