Siphon Magazine - Micro-Compact Automotive Culture

[Ran Kizama]

Has anyone else picked this magazine up from Barnes & Noble yet? Excellent magazine that focuses only on the Micro-Compacts on the American market. The premiere issues is litered with Fit's, Yaris', xA's, and xB's.

Yaris coverage includes a full article on the Blitz Yaris, a complete JDM Transformation on a blue Yaris Liftback, sound system install on the same blue Liftback, as well as a well organized part listing for all vehicles in the back on the magazine.

Go get it now! :thumbsup:

[ChinoCharles]

I'm gonna!

[nsmitchell]

Sounds right up my alley!

[Chris07LB]

Nice find.. im gonna look for a subcription online if its stays that good. :thumbsup:

[bigsky2]

Watch for errors:

Reader Comments

1. To be honest, I wasnt that impressed. Its just okay for me. They definetly need a new tech editor because there is wrong infromation all over the place. On one page it states that a particular xb has a "ken's style" front lip <----this is laughable, I would expect and import tuner magazine to be more familiar with jdm parts, kenstyle (not ken's style) is a very popular company. On another page it states that a particular carbon fiber hood is made by carbon creations, but carbon creations doesnt even make a hood like this. It is a bbist hood (there is even a bbist sticker on it in the picture). These are just error I found flipping through, I have not even read it yet.

[ChinoCharles]

Good call. +1

[spkrman]

sounds interestin i'll check it out.

[riceboy]

Got some time today.. I'm gonna see if it's carried out here in Toronto....

[acrbill]

I picked up a copy the other day. Its pretty cool that they only really have a few target cars so the Yaris is always going to be in it. It seems that it is not a monthly right now. The cover says to display it until 2/20/07. It also says winter 2007 as the date.

Hopefully they have some actual tech articles instead of a bunch of articles about how to install JDM parts.

[Slummy]

I just picked up this mag today, kinda cool. I'm wondering how the blue LB in the audio install has the slidiing 40/60 split rear seat? Did I miss somthing when I bought mine?

[Ran Kizama]

I just picked up this mag today, kinda cool. I'm wondering how the blue LB in the audio install has the slidiing 40/60 split rear seat? Did I miss somthing when I bought mine?I think those that got the Power Package (Power Windows, Locks, ect...) got 40/60 folding seats.

[rdremix]

I just picked up this mag today, kinda cool. I'm wondering how the blue LB in the audio install has the slidiing 40/60 split rear seat? Did I miss somthing when I bought mine?

Here in canada, the RS as the rear split folding seats, but they're not 60/40 they are 50/50

[ChinoCharles]

I just went looking for it at Borders and they didn't have it. I'm pissed.

[Ran Kizama]

I just went looking for it at Borders and they didn't have it. I'm pissed.I that Barnes & Noble as well as B.Dalton have it. :thumbsup:

[ChinoCharles]

I just called every Barnes and Noble within 25 miles of me and nobody carries it.

+14 to the first person that finds an online source for a subscription... or Ran, you want to buy another copy and send me one? :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

EDIT: Amazon doesn't carry it either, and it isn't listed on Primedia's web site and they publish the fucking thing. This is annoying.

[Ran Kizama]

+14 to the first person that finds an online source for a subscription... or Ran, you want to buy another copy and send me one? :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:It's presented by Import Tuner. If you want, I'll try to get one for you today. Just PM me the address you want it sent to.

[90tsi]

i found mine at walmart.

[ChinoCharles]

I finally found a copy and I've gotta say its pretty sweet. The editors are totally cheesy, which is to be expected from a Primedia venture, but the information is there. There is a short catalog of available parts in there for the Yaris ranging from grounding kits to that Blitz s/c. Overall, pretty cool. I hope they decide to keep it around so I can subscribe.

[raz0rbladez909]

half of the parts they have listed are just generic stuff, through many parts manufacturers who don't even have our vehicles as being listed for parts through them, i.e. DC sports being at least one of the few i don't have the mag next to me but it seemed as though they just pulled up a picture of that brands parts and said they made parts for the yaris, i want proof that DC sports is actually making a header and exhaust system for our cars. :biggrin:

[ChinoCharles]

About three-quarters through the mag. They are really hard on the Yaris. They are really... well, lets just say the editors at Siphon and the marketing team at Honda probably get along really, really well.

Someone please explain why every single writer has said the Fit is a more capable B segment platform, when the Yaris is as fast if not faster than the Fit by the numbers and on the street.

I'm OK with it... I enjoy owning the underdog in this fight. I'm just wondering.

[raz0rbladez909]

its because Honda has always had a bigger following then Toyota when it comes to the sport compact segment, so when a new Honda comes out of course they're going to support it over the opposition, and from some of the things i have heard already they have already swapped k series motors into the Fit making it more capable of stomping on the Yaris where we have nothing but overpriced superchargers and barely enough engine bay space for a 1.8 2zzge let alone a 2.0 like them. i wouldn't worry about it i prefer having two doors and better gas mileage than a mini minivan looking car anyday of the week. just my .02

[acrbill]

I noticed that too. Seems like they are going to alienate the rest of the sub compacts and hold the Fit high on the pedestal. The trouble with the Fit is that it looks line a miniature Honda Odyssey. Magazines are ruled by sponsors. If the Yaris owners are mod crazy then it stands to reason that the sponsors will push for more Yaris coverage.


The Fit is quite the looker........ :rolleyes:
http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2007/fit/customize/base_car/SI_base_34FRONT.jpg

[ChinoCharles]

I know, its disgusting.

And a Fit with a K20 is not a Fit! Thats like saying the Yaris has tuning potential because you can strap a jet engine in the hatch... if it doesn't have the original engine, it is no longer the original vehicle! I don't care if it bolts up, and from what I've read even that K20 swap requires some modification.

Bottom line... the Yaris comes from the factory faster, lighter and sexier than the fit. They can keep their H badge. I'll take practicality and potential over the name any day of the week.

[BMGYaris]

i thought the fit had significant advantages in curvy roads and slalom courses and such? and if that is true i have to say going from an additional second automatic time and an additional .5 seconds, in a car that already does about 10 seconds....seems like handling is way more important. I mean honestly guys, if you are talking about a car that does 0-60 in 6 seconds and one that does it in 7 seconds thats a big difference, but when you are already starting out with 11 and it moves up to 12...well, they are both slugs...or go from 9 to 9.5 with a manual...well, it seems that with a car already THAT slow and has such low power then handling and stability are going to be the key to enjoying the ride. So if the fit far exceeds yaris in handling on slalom courses and such, then its going to be alot more sporty, just because they are both so fking slow.

[Russelt3hPirate]

I know, its disgusting.

And a Fit with a K20 is not a Fit! Thats like saying the Yaris has tuning potential because you can strap a jet engine in the hatch... if it doesn't have the original engine, it is no longer the original vehicle! I don't care if it bolts up, and from what I've read even that K20 swap requires some modification.

Bottom line... the Yaris comes from the factory faster, lighter and sexier than the fit. They can keep their H badge. I'll take practicality and potential over the name any day of the week.

that's a pretty shitty argument when you're talking potential.

swapping motors has been part of the car world forever.

hell look at the subaru world, a 93 Impreza L wagon has alot of potential b/c you can drop in a JDM drivetrain with the only real issue being wiring.

either way, My girlfriend wanted a yaris b/c the fit looks like ass and is overpriced for what you get.

now it's time to build an echo motor and slap a blitz supercharger on it ;) :headbang: and go out and beat up on some fits.

[Tamago]

the yaris will beat up on the fit stock for stock anyway

[Russelt3hPirate]

the yaris will beat up on the fit stock for stock anyway

i was talking about a turbo k20 fit! :burnrubber:

[ChinoCharles]

Okay well my Yaris will beat your turbo K20 fit because I'm going to put a plutonium core in there! And 16 turbos! :rolleyes:

[Russelt3hPirate]

Okay well my Yaris will beat your turbo K20 fit because I'm going to put a plutonium core in there! And 16 turbos! :rolleyes:

i don't have a k20 fit.

i want to build a supercharged yaris to beat up on the k20 fits :)

[ChinoCharles]

I bought the Yaris because of my personal liking of the design, and mod potential...

I could care less if every writer on the planet pans it...And if every Import Tuner/V8 Driver/Pickup owner on the street thinks it's a silly car to modify...

Writers will say the Kia Rio beats the Yaris due to heated seats in Canada...I could care less...

If I made my purchase decision based on what auto-writers are saying, then I would be driving a Civic Si...

Cheers

+1

[keesue]

[QUOTE=echo_hrs;42106]I bought the Yaris because of my personal liking of the design, and mod potential...

I could care less if every writer on the planet pans it...And if every Import Tuner/V8 Driver/Pickup owner on the street thinks it's a silly car to modify...

Writers will say the Kia Rio beats the Yaris due to heated seats in Canada...I could care less...

If I made my purchase decision based on what auto-writers are saying, then I would be driving a Civic Si...

Cheers[/QUOTE

you said that right, dude...

[eTiMaGo]

Finally managed to find this magazine in a bookstore here!

I have to say it's a step in the right direction, they have some decent information in there.

Any sign of a new issue?

[magoo_lc1]

I bought this when it first came out. I am intersted in all the cars they have in there for my next purchase. The yaris is on my list. I do like that there will be a supercharger for it soon to. Im torn between the yaris,fit, and xa,xb.

[magoo_lc1]

I just read all the posts. You guys make a good arguement for the yaris. I like the underdog myself. If i buy one it will not be to make it a racecar, i want a very reliable dd. I have driven the fit and it does seem to handle a bit better, but i liike the way the yaris looks and feels and i can fix the susp to make it run circles around a fit. I was a toyota guy long before a honda guy. At least there is a aftermarket, I bought a tercel new in 95 with the blackhawk package, that car was tough to even find lowering springs at the time, but i looved it.

Dont forget guys,,in the end you have a toyota, a rock solid reliable car that holds its value fantasticly.

[Fit_N_In]

I noticed that too. Seems like they are going to alienate the rest of the sub compacts and hold the Fit high on the pedestal. The trouble with the Fit is that it looks line a miniature Honda Odyssey. Magazines are ruled by sponsors. If the Yaris owners are mod crazy then it stands to reason that the sponsors will push for more Yaris coverage.


The Fit is quite the looker........ :rolleyes:
http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2007/fit/customize/base_car/SI_base_34FRONT.jpg


Ok, to be fair, let's not pit a modded Yaris against a stock Fit. They both have their merits, but neither looks nearly as good in stock form. Let's bring some levity to the argument. ;)

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/893/65604631ta6.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1335/14361189jq7.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9027/54867388nd5.jpg
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/6722/45724858iq2.jpg

btw, this is not MY car.

[Chris07LB]

Id take a FIT anyday over the Yaris, but as it is now, Im the only one who drives/sits in my car... its a work commuter. So the extra "space" of a FIT wouldnt make sence for me, but damn I like 'em.

[Fit_N_In]

Id take a FIT anyday over the Yaris, but as it is now, Im the only one who drives/sits in my car... its a work commuter. So the extra "space" of a FIT wouldnt make sence for me, but damn I like 'em.

I love mine so far...never gotten less than 33mpg and that was with heavy acceleration and 70-80mph speeds. It's incredibly stable and fun to drive.

Let's face it...the 4-door Vitz is hot...no doubt. But apparently Toyota thinks it's fun to sh!t on the states and doesn't sell it here. They even taunt us by selling it in Canada, and basically saying "Hey, look how much cooler this version is...too bad you can't get it down there!". lol If they woulda sold the 4-door Yaris in the states, I probably woulda ended up with that one. Toyota really made the decision easy for me! :thumbup:

[acrbill]

I threw up in my mouth a little.

I can't stand the look of the Fit stock or modified.

[Fit_N_In]

I threw up in my mouth a little.

I can't stand the look of the Fit stock or modified.

Well, to each his own, I guess. But the 4-door versatility really makes the difference for a lot of people. I just think the Fit looks of better quality than the Yaris...especially the interior.

Btw, the mileage argument is really of no effect...I've gotten 40 and 41mpg out of my Fit in highway driving.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

the fit looks nice when modded. that silver one's clean.

[acrbill]

Well, to each his own, I guess. But the 4-door versatility really makes the difference for a lot of people. I just think the Fit looks of better quality than the Yaris...especially the interior.

Btw, the mileage argument is really of no effect...I've gotten 40 and 41mpg out of my Fit in highway driving.

I used to think 4 doors was the only way to go. Now I realize that it really doesn't matter much to me. In the rare instance that I take my 2 year old for a ride its super easy to get her into the seat since I can stand up in the rear floor area.

I have no problems with the interior quality of the Yaris, I really like the flip out cupholders and the drivers side glove box.

It really came down to price and availability. I live in a major metro area and there where no Fits that had a manual trans on dealer lots. Plus the price difference was HUGE.

I'm sure the Fit is a great car, it just wasn't for me.


Thanks for not being a jerkoff.

[uncleyaris]

it is a to each their own thing, and I think the us does much better thatn us, in standard things and air bags! Each market and toyota dictate so much

[Fit_N_In]

I used to think 4 doors was the only way to go. Now I realize that it really doesn't matter much to me. In the rare instance that I take my 2 year old for a ride its super easy to get her into the seat since I can stand up in the rear floor area.

I have no problems with the interior quality of the Yaris, I really like the flip out cupholders and the drivers side glove box.

It really came down to price and availability. I live in a major metro area and there where no Fits that had a manual trans on dealer lots. Plus the price difference was HUGE.

I'm sure the Fit is a great car, it just wasn't for me.


Thanks for not being a jerkoff.

Nah, I totally understand...like I said, if they had had the 4 door version in the states, I'm sure I probably woulda gone with that. I like the exterior styling a bit more, but in a 3 door it just looks too short. Plus, after having a car without cruise, I won't do without it again. It's just so much easier on long drives (which I make way too many of). I understand the availability issue being that I live in KC. While it's not Chicago, NY, or LA, I still got dealers laughing at me when I called to ask about a Fit. I happened to find ONE dealership in Missouri who had a fit coming in that wasn't spoken for. It just HAPPENED to be a silver manual sport...and as it was, I had to plunk down a $500 deposit to hold it in my name even if I just wanted to even TEST DRIVE IT!!! I kinda got lucky when it came to mine. But checking the availability of the Yaris around here, most were auto's or some weird configuration. Like I said though, the biggest killer for me was the availability of cruise control on the hatchback...4 doors or not. Fortunately I wasn't gouged like some other guys on price. The dealership did me good at just under $16K.

I'm not a hater... :thumbup:

Oh, and I didn't mean to hi-jack the thread...the new Siphon is out and the Tein Yaris is hot! A little under-powered for what I was expecting, but it's still killer. I'm kinda blown away by the Versa boasting 122hp stock for around $14K fully loaded...WITH a 6-speed manual!! The Stillen Versa isn't half bad, but that requires a bit of body mods to get past the ugly look of it stock. As opposed to the Fit and the Yaris (imo).