New subcompacts for 2009, 2010

[GeneW]

Figures.... once again "they're" kissing Honda's patootie and kicking Toyota's...

Finally, the U.S. gets the five-door Yaris. The extra two doors mean it's easier for passengers to get in the back seat. There was a minor refresh to the front end, too. The Yaris five-door gets decent mileage; an EPA rating of 29/35 for the four-speed automatic, which, by the way, is the only choice of transmission if you want five doors. Although powered by a small 1.5 liter DOHC engine, the car only weighs about 2,300 lbs. Also new for '09 are standard side-impact airbags and a new "S" package for both 3- and 5-door liftbacks.

What could be one of the most anticipated Toyota releases in a while, the Smart-fighting iQ will bring some competition to the micro car market. Debuting as soon as early 2009, the iQ will seat "3+1"people (three adults, and one child), possibly be powered by a 1.5 (via the Yaris) or 1.3 liter engine, and may come with ABS, skid control, and other driving aids. (Full details are not known yet.) There's even a possibility the vehicle could appear under the Scion brand. Stay tuned.

The 2009 Honda Fit has been for sale already for a few months, but it is an '09 model. Powered by a 117 hp 1.5 liter VTEC engine, the Fit is a fine choice of subcompact. The all-new design is spacious, versatile, and attractive. Like the previous-generation Fit, it has nimble reflexes, great fuel economy (35 highway mpg), and a lot of standard features that many believe make it the king of subcompacts.

Gene

[GeneW]

I've never driven nor worked on a Honda FIT.

Let's reframe this description of the Yaris...

Continuing a tradition at Toyota of keeping the best and improving upon it, the Yaris continues the decade long global experience of the Belta/Vios/Yaris package in a newer more refined package.

This year for the first time Toyota is introducing to US customers the five door hatchback model. Side curtain airbags are now a standard option for the Yaris, bringing it closer to its competitors in the subcompact class.

The Yaris uses proven engine and drive train technology that is optimized for fuel efficiency. The VVT-i technology is a direct descendant of proven variable valve technology that was first introduced by Toyota in the 1980s. A simplified emissions control system results in fewer problems than in many competitor's systems yet the Yaris is EPA certified as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle.

In spite of this technological sophistication the engine is in keeping with the Toyota tradition of ease of service, resulting in lower bills at your mechanic should the need for such a visit ever arise. Due to its clever engineering and engine layout the Yaris practically invites its owners to do much of the required routine maintenance. Many of the parts of a Yaris are "off of the shelf", a practice that makes the car inexpensive to make and inexpensive to own.

The Yaris capable of fair acceleration within its class and is nimble and responsive. Capable of functioning in tropical heat, desert dryness and northern European winters the Yaris is a stable and reliable performer in many climates and road conditions.

The Yaris routinely leads in its class in terms of fuel efficiency, especially in highway driving. In EPA tests the Yaris is only exceeded by hybrid vehicles in terms of highway mileage.

The Yaris concept is sold all over the world, giving Toyota extensive experience in developing a vehicle which is loaded with value. The global reach of the Yaris/Belta/Vios concept also results in a global source for parts resulting in many cases in low spares costs.

The Toyota tradition of serving the customer and listening to their needs has propelled Toyota to world market leadership. This attention to detail and quality is focused even upon the littlest and least expensive Toyota.

While many smaller cars may be faster, flashier or "more exciting" the Yaris leads the way, in fuel economy, ease of repair and over all bang for the buck.

There, that's better...

Gene

[Thirty-Nine]

Originally Posted by GeneW

Figures.... once again "they're" kissing Honda's patootie and kicking Toyota's

Gene

By no means were they ... er I mean ... was I knocking Toyota on my Web site (I own both makes by the way). The Fit is, however, typically the more acclaimed vehicle by the automotive press, which is why many people believe it's the best on the market.

And although your description of the Yaris is fine and very descriptive, it's longer than I would've wrote. I'm always open to feedback, though.

[GeneW]

Originally Posted by Thirty-Nine

By no means were they ... er I mean ... was I knocking Toyota on my Web site (I own both makes by the way). The Fit is, however, typically the more acclaimed vehicle by the automotive press, which is why many people believe it's the best on the market.

The FIT gets advertised to hell and back and is "acclaimed" by Honda sells less than the Yaris.

Originally Posted by Thirty-Nine

And although your description of the Yaris is fine and very descriptive, it's longer than I would've wrote. I'm always open to feedback, though.

How about I do a little emphasis change?

Originally Posted by Thirty-Nine

Finally, the U.S. gets the five-door Yaris. The extra two doors mean it's easier for passengers to get in the back seat. There was a minor refresh to the front end, too. The Yaris five-door gets decent mileage; an EPA rating of 29/35 for the four-speed automatic, which, by the way, is the only choice of transmission if you want five doors. Although powered by a small 1.5 liter DOHC engine, the car only weighs about 2,300 lbs. Also new for '09 are standard side-impact airbags and a new "S" package for both 3- and 5-door liftbacks.

The long anticipated 5 dr HD Yaris has arrived in America! Those two extra doors improve access to the Yaris's roomy interior and help create a more family oriented Yaris. The Yaris has an EPA estimated 35 mpg, placing it below only the Hybrids of the Toyota family. Powered by the high tech VVT-i 1.5 liter engine, the Yaris has obtained a coveted EPA "Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle" status. New for the 2009 Yaris are side impact airbags and an ABS system as a standard option. A new "S" package is available for both three and five door liftbacks. The Yaris is Toyota's unsung hero, giving the automotive giant an entry level vehicle which is a smart choice for young and thrifty car buyers.

Originally Posted by Thirty-Nine

The 2009 Honda Fit has been for sale already for a few months, but it is an '09 model. Powered by a 117 hp 1.5 liter VTEC engine, the Fit is a fine choice of subcompact. The all-new design is spacious, versatile, and attractive. Like the previous-generation Fit, it has nimble reflexes, great fuel economy (35 highway mpg), and a lot of standard features that many believe make it the king of subcompacts.

The Honda FIT continues to gain market share, approaching its competitors in volume. Powered by a thrifty 1.5 liter four cylinder engine the FIT can hold its own on the highway. The 2009 FIT has substantial fuel economy, at 35 mpg and has many features such as side curtain airbags, power assisted steering and crush impact zones. The FIT has obtained an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle rating from the California Air Resources Board. These attributes make the Honda FIT a great first time car or a good choice for the discriminating consumer who wants economical excitement.

Gene