INTRODUCTION: "The Toyota Yaris is the lowest priced Toyota and the model that best represents the value of good, basic transportation. But, the Yaris is better than just good. It boasts handsome looks, pleasant road manners, perky performance, and a well-tailored interior.MSN Autos
All 2009 Yaris models now come standard with anti-lock brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags. Cruise control is available on 2009 Liftback models and audio systems are satellite-capable.
All Yaris models combine an inexpensive sticker price, outstanding fuel mileage and the solid integrity that underlies every Toyota. While some of the hybrid-powered vehicles offer superior fuel economy, they're significantly more expensive than the Yaris, so it would require many miles at very high fuel prices to balance that equation. When viewed in terms of total ownership costs, the Yaris is one of the least expensive new cars available today.
We've found the Yaris practical and enjoyable to drive. The cabin is roomy, the seats are comfortable and the interior fabrics are quite nice relative to the price point and the seats are comfortable. Around town, the Yaris excels as a runabout, dashing about wherever you need to go, with agile handling and the sort of responsive performance useful in heavy traffic. It keeps up with freeway traffic well and makes for a superb commuter car."
FEATURES: “[The Yaris] come standard with air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, intermittent wipers, rear center headrest, driver and passenger vanity mirrors, front and rear cupholders, digital clock, UV glass and a map light. Base Yaris models are pre-wired for a radio, but the sound system itself is an option. The Liftback's front seats are adjustable four ways, while the Sedan's are adjustable six ways.”
EXTERIOR: “The Toyota Yaris has an appealing look to it, especially the Liftback. All were designed around themes of simplicity, design elegance that avoids unnecessary decoration. It's interesting to note that the sedan and three-door Liftback were penned by different designers.
The three-door Liftback was designed around the theme of powerful simplicity. It has character, with its wedgy profile, large front halogen headlamp clusters, creased hood lines and T-grille… We think it's cute.
It's also practical. The Liftback's rear hatch opens down to the bumper line and raises just high enough to allow a six-foot-tall person to stand under it. Like everything else about the Yaris, the hatch's function feels just right. Opening of the hatch is well damped by two struts, and closing it takes no more than a gentle downward push.”
SUMMARY: “The Toyota Yaris proves that inexpensive should not be confused with cheap. From their well sculptured exterior lines to the tailored, upscale look of their interiors, little about the Yaris liftback or sedan suggests the cutting of corners. The Yaris is practical and convenient. Agile and zippy, the Yaris excels around town and works well for commuting.”
INTRODUCTION: Completely redesigned for 2012, the Kia Rio comes ready to pick a fight with anyone in the subcompact segment, armed not only with good numbers in terms of power, fuel economy, warranty and price, but also with a degree of style and, dare we say, refinement not often found in inexpensive cars.SAFETY
Compared with other subcompacts, the Rio models are wider, have a longer wheelbase, shorter overall length and lower roofline; only Nissan's Versa is considerably bigger outside.
Cabins are nicely put together, easy to live with and not overwrought with gimmicky styling. What conveniences aren't standard are usually available and anyone can quickly master the controls. Both models offer useful space. We favor the hatch merely for added load flexibility and maneuverability. Interior room stacks up well against competitors; the Rio is best in terms of front legroom but offers the least rear legroom.
The 2012 Kia Rio mechanicals go a step better than econocar basic. Its 1.6-liter engine uses direct injection to aid power and fuel economy, resulting in the best horsepower in the segment and fuel economy highway ratings in the 40-mpg range.
Rio's 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions and all-disc brakes are uncommon in this bracket, as are its available 17-inch wheels. Suspension is conventional in design, delivering a ride suitable for long commutes and behavior suitable for the class.
FEATURES:
Rio LX models come with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, wind-up windows and manual door locks, heated power mirrors, tilt steering, variable intermittent wipers, six-way manual driver seat, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX/USB stereo with steering wheel controls and 15-inch steel wheels. Rio 5-door hatchbacks include rear wipe/wash.
Rio EX and Rio 5-door EX come with the 6-speed automatic. Rio EX models upgrade with power windows and locks, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, sliding center console armrest, front tweeters, metallic cabin trim with faux leather door panels, power-folding mirrors, cruise control, and chrome trim.
DRIVING IMPRESSION: The Kia Rio is fun to drive, with a willing engine, 6-speed transmissions, and capable if unsophisticated suspension. It conveys the willing, youthful energy most of its buyers will share.
SUMMARY: The Kia Rio is a good choice among subcompacts because it does everything well. It gets excellent fuel economy, it's enjoyable to drive, it's roomy and comfortable. We like the Rio 5 hatchback for its convenience.
