2015 Toyota Yaris
Changes for the 2015 Toyota Yaris:
This year, the 2015 Yaris adopts the styling that Toyota uses for this model in other areas of the world, and the automaker says the car is now sourced from an assembly plant in France. The result is a Yaris that is longer but lighter, more aerodynamic and quieter inside.
New seats with a standard driver’s side height adjuster, in addition to lots of soft-touch interior materials, promise greater comfort at the same time that new storage areas expand the cabin’s utility. Toyota says that revised suspension tuning, sport-tuned electric steering, and a more rigid body structure sharpen the car’s handling while simultaneously improving ride quality. The even sportier Yaris SE model now comes with LED running lights.
Model Lineup:
For 2015, Toyota offers the Yaris in 3-door and 5-door body styles, and in L, LE, and SE trim levels. Given the mono-spec approach to the 2015 Yaris lineup, it is important to know what upgrades are included with each version of the car.
Aside from an automatic transmission, the Yaris L 5-door is essentially identical to the Yaris L 3-door. For more equipment, choose the Yaris LE, which comes with power side mirrors, folding side mirrors, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, added stereo speakers, upgraded interior trim, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, remote keyless entry, a chrome-accented grille, and 15-inch aluminum wheels.
The Yaris SE is the sporty model, equipped with a standard manual transmission, a sport-tuned suspension, 4-wheel-disc brakes, and black 16-inch aluminum wheels with machined-finish spokes and 195/50 tires. Offered only in 5-door format, the Yaris SE also features projector-beam headlights with black trim, LED running lights, fog lights, piano-black grille trim, a rear spoiler, and a rear diffuser panel. Inside, a leather-trimmed sport steering wheel and shift knob, sport fabric for the seats, and sport instrumentation with a tachometer round out the changes.
Engines and Transmissions:
No matter which version of the 2015 Yaris you choose, it has a 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard for the Yaris L 3-door and Yaris SE 5-door, while all other versions get a 4-speed automatic. Toyota includes free scheduled maintenance for the first two years and 25,000 miles of ownership.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
According to the EPA, the Yaris gets 33 mpg in combined driving with the manual gearbox and 32 mpg with the automatic transmission.
Safety Ratings:
The NHTSA says the Yaris 5-door gets an overall crash-test rating of 4 stars. The 3-door model has not been tested as this summary is written, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not tested either version of the 2015 Yaris.
Technology Highlights:
Not surprisingly, the simple Yaris offers little in terms of technology. Notably, though, a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard and includes HD Radio, iTunes tagging, a USB port, and Bluetooth with voice recognition. A navigation system is available, and is installed at the port of entry or at the dealership.
Written by Christian Wardlaw
October 16, 2014
