As demand grows for smaller, fuel efficient vehicles, Toyota Motor Sales USA is adding the five-door hatchback version to its 2009 line, dubbing it the ‘Liftback’.
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The five-door has long been available across the border in Canada but US buyers until now have only been offered the three-door hatchback and four-door sedan (which goes by other names in Asia-Pacific markets).
Toyota Motor Sales USA said the Yaris would be the only model line in its segment to offer three body styles. It projects 130,000 sales in calendar year 2009, with the five-door accounting for about a third. Sales start next month.
Standard equipment for all 2009 Yaris versions will now include anti-lock brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear curtain side airbags. Cruise control will be optional on Liftbacks and audio systems are now satellite ready/capable.
The Yaris was rated lowest for cost of ownership in its segment according to Intellichoice, Toyota said.
Like Canada’s, US models have a 106hp, 1.5-litre, variable valve timing, I4 engine with standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmissions.
European models, built mostly in France (North America is supplied from Japan), get 1.0-, 1.3- or 1.8-litre petrol engines, a 1.4-litre turbodiesel (developed with PSA) and manual or automated-manual (electronically controlled operation of clutch and gear shifting) transmissions.
