TORRANCE, California — Future-product information isn't always embedded in an automaker's sales report. But Toyota surprised consumers on Tuesday with just that, using the occasion of its half-year sales report to say it will bring a Yaris five-door hatchback to the U.S.
"As the pendulum swings toward smaller, higher-mileage vehicles, we're well poised to offer the right products at the right time," said Toyota Motor Sales USA President Jim Lentz. "A five-door liftback will soon join the Yaris lineup, widening the choice for value-conscious consumers in challenging economic times."
Toyota Motor Sales USA spokesman Curt McAllister told Inside Line that the Yaris five-door will be available in late summer. He said pricing on the vehicle will be available closer to launch. Powertrain and aftermarket details, such as whether the Yaris five-door will get such items as a body kit, are not yet available.
However, the Yaris five-door is already on sale in Canada. That version is likely to be the same one that comes to the U.S. It's powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 106 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 103 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm. It is linked to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
In Canada, the Yaris five-door LE starts at the equivalent of $13,978; the top-of-the-line Yaris five-door RS starts at the equivalent of $17,991.
What this means to you: Toyota throws yet another small, fuel-efficient offering into the ring: aimed straight at the Honda Fit. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
"As the pendulum swings toward smaller, higher-mileage vehicles, we're well poised to offer the right products at the right time," said Toyota Motor Sales USA President Jim Lentz. "A five-door liftback will soon join the Yaris lineup, widening the choice for value-conscious consumers in challenging economic times."
Toyota Motor Sales USA spokesman Curt McAllister told Inside Line that the Yaris five-door will be available in late summer. He said pricing on the vehicle will be available closer to launch. Powertrain and aftermarket details, such as whether the Yaris five-door will get such items as a body kit, are not yet available.
However, the Yaris five-door is already on sale in Canada. That version is likely to be the same one that comes to the U.S. It's powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 106 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 103 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm. It is linked to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
In Canada, the Yaris five-door LE starts at the equivalent of $13,978; the top-of-the-line Yaris five-door RS starts at the equivalent of $17,991.
What this means to you: Toyota throws yet another small, fuel-efficient offering into the ring: aimed straight at the Honda Fit. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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