Spirited and light on the wallet

Gas prices may have come down and stabilized but they will never go back to where they were only 3 years ago. Fuel economy has never really been more discussed than or as important as it is now. Due to this, fuel economic cars are becoming even more desirable.

This past week's cruise consisted of a 2006 Toyota Yaris. This sub-compact is new for 2006 and is replacing the Echo H/B. In fact, the Echo H/B as we know it has always been called the Yaris elsewhere in the World. This is Toyota's entry level automobile and is quite popular with Quebecers.

Base price is $13,580. The top of the line model's price is set at just under $20,000 with options. I tested an RS equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission and the optional B-package. It retails for $18,815.

Styling

For the moment, the Yaris is available in two body styles: 3-door hatchback and a 5-door hatchback. The future should hold a 4-door sedan however it may not be called Yaris. I hate to say this but the Yaris is simply cute as a button. What I really like about the styling of the car is how Euro it looks. I feel like I am walking along the Champs Élysés when I see one. As far as I am concerned, this is probably the best thing that could have come out of Toyota's design.

The Yaris is more than just adorable on the outside. The interior is well laid out and particularly functional. The gauges, located in the middle of the dash, are easy to consult and are only missing an engine temperature gauge. There is a "cool" temperature light that fades away as the engine reaches normal operating temperature. For many, including myself, we would have preferred a temperature indicator.

The HVAC controls consist of three large and grippy rotary knobs. Nothing special here, their vertical layout, on the other hand, is quite unusual. The dashboard is laden with more cubby-holes than most people will know what to do with: no other car has this many compartments. By my count, there are 11 spots, including the door bins, in which stuff can be stored.

Passenger volume is incredibly plentiful for a car in the sub-compact and compact category. The only shortcoming is luggage space; with the sliding second row seats in their upright position, there is room only for a few day bags. All seats are generally comfortable although the front lower cushions are short on thigh support. I found the existence of two power door-lock switches to be odd; one is located on the door panel and the other, between the two front seats.