There's no other car we've awaited with anticipation than the Toyota Yaris.  We've always had a soft spot for Toyota's hatchback, mainly because we have its immediate predecessor--the Echo--a car that despite all the cars we've driven and tested over the years, remain a personal favorite mainly thanks to its super compact exterior and frugality at the pump (13 km/L in the city--beat that Honda Jazz!)

In any case, we know that the business model for the Echo hasn't always been successful.  From an introductory price of around P 530,000--it went up to a whisker above P 600,000 mainly because of the Yen-Peso exchange rate.  Soon, it was just a couple of thousands away from the base Civic or Corolla, and the main reason for the Echo's rather sudden market departure. Anyhow, it's credited for doing one thing: lifting Toyota's staid image.  Together with the Mk. II RAV4, the Echo showed that Toyota could make reliable and at the same time, dynamic and fun products.

Now that Filipinos have begun to realize the importance of fuel economy and have begun to accept small cars (nee Suzuki Swift, Honda Jazz, Hyundai Getz, et. al.)--Toyota is going to try to crack the market once again, with what else--the all-new Toyota Yaris.  The Yaris is basically the Echo's new global name (Japan still calls it Vitz) and the christening of the new marque also signals an entirely new direction for Toyota's sub-compact hatch.

In other countries, with the introduction of the ultra-cheap AYGO model, Toyota could concentrate on making the Yaris a bit more upscale, a bit bigger than the predecessor.  A step up to the new model, which was on preview at Toyota Motor Philippines's annual Thanksgiving Party, makes the changes fairly obvious.  The overall styling theme has been retained, meaning the Yaris is still very much curvaceous and egg-like--something that can't be said with its rivals.  But the Yaris is now much wider, taller and longer with a longer wheelbase than before (roughly 100 mm additional).  Exterior equipment is quite generous for the segment with front and rear fog lamps as standard as well as color-keyed garnishes, mirrors and even 185/60 R 15 tires shod with Bridgestone Potenza tires!

Opening the door reveals a much more solid feel to the Yaris, and a step inside the cabin brings about a feeling of space.  The Yaris take a step away from the usual beige/wood treatment of other Toyota cars in favor of sporty metal trim and a racy black interior.  The seats reek of higher quality, covered in a sporty material.  The steering wheel, although adjustable only for height (tilt) is of the sports variant with a thick three-spoke style complete with thumb rests.  Again, interior standard fare is generous with a 2-DIN stereo/CD/MP3 with 4 speakers, analogue Optitron gauges and key/light minder buzzers all standard.  All power amenities are in including a one touch up/down driver's window switch.

The roomy interior is a welcome change to those familiar with the old Echo, especially the rear bench which has a longer seat and a much more reclined back rest.  Overall, there's a lot of cubby holes inside including those on the dash, center console, map pockets and 3 cup holders.  The rear seat folds flat and the cargo compartment's covered in a tough, washable plastic material--but a 60/40 split-fold mechanism is absent on this model, limiting its flexibility versus the Jazz.

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