Second generation (2005-present)

Toyota redesigned the Vitz in early 2005, immediately going on sale in Japan. The European, Australian, Canadian, Mexican, and Puerto Rican markets saw the second generation Vitz near the end of 2005. In the Australian and North American markets, the car was sold as the "Yaris" for the first time. The production 2007 Toyota Yaris for the US market was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. The new Yaris is built in Japan, France, and Thailand.

The previous 4-cylinder 1.0 VVT-i engine was replaced by the 3-cylinder engine also found in the Toyota Aygo and Daihatsu Sirion. The 1.3 liter engine was revised to offer slightly more power, and the 1.4 D-4D got a 15 PS (11 kW) boost to 90 PS (66 kW), the former engine allowing it to achieve exceptional fuel economy. The Yaris became the first car in its class to offer nine airbags.[citation needed]

It has continued to prove popular in Europe, particularly in Britain, where it competes with models such as the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, and Renault Clio.[citation needed]


[edit] North America
The Canadian Yaris hatchback is available in 3 and 5-door models, running on the Toyota NZ engine, a 1.5 L 4-cylinder VVT-i engine rated 106 hp (79 kW) and 103 ft·lbf (140 N·m) torque. The 2006 Yaris with the 1.5 liter engine can achieve fuel economy ratings of 40 miles per US gallon (5.9 L/100 km/48 mpg imp) during highway driving and 34 mpg (US) (6.9 L/100 km/41 mpg imp) during city driving. 3-door CE and 5-door LE versions come with 14-inch wheels, while RS models are equipped with 15-inch alloys with standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). In addition, 2008 RS models include new front and back skirts.

The US Yaris is similar to the Canadian variant, and is the successor to the previous North American Toyota Echo. In the US, the 3-door Vitz shares the Yaris name with the Toyota Belta sedan. The 3-door model is called the 'Yaris Liftback', while the 5-door model will be sold starting with the 2009 model year in the United States and competes with the similarly equipped Scion xD. The US Yaris comes standard with the 1.5 liter VVT-i engine producing 106 hp and 103 lb·ft and five speed manual transmission, the four speed automatic ECT being optional. Fuel economy is rated at 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission.[1] While front airbags are standard, as mandated by the law, ABS and side airbags are available only as an option.[2]

In Canada, the CE, LE, and RS packages are replaced by the more modular convenience, power, and all-weather guard packages.

For the 2009 year, the Yaris 5-door liftbacks join the lineup of the existing 4-door sedans and 3-door liftbacks because of the increased demand for fuel efficient subcompact cars. In addition to the new 5-door liftback, all 2009 Yaris models come standard with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) and front side/side curtain type airbags.