Toyota has taken the
Yaris, made it a five-door Liftback, and -- to banish any troubling thoughts that could connect downsized with diminished power -- kept its 1.5 liter, four-cylinder engine that can rev up 6,000 rpm off of a 106-horsepower engine. Variable valve timing with intelligence (that’s VVT-i to your friends) is on board to ensure engine harmony and performance. At 103 pound-feet of torque, the Yaris -- which starts at a stripped-down $13,305 -- can really pop off the starting line, even if it won’t threaten any muscle-car drivers at the finish.
Still not small enough? Then have patience, because Toyota also unveiled its new
Scion iQ in New York. Without any hybrid technology, the little mini can scoot along at 54 miles to the gallon, which beats out the
Prius (48) for fuel-economy bragging rights. Unlike the Prius, though, you can only get three adults and a dog in the vehicle. And not a big dog -- we’re talking poodles and beagles here. Toyota is sure that the iQ will appeal to the Japanese, but it’s still feeling out the pulse of
America to see if it quickens at the sight of it as well.