Autoblog

Consumer Reports tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST

2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. Common sense, right? Absolutely, but it's still helpful to see real-life data, as you'll see by checking out the results of a recent test performed by Consumer Reports. Not all cars perform the same at various speed limits, and as you might expect, America's most fuel efficient models are also the vehicles most affected by higher speeds.

A total of seven vehicles were tested by CR: a Acura TSX with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a new 2010 Honda Insight; a Lexus RX350; a Mercury Mountaineer with 4.6-liter V8; Toyota Camry and RAV4 with 2.5-liter four-bangers; and a Yaris with a 1.5-liter four.

As you're probably aware, today's hybrids are optimized for high fuel economy at city speeds and therefore lose much of their miserly ways on the highway. As it turns out, this was especially true of the new Insight hybrid, which lost over 15 miles per gallon moving the needle from 55 mph to 75 mph - the largest drop in the contest. Click here for the complete test results.

Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Safety, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Mini, Smart, Toyota

IIHS microcar roof tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just tested the latest batch of the smallest cars on the market to determine the strength of their roofs in the event of a rollover accident. Coming out on top with a "good" rating was the Smart Fortwo, which isn't all that surprising - due in large part to the runabout's diminutive size, Daimler put lots of effort into the design of its so-called Tridion safety cell.

Somehow, we're equally as unsurprised that the Chevy Aveo scored the lowest of the six automobiles tested. Chevy's least expensive car earned a "marginal" rating from the Institute. Sitting in between those two bookends were the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Mini Cooper, and Toyota Yaris, all of which scored "acceptable" ratings.

It's interesting to note that the Smart Fortwo fared quite a bit better in this kind of test than in the Institute's series of frontal offset crash tests versus a Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: IIHS microcar roof tests

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top

IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota planning cheaper, Yaris-based hybrid, could arrive in 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Japan, Hatchback, Toyota

2008 Toyota Yaris - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report originating from a Japanese newspaper, Toyota is planning to add another smaller, cheaper hybrid to its global lineup. The new model would be based on the Yaris sub-compact and be priced well below the current cheapest hybrid: the Honda Insight. This would be consistent with Toyota's oft-repeated plans to launch hybrid variants of almost every vehicle it sells over the next decade. The price in Japan could reportedly be as low as $15,650, and according to the Yomiuri Shimbun, the Yaris hybrid could achieve a fuel efficiency rating as high as 94 mpg!

Unfortunately, this is based on the same Japanese 10-15 urban test cycle that rated the new Prius at 89 mpg. While it's not unusual for dedicated hyper-milers to rack up those kinds of numbers, they are utterly unrealistic in real world driving conditions. Most likely we'll end up with EPA ratings in the low 50s and real world performance in the high 40s for most drivers. Although the Yaris is smaller than the Insight, Honda will have something to worry about if this new hybrid makes those kinds of mileage numbers and hits that price point.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris 3-door

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Report: Toyota planning cheaper, Yaris-based hybrid, could arrive in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Follow-up: Toyota may not produce hybrid Yaris after all

Michael Harley — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota, UK

2009 Toyota Yaris - Click above for a high-res image gallery

A Toyota insider is countering yesterday's report that the automaker is planning a Yaris-based hybrid to be built in France. Such a vehicle would be unnecessary, according to the unnamed source.

Today's Toyota Yaris is already a fuel miser. The European variant is currently quipped with a 1.33-liter dual VVT-i engine with start-stop technology allowing the compact runabout to earn an impressive 55.4 mpg (European) combined fuel economy (in the States, we get a 1.5-liter Yaris that is rated at 29/36 in EPA testing). While dropping a hybrid powerplant into a larger vehicle pays back significantly, the gains realized by building a hybrid Yaris would be negligible.

Down the road, it may be a different story as battery technology (one limiting factor) is improving quickly. The advent of lithium ion batteries will boost the case for compact and subcompact hybrid vehicles as the bantam-weight cars benefit from the lighter and more compact power sources.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Yaris

[Source: Autocar]

Follow-up: Toyota may not produce hybrid Yaris after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota to build Yaris-based hybrid in France, go on sale in Japan in 2011

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Japan, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota Yaris Liftback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota's got hybrids on the brain. Already the undisputed leader in the gas-electric vehicle market, Asahi (via Reuters) reports the Japanese automaker is planning to launch a new compact hybrid based on the next-gen Yaris platform and due to go on sale in Japan for 1.5 million yen ($15,760) by 2011. That bargain-basement price will be made possible by a low-cost version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, used in the current Prius and featuring a downsized four-cylinder engine that may make it even more fuel efficient than its larger sibling.

In addition to production plants in its home market of Japan, the report indicates that Toyota may also assemble the compact hybrid in France for the European market. This news comes just weeks after Toyota officially announced its intentions to build a hybrid version of its Auris hatchback in the United Kingdom. We certainly wouldn't be surprised if Toyota imported either of the new hybrids to the States in light of the success it's seen with the Prius.

It's expected that the new Yaris-based hybrid will go head-to-head with Honda's recently announced Fit Hybrid. While Toyota's interest in hybrid technology is anything but new, the fuel-saving models have just recently earned the top sales spots in Japan and are expected to be increasingly important in over the next few years as the latest round of strict emissions and fuel economy requirements are implemented worldwide.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris 3-door

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Toyota to build Yaris-based hybrid in France, go on sale in Japan in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: New Great Wall hatchback plunders Toyota Yaris' booty

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, China, Hatchback, Toyota

Great Wall i7 - Click above for image gallery

If we were heading up one of China's numerous automakers and we were looking through the annals of history for a vehicle design to crib, our choice probably wouldn't be that of the Toyota Yaris. It's not so much that the Yaris is a bad car, it's that the success of Toyota's little subcompact hatchback is probably based more on the merits of its nameplate and reputation for reliability and low running costs than its styling. No matter, China's Great Wall has indeed aped a good portion of Toyota's five-door hatchback for its latest entry into the small car wars, imaginatively named i7.

The rear end may have a lot of Toyota in it, but we especially like the front grille, which appears to be a Vulcan mind-meld between the design languages of both Dodge and Audi while managing to look completely ~~horrid~~ original. Inside, the i7 combines the unloved central gauge cluster of the Yaris with some very fake wood trim around the shifter and upholstery borrowed from a mid-Nineties Dodge Neon.

So far, there's no word on what powers the i7 or when it's expected to make it into production.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Great Wall i7

[Source: China Car Times | Photos: BitAuto]

Spy Shots: New Great Wall hatchback plunders Toyota Yaris' booty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota's low-cost hybrid to be based on Yaris

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, Toyota

Toyota Yaris Liftback - Click above for high-res image gallery

The speculation can finally end. After weeks of hearing rumors regarding an impending low-cost hybrid from Toyota, Automotive News is reporting that the Japanese automaker is working on getting a hybrid drivetrain installed in the Yaris platform. The new car will use the same Hybrid Synergy Drive technology as the Prius but will cost considerably less when it goes on sale, which could take place as early as 2011.

This new development is a direct response to the new Honda Insight, a hybrid five-door that ostensibly competes with the Toyota Prius but costs thousands less due to its slightly smaller size, including a downsized engine and battery pack. When Toyota's Insight-fighter hits the market, we'd expect it to carry an engine that roughly matches the Insight's 1.3 liters, a full half-liter smaller than the powerplant in the 2010 Prius.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris 3-door

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Toyota's low-cost hybrid to be based on Yaris originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Fit dominates Consumer Reports subcompact test

Michael Harley — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota

Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Fit Sport

The folks over at Consumer Reports have ranked the Honda Fit Sport top among tested subcompact cars in their March 2009 issue. "We found the new Fit the most practical and enjoyable car in this month's group," says Consumers Union. The world's largest independent consumer product testing organization, who don't claim to be enthusiasts, ran the small Honda against the Suzuki SX4, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, and Chevrolet Aveo.

Compared to the rest of the group, the Honda Fit Sport 5-speed was the quickest to 60 miles-per-hour (an asphalt-melting 9.2 seconds) and sipped the least amount of fuel during testing (a not too shabby 33 miles-per-gallon overall). The CU testers were pleased with the Honda's versatile and flexible interior, but not with its dismal headlights. Of the five, only the Fit and SX4 were recommended. The Yaris and Aveo scored too low in testing to make the cut, and the Renault-based Versa sedan has proven too unreliable. Better luck next year, guys. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport

[Source: Consumer Reports via PR Newswire]

Continue reading Honda Fit dominates Consumer Reports subcompact test

Honda Fit dominates Consumer Reports subcompact test originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota recalls 1.3M Yaris models, which begs the question: What's the plural of Yaris?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Toyota Yaris

The 2006 and 2007 model Toyota Yaris is being recalled over a seat belt problem. In severe frontal crashes, a foam pad could reportedly ignite. The recall affects 1.3 million Yaris units (Yarises? Yarii?) worldwide, with 134,900 of those residing in the States.

Toyota is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to administer the recall. The fix evidently takes an hour at the dealership, and affected owners should begin receiving letters next week. According to Toyota officials, NHTSA has logged no reports of pad ignition in an actual consumer crash.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris 3-door

[Source: Detroit News]

Toyota recalls 1.3M Yaris models, which begs the question: What's the plural of Yaris? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota working on Yaris-sized 7-Seater?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Hatchback, Toyota

If you've been distressed by not being able to buy a clown car at any local lot, Toyota has news for you: the company is working on a Yaris-sized seven-seater. That is odd enough to make us ask "What?" and "Why?" in several languages. Even better, though, is when Toyota engineer Hiroki Nakajima says "We can do it, and give limo-like legroom in the back." We aren't sure what Nakajima-san's idea of a limo is, but the current five-searter Yaris doesn't have limo-like room for the people in the front, much less the back and the cargo area...

The next Yaris is due in 2011, and recent rumors suggest the use of Toyota iQ's packaging to make it more roomy inside. Toyota has also said it planned to build an MPV on blueprints of the iQ. While a repackaged Yaris with iQ clever bits would be an impressively spacious subcompact, we simply can't see it making for a limo-like minivan.

[Source: Auto Express]

Toyota working on Yaris-sized 7-Seater? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Toyota Yaris flies into the danger zone, drives off aircraft carrier

Chris Shunk — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Toyota

Click above to view video after the jump

Toyota is hitting the boob tube hard to advertise its sub-compact Yaris, and the Japanese automaker has found its funny bone in these newest spots. The overall theme of the new campaign is that the Yaris is clever enough to do "almost anything" by demonstrating the few things this little three-door can't. One commercial, for instance shows the Yaris being unsuccessfully piloted by a bobsled team. The newest commercial, however, puts the Yaris on the deck of an aircraft carrier where it attempts to take off after getting the OK from flight control. As you might have guessed, the Yaris can't fly, so the Little hatch goes overbooard into the drink. Follow the jump to see a Yaris go swimming with the fishes for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Matt!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Toyota Yaris flies into the danger zone, drives off aircraft carrier

VIDEO: Toyota Yaris flies into the danger zone, drives off aircraft carrier originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Still ugly: Toyota gives Yaris the Emperor's New Colors

Dan Roth — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Toyota

Click above to for hi-res gallery of the new Yaris colors and models

Yaris: Not really cool or good looking for that matter. Factory photography: the cure for uncool. Toyota has released a couple of new colors for the Yaris Liftbacks - Yellow Jolt and Carmine Red Metallic. An ochreous or insect-derived hue doesn't instantly remove the Joe Camel nose or the S version's tacked on bodykit, but there's something sharp about the accessorized penalty box that Toyota's showing off here. The Yaris sedan gets a couple of more subdued colors - Zephyr Blue Metallic and Blue Streak Metallic. Of course, new colors don't make the Yaris any better, but we must grudgingly admit that while it doesn't stir our souls, it's a decent lob over the plate. Though the price can get uncomfortably close to $20,000 (yikes!). Take a look at the gallery below, which also includes shots of the new five-door hatch model in faux sporty S trim. Indeed, the Yaris has never looked better, and likely never will.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Yaris

[Source: Open Road]

Still ugly: Toyota gives Yaris the Emperor's New Colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota prices 5-door Yaris hatchback from $13,305

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Toyota

Click above for more high-res shots of the 2009 Yaris 5-door

Last month, Toyota announced that its Yaris five-door hatchback would finally make its U.S. debut in 2009. Perfect timing, as escalating gas prices are making small cars like the Yaris increasingly popular; especially when they can be had for a song... which brings us to the real news here. The '09 Yaris five-door will begin at just $13,305 for the base model, with the upper-level S model coming in at $15,125. Also new for '09 are standard anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, driver and front passenger front side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags. Fuel mileage remains a strong point, with 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway when equipped with an automatic transmission and 29 city, 36 highway with the manual transmission models. Now, if only Toyota could find a way to move the gauges in front of the driver where they should be, we'd be all set.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Yaris 5 Door

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota prices 5-door Yaris hatchback from $13,305

Toyota prices 5-door Yaris hatchback from $13,305 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Number of sub-$15k cars in U.S. falls by one-third

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Budget

Click above for more high-res shots of the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo

Every year, cars get just a bit more expensive. There was a time, which doesn't seem too long ago, that ten grand and a signature was all you needed to walk out of a dealership as the owner of a brand new car. Today, not so much. In fact, according to J.D. Power and Associates, $15,000 gets you just two-thirds of the choices you had just two years ago. Holding up the bottom of the list is the Chevrolet Aveo, which, along with the base-model Cobalt, makes GM the only American player in the cheap-car sweepstakes. The 2009 Aveo, however, has a higher base price than before thanks to the elimination of the lowest price value model. The Koreans in the form of Hyundai and Kia offer three choices, and the remaining five slots are ably filled by Japanese manufacturers.

While there may be a few more vehicles that have base prices below the $15,000 mark, J.D. Power's numbers actually reflect transaction prices rather than MSRPs. Some vehicles, like the Honda Fit, are able to maintain some driving enjoyment to go along with their low prices, and these cars often command higher prices because of the demand for them.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage - 2007 Chevy Aveo

[Source: JD Power via Winding Road]

Number of sub-$15k cars in U.S. falls by one-third originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris Liftback

Dan Roth — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Budget, Hatchback, Toyota

2008 Toyota Yaris - Click above for high-res image gallery

Read a few car reviews and it's easy to walk away with the impression that we're a jaded lot; only interested in performance, luxury, and price. Any vehicle that doesn't have stupendous amounts of the first two for the tiniest pile of the latter gets kicked to the curb. It's true, driving cars that don't belong to us facilitates a certain view into how the other half lives that could definitely ruin one on lesser vehicles. On the other hand, there's an entirely different type of enjoyment to be extracted from cars that forego ostentation without ratcheting up the crap factor. Toyota's Yaris will never be mistaken for a Lexus, but it's neither the absolute nadir, nor ultimate zenith of autodom, meaning it has a shot.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris 3-door

Continue reading Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris Liftback

Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris Liftback originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automakers win: Canada dropping ecoAUTO rebate program

Michael Harley — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Honda, Toyota, Canada

After a controversial two-year run, the Canadian government has announced their ecoAUTO rebate program will be ended next year. The ecoAUTO plan offered a $1000 to $2000 CDN rebate to owners of new cars that consumed gas at a rate less than 6.5 l/100 km. Although the ambitious plan sounded like an excellent way to reward drivers of frugal transportation, the mathematical line in the sand snuffed those whose vehicles were still very efficient, yet just under the threshold.

One of the most vocal protests came from Honda. Unfortunately for them, their Canadian-market Fit was "unfit" for the rebate, yet the competing Toyota Yaris was approved. It didn't take long for the Japanese automaker to call out the Ottawa government in protest. Honda took their message public, and even offered their own version of the rebate to match the government's offer.

To mend the wounds of this green-rebate-gone-awry, the Canadian government has pledged $250 million to the auto industry for the development and research of environmentally-friendly technologies.

[Source: Autoblog Green]

Automakers win: Canada dropping ecoAUTO rebate program originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Europe gets Toyota Yaris SR with dockable TomTom nav unit

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Budget, Technology, Hatchback, Toyota, Lifestyle, UK

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Toyota Yaris SR

The Euro-spec Toyota Yaris is a well-equipped little car. But things like the nine airbags, chrome exhaust finisher, and remote central double locking are merely gravy for the real show on this new SR model: a fully-integrated portable TomTom navigation system that doubles as a touchscreen interface for the car stereo.

It's a neat little trick, and the unit also offers Bluetooth connectivity and a USB connection for MP3 players. We wonder, though, if this is about simply making life easier and aesthetically cleaner for GPS users, or if people are really clamoring for a portable GPS. This blogger has never seen anyone walking down the street taking direction from a TomTom -- but this blogger also lives in LA where nobody walks anywhere, so maybe I'm not the best judge. If nothing else, certain Euro Yaris takers can finally kiss the suction cups goodbye. Uh, Toyota, how 'bout some of that love over this way, please?

Gallery: Toyota Yaris SR

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Europe gets Toyota Yaris SR with dockable TomTom nav unit

Europe gets Toyota Yaris SR with dockable TomTom nav unit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: Five Axis Yaris Club

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Tuners, Toyota

click above image to view more high-res pics of the Yaris Club

Is it possible to get excited about a Yaris? In short, no. But throw Five Axis into the game - one of the country's premier customizers - and you'll come away with a new found respect for the pensioner's penalty box. The crew at Five Axis decided to take Toyota's staid means of moribund transport and convert it into a track day tramp, which Toyota claims plays homage to its participation in the Group 7 Can-Am series of the '60s.

The Yaris Club loses its roof and any other means of civilian transport, only making due with a stripped out interior, a racing bucket, a few gauges and chopped windshield. Five Axis fabbed up the hard top tonneau conversion, added JDM front and rear Vitz bumpers, taillights, foglamps and then finished it all in Ivory White Paint.

Under the hood - where it counts - the stock 1.5-liter inline four takes deep breaths through a TRD/TTE Supercharger and cold air intake, bringing output up from 106 hp to 166 HP. A DC sports header takes care of spent exhaust gases and a Greddy TIC exhaust expels it out the back. 17-inch wheels are fitted fore and aft, wrapped in custom Five Axis Yokoyamas sized 255/45R17. The suspension has been retrofitted with Tein Super Street Dampers and a TRD strut brace, while slowing the flyweight are Greddy six-piston brakes sized 282mm all around.

You can glean all the deets after the jump and check out our gallery of images below.

Gallery: Toyota Yaris Club

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Five Axis Yaris Club

SEMA 2007: Five Axis Yaris Club originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda goes looking for a few extra MPGs in Canada

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:48:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Government/Legal, Green, Honda

The latest news on the Honda vs, the Canadian government issue has Honda Canada now hoping to tweak its Fit and Civic models to qualify for Canada's auto rebate program (the so-called ecoAuto program). The ecoAuto program is a bit like the U.S. gas guzzler tax combined with our incentives for hybrids. Honda hopes it can improve the mileage on these two cars just enough to earn the $1,000 CDN rebate offered to buyers of fuel efficient vehicles that use less than 6.5 liters/100km. Honda engineers back in Japan are working on the issue and hope they can find a way to get better mileage, without sacrificing either car's safety or driveability.

The ecoAuto program gives buyers of the most fuel-efficient models rebates ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, but also penalizes gas guzzlers up to $4,000. Cars like the Toyota Yaris sail right under the specified economy ratings of 6.5 liters/100km, but Honda just missed with its popular Fit that achieves 6.6 liters/100km. The Civic, meanwhile, consumes about 7.0 liters/100km. In fact, Honda was pretty upset that the standard was set just below the Fit's ratings, and decided to offer $1,000 of its own money to buyers of 2007 models. Critics of the program have even called it "the Yaris subsidy program" since Yaris sales were up significantly more than Fit sales when the program was announced, but Honda's own rebates brought Fit sales back.

While Honda works to get that extra fuel economy, it doesn't even know if the standards will be the same in 2008. There is some talk that the qualifying criteria could be lowered on 2008 models. The reason for the possible change is that Canada was using the new EPA standards introduced last year to better reflect real world driving conditions. Those EPA ratings are now under review as a proper standard for the Canadian program. Sigh, such drama. We'll keep you posted.

[Source: The Toronto Star]

Honda goes looking for a few extra MPGs in Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nasty Fit: Honda calls out Ottawa government over federal rebate

John Neff — Fri, 18 May 2007 14:52:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Green, Hatchback, Honda

The Canadian p~~rovince of Ottawa~~ government is learning the hard way that one does not mess with Honda Canada. We reported last month that the automaker was irritated its Fit just missed qualifying for a federal ecoAUTO rebate of $1,000 CDN that was established to promote the purchase of fuel efficient cars. The rebate applies to new cars that use less than 6.5 liters of gas for every 100 kilometers driven. The Honda Fit uses 6.6 liters/100km, which means shoppers who purchase a Fit aren't eligible for the $1,000 rebate. Honda claims it designed the Fit to be both safe and environmentally responsible, and refuses to sacrifice one attribute for the other.

One of the Fit's direct competitors, the Toyota Yaris, consumes 6.4 liters/100km, and is thus eligible for the rebate. As such, according to this report, Toyota is practically the only automaker in Canada not upset about the federal rebate program that officially began on March 19th. Perhaps that's because sales of the Yaris in Canada grew by 15% in April, the first full month the rebate was offered. Sales of most its competitors that weren't eligible for the rebate reportedly fell, some by double digits.

Though it has voiced its concerns to Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, Honda is stepping out and fighting back. The company has bought ad space in newspapers across Canada and is publishing an open letter that criticizes the Canadian government's rebate program. If any Canadian reader finds the ad, we'd love to know everything that's said, but one quote from Honda president Hiroshi Kobayashi will be, "At Honda, we offer pride of ownership because we do not sacrifice safety for the environment." Honda is also offering its own $1,000 rebate on the Fit to match the government's offer, even making it retroactive for those who purchased a Fit all the way back to March 19th.

You hear that? It's Honda's Kobayashi saying, "Eat it, Flaherty!"

Thanks for the tip, Rob!

[Souce: The Globe and Mail]

Nasty Fit: Honda calls out Ottawa government over federal rebate originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2007 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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