The bold look of the 2016 Yaris also brings a new, more vibrant attitude in tune with the car's customers. The choice of 3-door and 5-door body styles remains an exclusive in the segment. Behind the rear seats, there's up to 15.6 cu.-ft. of carrying space (in the five-door model), which increases significantly when the seatbacks are lowered.

Fun, functionality and frugality come together in the Toyota Yaris. The smooth-revving 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) produces 106 horsepower rpm and 103 lb.-ft. of torque.

The more rigid body structure, together with retuned suspension, provide for a smoother, more confident ride. The Yaris rides on front MacPherson-strut and rear torsion-beam suspension systems. Sport-tuned electric power steering helps make the Yaris nimble and easy to park on crowded city streets, and there's no hydraulic fluid to ever check or replace.

The Yaris cabin design clearly defines the driver and front passenger spaces, and the instrument gauge cluster conveys a sporty intent. Below the large speedometer, an LCD multi-information display includes functions for odometer, trip meter, clock, outside temperature, fuel economy, and average speed.

Soft-touch trim for the instrument panel and front doors feature a leather-like grain to give their surfaces a high-quality look and feel. The seats themselves were made a bit larger last year, with a higher front-of-cushion, to ensure comfort for longer drives. The side bolsters were extended higher, too, for a more body-hugging feel.

Standard features include air conditioning, sport-tuned electric power steering, 3-spoke tilt steering wheel, power door locks with illuminated entry, cargo area cover and lamp, power windows with driver's side auto up/down, and color-keyed folding outside mirrors.