2017 Toyota Yaris iA
03/21/2018
Shahed Hussain
After Toyota shuttered the Scion brand, the iA sedan was rebadged as a Yaris. Despite its shared nameplate, the Yaris iA shares nothing with the Yaris Liftback. Mazda builds the iA for Toyota on the same platform as the Mazda2. In a shrinking subcompact segment, the Yaris iA has a few alternatives such as the Chevrolet Sonic, Hyundai Accent, Honda Fit and Nissan Versa.
Customers searching for their first new car are usually value-driven, so Toyota set pricing at a competitive $15,950 for the 2018 Yaris iA (6-speed manual), or $17,050 (6-speed automatic), plus an $895 delivery fee. Standard content includes a rearview camera, 7-inch touchscreen display, 16-inch diameter alloy wheels, climate control, remote keyless entry, cruise control, power windows & locks, pushbutton start, Bluetooth phone & audio, 6-speaker audio system, and dual USB ports.
The iA is powered by a Mazda-sourced 1.5L dual overhead-cam inline-4. Direct injection and a 12:1 compression ratio yield 106-bhp @ 6,000 RPM and 103 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 RPM. Equipped with the manual gearbox, fuel consumption is 30/39 MPG (city/hwy.) or 32/40 MPG (city/hwy.) for the automatic. A taller (0.59:1 vs. 0.645:1) sixth gear and axle ratio (3.824:1 vs. 4.105:1) in the automatic gearbox are responsible for its higher EPA fuel economy rating. We averaged 36-37 MPG in mixed urban and highway driving. Curb weight is 2,385 lbs. (manual) or 2,416 lbs. (automatic).
As with other subcompacts, the Yaris iA rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension and stabilizer bar. At the rear is a torsion beam semi-independent setup with coil springs and dampers. Steering is via an electrically-assisted rack-and-pinion system with 2.84 turns lock-to-lock. Front vented discs with 10.2-in. diameter rotors are accompanied by 7.9 in. diameter rear drums. Alloy 16-in. diameter wheels are shod with Toyo Proxes A27 185/60R16 all-season tires. ABS, traction control, and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) are standard. A low-speed pre-collision system uses a laser sensor to apply brakes to slow the vehicle as it approaches an object ahead.
Entry-level sedan interiors are often awash in hard plastic panels, but the Yaris iA does have a partly padded dashboard. Overall materials and build quality are exceptional at this price point, and the satin aluminum accents on the vents, center console, and steering wheel look expensive. We did miss a leather-wrapped steering wheel, although Yaris iA's molded plastic rim is better than expected. Gauges consist of a speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge. Instead of a dial gauge, a blue thermometer pictograph indicates cold coolant. The display screen above the dashboard shows navigation and audio data, along with the rearview camera display. Despite its position on the dash, the screen is remarkably glare-free in full daylight. Instead of a touch interface, a center console knob and buttons control the infotainment system.
The front seats are covered in an attractive two-tone textured fabric. The driver's seat has 6-way manual adjustments, and has decent thigh and torso bolsters. Front headroom is acceptable for drivers up to 6 ft. tall. Rear legroom is adequate if the front seat occupants are accommodating. The rear seats are reasonably comfortable for two passengers, but adults may desire a longer seat cushion. Rear headroom is acceptable for occupants shorter than 6 ft. tall.
As we expected, with only 106-bhp and 103 lb.-ft. of torque available, the Yaris iA is not especially quick. Acceleration below 3,000 RPM is leisurely, so we tried to shift near the 4,000 RPM torque peak whenever possible. Above 4,000 RPM, the inline-4 starts becoming buzzy as engine vibrations intrude into the cabin. The long-stroke inline-4 is a slow revving powerplant, so zipping to the redline is not especially rewarding. The 6-speed manual gearbox has progressive clutch engagement and a short-throw shifter. Executing a quick pass often requires downshifting from sixth to fourth to approach the 4,000 RPM torque peak. As with other subcompact sedans, engine noise intrudes into the cabin during highway cruising.
Sharp handling is usually missing from subcompact sedans, but the chassis engineers endowed the Yaris iA with accurate steering with decent road feedback. The chassis feels solid and composed on the highway, but patched and pitted roads can upset the rear axle. Moderate body roll and mild understeer allowed us to have some fun around curves, especially with the manual gearbox-equipped Yaris iA. The chassis limits are not very especially high, but with its low curb weight, this Toyota is fun to drive. With a disc/drum setup, braking performance is not especially impressive, requiring considerable pedal pressure to slow down from highway speeds.
As the most affordable sedan in Toyota's model range, the Yaris iA is a decent choice for the value-conscious new car customer. An extensive standard equipment list and excellent build quality separate this sedan from its more sparsely equipped competition. As a bonus, the Yaris iA is actually enjoyable to drive, so enthusiasts on a budget should certainly add this Toyota to their shopping list.