Description
Introduced at the end of 2005 on the European and North American market, the second generation of the Yaris was a natural evolution of its predecessor and was available in a three- or five-door configuration.
The Japanese carmaker tried to dominate the supermini segment with the Yaris. It counted on interior space and on Toyota's reputation to increase sales. For that, it needed a five-door version that was fit for small families who needed such a car, with worry-free maintenance and technical issues. And yet, despite the car's success in several markets, it was far from being a successful vehicle when it confronted the European manufacturers.
Toyota tried to pen the vehicle as a cute-looking one. The front fascia showed a pair of headlights relatively vertical than horizontal and a grill that looked a scaled-down version of the one featured on the larger Avensis. Thanks to the short overhangs and the tall, bubble-like greenhouse, it offered an airy interior. The back of the car featured an almost vertical drop on the tailgate but with a rounded shape.
Inside, the carmaker placed a hard-plastic dashboard fitted with multiple storage spaces in front of the driver and three more on the passenger's side. That was possible thanks to the center-mounted instrument cluster, which provided all passengers aboard a good view of the speedometer. For the rear seats, Toyota installed a split-folding and sliding bench. Thus, it could offer better legroom or bigger trunk space when needed.
Under the hood, the carmaker installed a choice of three engines: two with gasoline and one turbo-diesel.
