2008 Toyota Yaris Hatchback

As the new entry-level model in Toyota's subcompact segment, the Yaris has a lot of weight on its shoulders.

Styled by the designers at Toyota's European design studio ED2 and by the TMC design division, it features trends that are popular around the world. With short overhangs, it is stylish and contemporary. Add to that: Fun to drive.

Sporting a 96.9-inch wheelbase, the car immediately lends itself to go-kart-like handling. With its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque, and equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), we still can't call it a rocket ship, but toss in a standard five-speed manual transmission or the optional four-speed automatic, and we can agree with the axiom that it's more fun to drive a slow car fast, rather than a fast car slow. On its standard P175/65R14 radials, EPA fuel estimates for the Yaris are 29 city / 36 highway with the manual transmission, and 29 city / 35 highway for the automatic.

Convenience features on the Yaris Liftback include air conditioning, tilt wheel, visors with vanity mirrors and intermittent windshield wipers. The liftback features rear seating for three with individual headrests, in a 60-40 split arrangement.

Safety features include advanced dual-stage front airbags, which inflate according to the intensity of the collision. Front-seat-mounted side airbags with first and second row roll-sensing side curtain airbags are available as an option.

Various packages are available to personalize your Yaris. In addition to the side mounted airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) are also there for added safety. Add 15-inch alloy wheels, and an AM/FM/CD with MP3 system for in-car entertainment. A sport Yaris 'S' package is available which adds a front and rear spoiler, amber gauges, sport seat fabric, a tachometer, and a leather steering wheel with matching shift knob for a total sporting appearance.