Toyota Smells The Hatchback Comeback, Drops Yaris Sedan

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

When Toyota built the first generation of its Vitz subcompact in 1998, the firm had no plans to sell it in the US under the Yaris nameplate (as it was called in Europe). Instead it sold a four-door and two-door version of the Platz, which was mechanically identical but had unique sheetmetal (except for the front doors), as the Echo. The Echo fell into a pattern that seems to have repeated itself several times in Toyota’s recent subcompact past: a year of growth, and then a drop. Eventually, Toyota brought the Yaris nameplate to the US, with a hatchback option in tow, and found its strongest performer in this class since the Tercel.

Now, with the hatchback bodystyle back in vogue, Toyota’s dropping the Yaris sedan altogether for the new generation, debuting later this year. It’s not the JDM/Euro Yaris/Vitz which Bertel showed us back in December, but it is being built at the revolutionary Sendai plant he visited in Fbruary. And without a sedan counterpoint, it will definitely mark an entirely new approach for Toyota’s US-market subcompact strategy.




Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • MrBostn MrBostn on Aug 19, 2011

    I like the HB idea. Now add awd/4wd, and a few more inches of ground clearance with fold flat rear seats, and good "5 O'clock" views. Or bring back the Corolla wagon, or remake the Stanza wagon.

  • Tankinbeans Tankinbeans on Aug 19, 2011

    So...are insurance premiums higher for hatchbacks(not suburban utility vehicles or child utility vehicles)? I've never owned one so I wouldn't know. I hear they are, but don't have first-hand experience. Perhaps this is part of the reason for the dislike of hatchbacks.

    • See 2 previous
    • Tankinbeans Tankinbeans on Aug 19, 2011

      @Scout and Threeer You're both probably correct. Like I've said my interest in cars hasn't really been up to enthusiast status...well...ever. I enjoy reading about them and talking about them with my limited knowledge, but would be unable to make credible arguments for or against any major part (engine, transmission, suspension, RWD v. FWD v. AWD - and its varients). Also, I'm still young in the grandest scheme of things. As such I have no honest recollection of how many of the older cars were regarded, except what I'd heard from family about their experiences.

  • Dartdude The bottom line is that in the new America coming the elites don't want you and me to own cars. They are going to make building cars so expensive that the will only be for the very rich and connected. You will eat bugs and ride the bus and live in a 500sq-ft. apartment and like it. HUD wants to quit giving federal for any development for single family homes and don't be surprised that FHA aren't going to give loans for single family homes in the very near future.
  • Ravenuer The rear view of the Eldo coupe makes it look fat!
  • FreedMike This is before Cadillac styling went full scale nutty...and not particularly attractive, in my opinion.
  • JTiberius1701 Middle of April here in NE Ohio. And that can still be shaky. Also on my Fiesta ST, I use Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires for the winter and Bridgestone Potenza for my summer tires. No issues at all.
  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
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