2008 Toyota Yaris: Like a Blue Streak

Toyota’s smallest car on the lot is the Yaris. So it should come as no surprise to learn Yaris is a minimalist offering, a subcompact, fuel efficient car that’s priced right. Both a hatchback and sedan are offered. Either way it is basic transportation, albeit one with enough pizzazz to endear it to anyone who spends even a little time behind the wheel. I drove a four-door Yaris sedan for a week, logging about 300 miles. Here’s what I found.

Beneath the hood lies a diminutive four-cylinder engine that displaces 1.5 liters and is rated 106 horsepower. You’re right, that’s not a lot of muscle. But keep in mind Yaris is a lightweight car barely weighing 2000 pounds. So as a result it doesn’t need as big of an engine as does a midsize sedan. My Yaris test car came with a sophisticated electronically controlled automatic transmission. Acceleration was brisk. Zero to sixty mph clocked in at about nine point five seconds. For the record, that’s a little faster than the competition. Merging onto the interstate posed no problem. It was only when I loaded up the car with three other adults and headed out of town that I began to wish for just a little more oomph.

Another given, fuel economy was stellar. On a tank full of gas I averaged a little better than 31 mpg, with just about an even mix of highway and city driving. With just me in the car I measured 37 mpg at highway speeds. That's the beauty of fuel efficient cars. You should also know that standard transmission is also offered. It accelerates a little faster and burns even less gas.

Technophiles will be interested to learn the throttle isn’t mechanical but electronic, and that the power steering isn’t hydraulic but electronic. Unfortunately there isn’t room here to delve deeply into the technology. Suffice it to say the variable valve timing engine relies on firmware to give it and the automatic transmission their marching orders, paying big dividends in horsepower and fuel economy. In other words, it’s a way to make a small engine behave like a big one for a lot less money.

Handling manners made me very happy. Base tires are a respectable set of P175/65R14s, while my test car came with even more capable 15 inch tires mounted on alloy wheels. Road grip was very good in tight turns. Steering was precise. The car felt nimble in parking lots. The ride quality was also pretty darn good, given the obvious limitations of a short wheelbase.

A long day on the road would be no problem.

Creature comforts are more than adequate for a car of this class. The steering wheel tilts, the front buckets adjusts for height. Getting comfortable took about a minute. How roomy is Yaris? Small car or not, only the really big and tall will feel claustrophobic. Front and back seats are well proportioned, again, given the obvious limitations of a compact car.

Trunk space is pretty good. In fact, I found more room than I expected the area that’s accessed though a wide opening with a low lift over height. The rear seats split and fold 60/40 opening up even more cargo room, but at the expense of hauling back seat passengers. The spare tire is a temporary, a concession to both purchase price and trunk space. Expedient cargo hauling revealed an interesting tidbit of information. I folded the front and rear seats and then tucked in a ten foot section of PVC tubing. The white plastic tube stretched from under the dashboard back over the seats, and into the trunk. The lid closed. Alas, a sheet of plywood just won’t go.

For safety sake there is a complement of advanced technology dual front airbags, side impact beams and a center high-mount brake light. Front side and curtain side airbags are optional and priced at $650. ABS as a standalone costs an additional $300.

Remember in the beginning when we said Yaris is a minimalist’s dream? Understandably the low purchase price affects the standard items, limited to air conditioning, intermittent windshield wipers, a rear window defogger, a digital clack, a tachometer, visor mirrors, map lights a full tank of gasoline. Upholstery is cloth.

My test sedan came without a radio as a standard, but was fitted with the audio prep package replete with four speakers and an in-glass antenna. Not to worry, the Power Package (code PP) bestowed it with an AM/FM/CD integrated Audio system with MP3/WMA playback. Also included were ABS, the 15-inch alloy wheels, power windows and outside mirrors, cruise control, an upgraded interior, plus a rear window defroster.

2008 Hyundai Accent: Fuel Efficient and Pretty

Hyundai offers its subcompact Accent as either a two-door hatchback in GS or SE trim, or as a four-door sedan, the GLS. It’s a worthy competitor to its counterparts, the Ford Focus, Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris. For this week’s test I drew a GS sedan from the press fleet. Among the ranks of fuel efficient cars it is a standout.

Accent is what’s known in the industry as an entry level car. In other words, modestly-sized and powered by an engine appropriately sized to get the job done. In this case, a four-cylinder motor spinning double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and variable valve timing. VVT motors make small engines more fuel efficient and powerful. Those efficiencies are very important consideration with a smaller motor.

I struggled coming up with a description of the Accent’s performance. It accelerates adequately, neither fast, nor slow. Yet once up to speed I found it wise to engage the cruise control. Otherwise the car crept up beyond the speed limit. In town there was plenty of power. At highway speeds acceleration took awhile, not enough to be frustrating, but hardly lightning quick.

Both a five-speed manual (standard item) and a four-speed automatic transmission are offered. During my week behind the wheel I noted how the manual transmission accelerated noticeably quicker than an auto trans. Zero to 60 mph took about nine and a half seconds, which isn’t bad. According to the EPA the manual transmission is also projected to get about 4 mpg better than the automatic transmission. On a full tank of gas that equates to a range from 380 to 416 miles.

Overall handling manners are about what you’d expect for a subcompact car: Pretty darn good, but with a caveat. Standard tires are 14 inches (175/70R14). For most drivers they’re fine. You should also know that both GLS and SE offer upgrades. GLS rides on 185/65R14s, with a wider footprint. SE, the sedan, sports 205/45VR16s, taller, and even wider. Better tires make a big difference in road grip, especially when cornering. A big change from last year, ABS is no longer a standard item. Instead it’s offered as part of the $950 GLS Premium.

Ride quality is just what you‘d expect from a short wheelbase subcompact. A big bump in the road jolts driver and passengers more than does a big gunboat of a car. The solution is as simple as road salt. Slow down for a more comfortable ride and fewer trips to the dealership to align the front end geometry.

Hyundai Accent’s comfortable front bucket seats adjust for height and the steering wheel tilts. That and the fairly roomy interior mean any average person will find a happy home, front seat or back. That is, with a qualification. Sliding the front seats back eats up back seat leg room. If you need more room, move up to a bigger, more expensive car. Entry and egress into the back seat is a little tight with the hatchback.

From the driver’s perspective sightlines are exemplary, which pays big dividends in more confident lane changes. Upholstery is cloth. Predictably, sound levels are louder than inside more upscale cars, but still are entirely appropriate for a subcompact. Trunk space is good for such a small car and made even larger by folding rear seats. They also split 60/40. For safety sake the Hyundai Accent comes equipped with standard airbags: dual front, front seat mounted side impact plus roof mounted side curtain airbags.

Understandably, standard items are kept sparse in order to keep the price low. Beyond the items mentioned early on, you get variable intermittent wipers, tachometer, cup holders, digital clock, and rear window defogger. GLS adds air conditioning, and an emergency inside trunk release. Accent SE adds ABS, heated power mirrors, power doors and windows, remote keyless entry, a rear wiper washer, fog lights and a sport suspension.

My GS test sedan came with the premium GS premium package which includes a nice AM/FM/CD player, air conditioning, power windows, heated power heated mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry plus a more capable set of 15 inch tires mounted on alloy rims (P195/55R-15). Without the GS package, air conditioning separately, costs $800.

The GLS premium package adds the afore-mentioned ABS, heated power mirrors, power window, power door locks and remote keyless entry with alarm. The sun and sound package includes a power sunroof and an AM/FM with in-dash six-disc CD player, all that for just $1250.

Hyundai’s warranty terms are particularly robust and run for five years or 60,000 miles, with the power train term good for 10 years or 100,000 miles. The anti rust perforation warranty runs for seven years without any limit on the mileage.

2008 Chevrolet Aveo Sedan: An MPG Superstar

Small, fuel-efficient cars are looking pretty good right about now. One worthy candidate is the Chevrolet Aveo, a subcompact sedan that debuted in 2004. The good news is that even though it’s an econobox it sacrifices little in terms of features or comfort. Aveo is built in Korea by Daewoo, a division of General Motors. And while Aveo was originally targeted at first car buyers, with the exorbitant price of a gallon of gas, it now has a following among both the young and the old alike.

For the record, Aveo was significantly refreshed last year, so it makes sense that there have been no significant updates to the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. Under the hood purrs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine rated a modest 103 horsepower. The throttle is electronic, which allows more precise control of engine rpm, which in turn pays big dividends in reduced exhaust emissions and a more pleasurably feel for the driver. A five-speed manual transmission is standard equipment. Optional is a four-speed automatic ($925) with electronic-hold for surer-footed second-gear starts on slippery pavement.

Mileage will bring tears of joy. Acceleration won’t make you frown. Clearly, this is a compromise car, one where you’re willing to go slower in return for spending less on the purchase price and every week thereafter at the gas pump. Coasting down hills and going easy on the throttle I had no problem getting 29 mpg in the real world. So what kind of range might we expect? With a full tank of gas it’s about 290 miles until bone dry. Cheap gas, 87 octane, no problem. Personally, I am so distraught over the price of fuel I lovingly embrace cars like the Aveo.

Aveo boasts what’s known in the automotive industry as theater-style seating, or where the seats are mounted a bit higher than normal. Doing so provides a commanding view for driver and passengers. The driver seat is height-adjustable and there’s a tilting steering wheel. This sedan is relatively tall, which lends the good headroom and okay legroom. Though, when cargo-carrying is a priority, consider the hatchback version instead. Visibility suffers somewhat from the thick roof pillars, a common malady on many makes and models of cars these days. The safe driver solution is to more carefully look before changing lanes or pulling out into traffic. The front passenger seat fully reclines and the 60/40 split folding rear seat enables carrying long items between the trunk and passenger compartment. In the back seat leg room is undeniably tight. Sound levels are typical for a car of this class. At highway speeds you will hear the engine, tires and wind. Trailering is not recommended.

Two different sedan trim levels are offered: the LS and the LT. Standard equipment on the LS includes intermittent windshield wipers, a tire pressure monitor, and air conditioning with air filtration. Mirrors and windows are manual. Fabric is cloth. The tires are P185/60R-14s all season. The spare tire is a compact. Cruise control is optional. You’ll want it.

Moving up a couple grand to the LT adds remote keyless entry with theft deterrent, power windows and door locks, cruise control, and a six speaker premium sound system with MP3 player. Fabric is premium cloth, with leatherette an option. LT rolls on P185/55R-15s all season tires.

Major options include a sunroof, fog lamps, a trunk mounted spoiler, an engine block heater, and appearance accents. The most interesting of the accessories is the roof-mounted bike carrier. Its dual-locking, quick-release system holds one bicycle. Additional carriers may be added for more bikes. Similarly there’s a ski carrier good for up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards. Both the bike and ski carrier require a roof rack and utility bars.

For safety sake both front-seat and seat mounted side impact airbags are standard. Antilock brakes are one of the must-have options. In National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration crash tests, the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo earned a five-star rating (the best possible score) for protection of front occupants in frontal impacts and four stars for occupants in side impacts. Then, in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal offset crash tests Aveo received a score of Acceptable, one spot from the top.

The bumper to bumper warranty term runs for three years or 36,000 miles, with corrosion projection of six years or 100,000 miles. Powertrain coverage runs for five years or 100,000 miles and is fully transferable. Finally, take good care of an Aveo, change the oil and filter regularly, and it will give many years worth of economical service.

Wheelbase 97.6 inches
Engine 1.6L I-4
Horsepower 103 @ 5800 rpm
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Fuel capacity 11.0 gallons
Curb weight 2542 pounds
Mileage 24/34 mpg
Base price $12,830
As tested $14,805

2008 Kia Rio: Not much money for a lot of car

Once upon a time basic transportation was unexciting. Sometimes owners grew to hate a car they had loved when it was shiny, bright and new. Sadly, ownership became like a bad marriage, only the irreconcilable differences were shoddy workmanship. Displeasure created a self fulfilling prophecy. Those who didn’t like their car neglected critical maintenance, things like oil and filter changes. Soon the econo box began to burn oil making the owner hate it more. Even though the downward spiral was at least his or her fault in part. If you’ve ever sworn at your car, you know what I mean.

Thankfully those days are gone. Today you can buy a really good car for not much money. A good example is the 2008 Kia Rio, one of the least expensive cars extant. The good news gets better. Not only is this subcompact car affordable, its mileage is eyebrow raising good.

So it comes as no surprise to learn that under the hood resides a diminutive four-cylinder motor. In this case, a 1.6-liter power plant with 110 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard equipment, with a four-speed automatic optional on all but the base sedan. I drove a Rio SX with the automatic. While hardly a tire scorcher, acceleration proved strong enough to suite most tastes. I timed a zero to 60 mph elapsed time of about ten seconds. Not bad. That’s quick enough for seamlessly merging into highway traffic. Add passengers though and acceleration wanes. Whenever I needed an immediate burst of speed, I manually downshifted into a lower gear. For those aficionados who prefer a little more zip, performance feels stronger with the manual transmission.

As mentioned early on, fuel economy is a Rio strong suite, with an EPA projection of 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the manual transmission and 25/35 mpg for the automatic. That translates into a range of 320 to 380 miles.

Handling manners are also good, especially considering the Kia’s short wheelbase. During testing I could feel pavement imperfections more than I would have with a bigger car. But that’s the price you pay for not paying a big price. Steering response is quick and precise. I found the ride to be smooth and stable even when tooling along at interstate speeds. Here’s one car where choice of tiers makes a big difference. Rio sedan is available in the base, the LX and SX models. The more expensive LX and SX boast wider tires with greater road grip.

I was particularly impressed by the relatively low noise levels. Don’t misunderstand. At high rpm the engine growls. I heard wind rush, and the tires were a little noisy. But for a car of this class, no problem. Keeping in mind adding sound proofing would have added weight, degraded mileage and acceleration, plus added to the sticker price.

For safety sake Rio includes front seat airbags and full length side curtain airbags. Anti lock brakes are optional. Good to know, Kia Rio scored four out of five stars for driver protection and five stars for passenger protection. While in side-impact tests Rio earned four stars for front-occupant protection and three stars for rear passengers.

The interior is nice and roomy. Front seat headroom and legroom are more than adequate for a car of this class. Seat comfort is impassively good, unless you are tall. A fold-down armrest is standard for the driver. In back, headroom is tight for 6-footers, but legroom is fully adequate. Cargo space is problematic, understandable with a small car. The sedans’ split folding rear seat doesn’t like flat and the trunk opening is cramped.

As for standard equipment, base Rio is undeniably Spartan and is limited to variable intermittent wipers a tachometer and automatic off headlights. Upholstery is cloth. Realistically, only a miser would buy the base model. Most drivers will be interested in spending a couple of thousand dollars more for the LX.

Moving up to the LX adds the previously mentioned wider tires, air-conditioning, power steering, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a tilt steering wheel and a CD player with an auxiliary audio jack.

Sporty SX adds fog lights, a rear spoiler, metallic interior accents, drilled metal pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a black-with-red-accents cabin theme, fog lights and alloy wheels for good looks and tauter handling. Rio SX is lots of fun to drive. My sole complaint about Kia Rio, base though SX models is that cruise control is unavailable.

Finally, Kia boasts a tantalizingly long powertrain warranty: Ten years or 100,000-miles.

Wheelbase - 98.4 inches
Engine - 1.6 L I-4
Horsepower - 110 @ 6000 rpm
Transmission - 5-spd automatic
Fuel capacity - 11.9 gallons
Curb weight - 2365 pounds
Mileage - 27/33
Base price- $14,465

2008 Scion xD: A subcompact with great mileage and plenty of personality

All new Scion xD is petite, boxy and beautiful. A four-door subcompact hatchback, it’s available in one trim level. I particularly like the way it comes loaded with so many standard items. And then there’s the enviably good fuel economy. Throw in a competitively low purchase price and what we have here is a subcompact that’s a must-test-drive for anyone in the market for a new car.

Under the hood purrs a diminutive four-cylinder gas engine. With just 128 horsepower available, don’t expect to accelerate like a performance car. Though acceleration is more than adequate for a car of this class. With a manual transmission the car goes from zero to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. That means around town, no problem. On the highway and climbing hills you’ll need a little patience. But it’s the xD’s great mileage that lights my fire. With the five-speed manual transmission the EPA projects 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. In comparison, with the four-speed automatic look for 26 city and 32 hwy. The car burns cheap gas and a tankful should easily last between 270 to 330 miles.

Handling manners are about what you’d expect from a car of this class. On city streets maneuverability is quite nimble. The turning radius is tight. Though I could feel a hint of body lean in a tight turn. Even though the suspension is firm, the ride is comfortable enough for a small car. I especially liked the way xD feels rock solid on the highway. Whenever SUVs and trucks roared by, the subcompact held its ground and refuse to be jossled. Sound levels are pleasantly low, but accept the fact that you will hear wind and tire noise. Jump hard on the throttle and the engine buzzes loudly, but settles down again at cruising speeds.

xD features upright seating, the height makes it easier to enter or egress. xD’s subcompact dimensions bring obvious compromises. The driver seat is undeniably short on legroom. There is no seat height adjustment. Though the steering column tilts and has audio controls on the hub. Headroom is generous. To check goodness of fit, as with any car, it’s important to sit behind the wheel and see how it feels. When you do, notice how rear visibility is obstructed at least a little by the thick roof pillars. No car is perfect. Compensate by using the mirrors and careful lane changes.

The rear seat slides fore and aft, by about six inches, in order to expand the cargo bay. Also, a panel flips up from the cargo floor to fill the gap. Rear seatbacks split, lie flat, and can be folded without the bother of removing the headrests. Beneath the cargo floor are storage bins. Suffice it to say the xD boasts at least modestly-sized cargo room.

Standard items include air conditioning, a tire pressure monitor, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, a trip computer, intermittent wipers, and a rear wiper with defogger. Upholstery is cloth. Tires are 195/60R16s. Safety items include front side airbags, dual front airbags, curtain side airbags and antilock brakes.

One eyebrow raiser for being an entry level car is the fact that the xD is available with a long list of dealer-installed extras intended for drivers who wish to personalize their car. The list includes multiple alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, LED tail lights, a silver-leather-wrapped steering wheel, a variety of shift knobs, a security system and interior mood lighting in a choice of four different colors. The optional premium audio system boast a more user-friendly control interface that allows downloading images and video onto the head unit display. Other notable options include TRD performance parts, a choice of satellite radio providers and a touch screen navigation system. The Nav system improves the audio controls via a touch screen functions mirroring those on the iPod. You should know the xD is also one of the least expensive vehicles offering an integrated navigation system.

Scion’s new car limited warranty covers any repairs needed to correct defects in material or workmanship. The term runs for 36 months or 36,000 miles with towing to the nearest dealer if necessary. Both the powertrain and tires are covered for 60 months or 60,000 miles. The corrosion perforation warranty runs for 60 months.

Finally, Scion xD is undeniably fun to drive, and I suspect that joy grows every time you zoom right on past the gas station selling bitter, Arab crude.

Wheelbase - 96.9 inches
Engine - 1.8L I-4
Horsepower - 128 @rpm
Transmission - 4-speed automatic
Fuel capacity - 11.1 gallons
Curb weight - 2625 pounds
Mileage - 27/33
Base price - $14,550
As tested - $15,350

2008 Suzuki SX4 Crossover

Awhile back we reviewed the Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan. This week’s SX4 Crossover while similar, is not quite a twin sister. Each of the two cars have a distinctive personality. With that in mind, let’s visit upon the details.

Go power for both the sedan and Crossover comes in the form of an aluminum block 2.0 liter four-cylinder motor. It’s got 143 horsepower and peak torque comes on at a low 3500 rpm. That means strong acceleration from dead stop to wide-open throttle. Crossover’s elapsed time is a respectable nine seconds. Beyond speed is the contemporary issue of fuel economy. Suzuki delivers each new car with a full tank of gas. In this case about 11 gallons, which is enough for 200 to 300 miles. Suffice it to say mileage is pretty darn good. You probably already know how to maximize mileage by easing your foot down on the gas pedal. Slower acceleration equals more mpg.

You also need to know that two transmissions are offered, a five-speed manual and an optional four-speed automatic ($1100). The difference in mileage is a mere one mpg. The car is All Wheel Drive, but not plain vanilla. Instead it’s iAWD, with the “i” standing for intelligent. There are three modes. One for max fuel economy, one for deep mud or snow and another for automatic and optimal flow of power to front and rear wheels.

Handling manners are very good, with nimble, responsive steering. Suzuki SX4 Crossover rides on a wide track suspension, which is a techie way to describe the distance measured between left and right wheels. Thanks to the its wide track and tight turning ratio cornering is precise and controlled. Simply put, with its responsive engine and great handling, this car is lots of fun to drive

SX4 Crossover accommodates up to five people and their luggage, Thanks to a particularly high roofline headroom is spacious while front seat legroom is about average. And the wide track we talked about a minute earlier also broadens the passenger compartment. Rear seats perch slightly higher than the front ones and are split 60/40. Predictably they tumble forward to create an almost fully flat load floor. Overall upholstery is comfy. Wind noise is modest, the engine is audible, but not intrusively loud.

Some of the biggest news is the fact this car comes with a navigation system as standard equipment. That’s unheard of in this price range. Basically the nav system is a vamped up Garmin GPS that’s also tied in to real time traffic, weather, local event listings and a gas station finder capable of locating the lowest priced fuel in town.

The base model 2008 SX4 Crossover is well-equipped and lovingly bestowed with more standard features than some cars costing thousands of dollars more. Key items include power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, tilt steering wheel, an aero body package, alloy wheels and floor mats.

ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution is a standard item on all models. But there’s a package that makes it tempting to move up to the more expensive touring model. Said package includes traction control, stability control and the Electronic Stability Program. ESP firmware calculates vehicle speed, steering wheel angle and yaw. Should ESP detect unintended over steer or under steer it responds by applying individual brakes and at the same time reducing engine torque. It does its good work when cornering, under acceleration and when negotiating slippery road surfaces.

Safety items include daytime running lights (lights on for safety) dual stage front airbags, front seat side impact air bags, side curtain airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system and child safety locks and tether anchors. But what I like best are the front and rear crumple zones, and the way the unibody would flow impact energy away from the reinforced passenger compartment.

There are two optional packages: Convenience and Touring. The Convenience Package adds cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, automatic climate control and heated outside mirrors.

While the top of the line Touring package adds a six-disc CD player, an upgraded 380-watt audio system with nine speakers, including subwoofer, fog lamps, a rear spoiler, the previously mentioned Electronic Stability Program with traction control system and Smart Pass keyless entry and start system.

Finally, Suzuki’s warranty runs for seven years or 100.000 miles and is transferable from the original owner. Should the car needs warranty work done, Suzuki provides a courtesy car.

Wheelbase - 98.4“
Engine - 2.0L I-4
HP - 143 @5800 rpm
Transmission - 5-spd manual
Mileage - 21/28 mpg
Fuel capacity - 11 gallons
Curb weight - 2855 pounds
Base price - $
As tested - $