Toyota Yaris (Vitz) - hothatch or econocrapbox or hot

[jwocky]

What you guys think, is the Yaris a cool little hatchback or a cheap little crapbox? Anyone know what the tuning potential of these types of cars are. The thought of taking a $10-12k car, throwing a turbo on it and flying around a track seems appealing to me sometimes. Honda Fit will be its biggest competitor and Nissan is coming with a subcompact hatch too. Yaris has been out in Canada for a while now right? Has it developed any kind of following?

Toyota Yaris:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=36&stc=1&d=1137127996
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=37&stc=1&d=1137127996

Taken from http://www.yarisworld.com


Honda Fit:

http://photo.giga.net.tw/photo/2029/normal/20050729004748-0001.jpg

Taken from http://www.wretch.cc

[Godfuader]

A couple of decent Vitz'

TRD Turbo Vitz:
http://www.trdparts.jp/parts_vitz-carbon.html

C-One Vitz:
http://www.c-one.co.jp/C-ONEPARTS/vitz-rs.html


A couple of threads started about the Vitz, but no comparisions done with the Honda Fit:

http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99801

http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread.php?s=&threadid=105836&highlight=yaris

[GTS Jeff]

I'd say the tuning potential is there. There's a TTE supercharger for that engine.

[kevie88]

It unfortunately isn't a $12,000 car.. I priced an Echo RS last month and it would be $20,000 with some "options"!!!! I can't understand why you wouldn't just get a Matrix, it's so much more car for not that much more money :dunno:

[Demolisher]

hmm not 12000, i think u can get the lowest base model with no options for that much. If u want the 3 door rs however, that comes to around 15000 i think.

[frostyda9]

Get a SMART car :D

http://www.smartsrus.com/images/2004_17inch/lorinser-speedy-500.jpg

[GTS Jeff]

Originally posted by kevie88
It unfortunately isn't a $12,000 car.. I priced an Echo RS last month and it would be $20,000 with some "options"!!!! I can't understand why you wouldn't just get a Matrix, it's so much more car for not that much more money :dunno: I think the main appeal of the Yaris is that it's LESS car...low weight ftw.

[kevie88]

Originally posted by GTS Jeff
I think the main appeal of the Yaris is that it's LESS car...low weight ftw.

Yeah, but really not that much worse in the Mileage dept.. both are around 50mpg. :dunno:

Anyway, if it came down to battle of the econoboxes (which it is for me haha) :

Fit > Yaris

http://www.honda.ca/fit

[SilverBoost]

It'd certainly grab less attention from the local law authorities to turn those things into some quick little pocket rockets. Great for finding parking spaces too. I have no issues with anything being enhanced performance wise as long as it's done right. To each their own.

[statick]

I actually really like these cars...was guna buy one, but then decided i oughta just save some money. And i'd imagine the capacity to tune is there, the jdm version can come with a turbocharger delivering a tad less than 150 hp at flywheel (torque is a lil less than hp, i think).

[benyl]

This conversation is already going on here:

http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99801

[GTS Jeff]

Originally posted by kevie88


Yeah, but really not that much worse in the Mileage dept.. both are around 50mpg. :dunno:

Anyway, if it came down to battle of the econoboxes (which it is for me haha) :

Fit > Yaris

http://www.honda.ca/fit Well, lower weight results in better acceleration, better deceleration, better cornering...maybe not in stock form, but you can bet that modding the car will pay off. Not only that, but the Yaris is still very much a conventional car, and therefore receptive to conventional mods. With something like a Smart car, they're too damn weird to mod...

[kevie88]

Originally posted by GTS Jeff
With something like a Smart car, they're too damn weird to mod...

I agree.. but here's a FAAAST smart car:

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2005/06/08/smart-car-plus-gsxr-equals-smartuki-a-very-smart-car

GSXR1000 powered!! I'd like to see one with a Hayabusa turbo in it :D

on a side note, check out the 2.6l twin hayabusa top-end v8 on that page!! :drool:

[frostyda9]

Originally posted by kevie88


I agree.. but here's a FAAAST smart car:

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2005/06/08/smart-car-plus-gsxr-equals-smartuki-a-very-smart-car



:hitit: I wonder how the handling is

[soupey]

ive heard handling on the smart is CRAPPY...o well


personally i'd take the fit over the yaris...the yaris looks so cheap....

[jwocky]

Originally posted by soupey
ive heard handling on the smart is CRAPPY...o well


personally i'd take the fit over the yaris...the yaris looks so cheap....

Stock it looks kinda cheap yea but modded up a bit this thing looks as good as any other subcompact out there IMO

Like these
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59

[Mr. Burns]

I don't mind the yaris... but the fit looks much more appealing.

[calgarygts]

Originally posted by jwocky


Stock it looks kinda cheap yea but modded up a bit this thing looks as good as any other subcompact out there IMO

Like these
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59

I was very very close to buying a yaris the other day, but in the end money ruled the day (going to buy a pos beater). I like the way it looks with some 17's or 18's, although it would make it abysmaly slow. But then again who cares, not like you buy it for the speed anyways.

I'm not a fan of the bodykits in that link, I like the way it looks stock. I'm really not a fan of the fit, the interior is good but the exterior just doesn't look good to me. Where is the appeal for the fit (besides loyalty to honda)? I'll admit I'm biased towards toyota but I really do like the yaris much better.

[Zero102]

Top Gear had rather good reviews of the Yaris. I just don't get what they see in it. I would much rather buy a smart than a Yaris.

[Fez_turbo]

i think they are sweet cars. They are good for parents buying their kids their first car.

but now if Honda releases the Fit i think that's gonna be a tough competition.

[bonnieclyde240]

Yashiro Factory's "hot" (pink) supercharged vitz =)

[img=http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/9387/1300310vitz09z7pb.th.jpg] (http://img38.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1300310vitz09z7pb.jpg)

[img=http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/8916/1300310vitz05z6ov.th.jpg] (http://img8.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1300310vitz05z6ov.jpg)

[img=http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/1678/1300310vitz07z7ex.th.jpg] (http://img18.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1300310vitz07z7ex.jpg)

spot the Vitz!!

[img=http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4271/1300310vitz06z6my.th.jpg] (http://img27.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1300310vitz06z6my.jpg)

I wouldn't mind getting a Vitz, handles and corners well, lots of aftermarket parts and it has lots of potential if tuned properly!!

[GTS Jeff]

Originally posted by Zero102
Top Gear had rather good reviews of the Yaris. I just don't get what they see in it. I would much rather buy a smart than a Yaris. The Yaris outperforms the Smart in every way. The Yaris has almost TRIPLE the horsepower, handles better, and has a TON of interior space, making it perfect for fun daily driving and able to haul stuff around too. The thing about the Yaris is that it's really not that slow for an economy car (high 16s would be my guess) and it's very practical.

The Smart on the other hand tops out at 135km/h, taking half a minute to get to that speed...and can only fit 2 people. Not only is it so slow that it's barely driveable, it's fuckin useless!

[frostyda9]

Originally posted by GTS Jeff

The Smart on the other hand tops out at 135km/h, taking half a minute to get to that speed...and can only fit 2 people. Not only is it so slow that it's barely driveable, it's fuckin useless!

It gets incredible mileage while getting you from A to B. That is it's use. It doesn't claim to be a sports car or an SUV, it's just an urbanite commuter car.

[Fez_turbo]

Originally posted by frostyda9


It gets incredible mileage while getting you from A to B. That is it's use. It doesn't claim to be a sports car or an SUV, it's just an urbanite commuter car.

:werd: ..thats what its made for...not a 14 second car:D :thumbsup: ..

although....that would be kinda sweeettttt......:burnout:

[Godfuader]

Originally posted by frostyda9


It gets incredible mileage while getting you from A to B. That is it's use. It doesn't claim to be a sports car or an SUV, it's just an urbanite commuter car.

Thats true, but a commuter should not put you in an awkward position if you have to take a passenger, a laptop case, and a happymeal.

[GTS Jeff]

Originally posted by frostyda9


It gets incredible mileage while getting you from A to B. That is it's use. It doesn't claim to be a sports car or an SUV, it's just an urbanite commuter car. A Yaris will get you 50mpg, whilst delivering competent performance and practicality to use as a car for any purpose (travelling, family hauling, grocery getting, motorsports, and even commuting.)

With the Smart, to gain an extra 10mpg, you sacrifice any semblance of performance (22s 1/4 mile), and the ability to use it for travelling, family hauling, grocery getting, and motorsports. Doesn't sound very smart to me.

[GTS Jeff]

ANd I haven't even began to touch on comparing reliability and resale value. ;)

[Zero102]

What size engine does the yaris have?... I don't remember hearing it would get you 50mpg. I thought it was more like 25 city/35 highway...

[calgarygts]

1.5 litre - 34 city/51 highway

[alloroc]

Originally posted by calgarygts
1.5 litre - 34 city/51 highway

Most Yaris owners seem to be getting far worse milage than advertized. Either toyota's numbers are skewed or the Yaris is one of those cars that you just can't keep your foot out of.

Personally I go with Toyota's numbers being off. With the structual improvements the Yaris weighs slightly more than the Echo and the drive ratio was changed so the engine is always revving slightly higher. I can't see it getting better gas milage.

[Zero102]

I don't believe it would come close to those numbers.
I would bet the real-life numbers are closer to 25-city/40-highway.

Kind of like the Prius, excellent EPA numbers, terrible real-life numbers.

[CryoCarnage]

Originally posted by Zero102
I don't believe it would come close to those numbers.
I would bet the real-life numbers are closer to 25-city/40-highway.

Kind of like the Prius, excellent EPA numbers, terrible real-life numbers.
no everyone said the prius got horrible gas mileage on the highway. and its true. It has best In-class city mileage cause from what ive heard electrics aren't as efficient as gas acrs are on the highway.

[Godfuader]

Originally posted by alloroc


Most Yaris owners seem to be getting far worse milage than advertized. Either toyota's numbers are skewed or the Yaris is one of those cars that you just can't keep your foot out of.

Personally I go with Toyota's numbers being off. With the structual improvements the Yaris weighs slightly more than the Echo and the drive ratio was changed so the engine is always revving slightly higher. I can't see it getting better gas milage.

The parts guy at Country Hills Toyota gets over 700 to a tank on highway driving. I would say the numbers do reflect what was quoted by the manufacturer


Originally posted by CryoCarnage

no everyone said the prius got horrible gas mileage on the highway. and its true. It has best In-class city mileage cause from what ive heard electrics aren't as efficient as gas acrs are on the highway.

From what i have understood it to be, at higher RPMs the gas portion of the engine kicks in...using more gas. 50% throttle thru the city would give you results closer to what was quoted.

EDIT: toyota.ca says the mileage on the Yaris is "6.9/5.5 (41/51) - Manual"
(city/highway)

[Xtrema]

Toyota is a full hybrid which mean electricity will drive the car and engine generates the electrcity.

This setup is great in city, bad on highway.

Honda hybrid is a motor assist, electricity motor is to off load the engine so it doesn't have to work as hard for the same result. So while it archieve not as great mileage in city, it beats Pyrius on highway.

[frostyda9]

Originally posted by GTS Jeff
ANd I haven't even began to touch on comparing reliability and resale value. ;)

I don't disagree with your post, although the smart claimed mileage is in the 70-80mpg range, I imagine reasonable people remain skeptical about that claim.

However - the REAL reason people buy smart cars, I believe, it that unlike the Yaris, the smart isn't just another typical little econobox cosmetically. It stands out in a field of economy cars because it is so tiny and unique looking. I would bet that the VAST majority of people that buy them do so primarily for this reason. It's an attention whore car ;)

You can also change the colour of the smart car by switching body panels...not a principal reason to buy a car, admittedly, but still pretty cool none the less :D

[GTS Jeff]

Originally posted by frostyda9
the REAL reason people buy smart car...It's an attention whore car ;) Yup. So really the choice is between:

Smart - shitty car, but attention grabbing
Yaris - sweet car, but more low profile.

I pick Yaris. :)

[frostyda9]

Originally posted by GTS Jeff

Smart - shitty car, but attention grabbing
Yaris - sweet car, but more low profile.



:rofl: I think your summaries of each car are somewhat hyperbolized, and influenced by *just a touch* of bias. In any event, the great thing about a free country is that we can agree to disagree. Smart car all the way :devil:

[TEAMFaint]

I HONESTLY think its a sexbox on wheels, I really like it. I think they would be awesome cars to drive. HOWEVER I do think the new VW Golf is sexier :bigpimp:

[OrderedCHAOS]

Originally posted by calgarygts
1.5 litre - 34 city/51 highway

That's it? The Corolla with more HP, more room, better performance gets 40 MPG city and 53 highway for mileage out of a 1.8L.

The base Yaris being only $800 cheaper than the base Corolla, it hardly seems like a great value to me. We are not in Europe where space is a commodity and small cars are needed. When a smaller car with less power gets worse fuel economy than a bigger car with more power......doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Why scarifice the space and performance for nothing? At least with the Smart, you are scarificing the space and performance by getting fuel effeciency out of it.

Oh yeah, at the topic at hand, I don't like the Yaris. Too small , hate the central gauges and the fuel economy is not good enough.

[alloroc]

Originally posted by Godfuader


The parts guy at Country Hills Toyota gets over 700 to a tank on highway driving. I would say the numbers do reflect what was quoted by the manufacturer



From what i have understood it to be, at higher RPMs the gas portion of the engine kicks in...using more gas. 50% throttle thru the city would give you results closer to what was quoted.

EDIT: toyota.ca says the mileage on the Yaris is "6.9/5.5 (41/51) - Manual"
(city/highway)

Neither you or the 'parts guy' are most Yaris owners.

http://toyotanation.com/forum/t114052.html

http://www.echodrivers.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8838&view=next

[unfocus]

i want one .... but no money

[Godfuader]

Originally posted by alloroc


Neither you or the 'parts guy' are most Yaris owners.

http://toyotanation.com/forum/t114052.html

http://www.echodrivers.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8838&view=next

Did you even read the links you posted?? If you actually read the posts it will tell you that under different situations it is possible to get closer to the actual expectations. The #s posted are based under ideal situations, with only basic features being used (no AC, Radio, fans, even wipers) and a few of the owners are claiming to be close to 7L/100 and hitting over 40mpg.
Another thing to factor is that most forum users are younger (from your post: "...who does 70km/hr on the highway? Shite...I do that in school zones.") and would treat the car as a go-cart, and not as an economy vehicle. If i owned the yaris, i would be lucky to hit over 400 on a tank, because i would be a more spirited driver. The 'Parts guy' and other customers at country hills toyota do tend to get relatively close to the claimed #s, because they are in their 40s and drive 50% throttle.

[alloroc]

Originally posted by Godfuader


Did you even read the links you posted?? If you actually read the posts it will tell you that under different situations it is possible to get closer to the actual expectations. The #s posted are based under ideal situations, with only basic features being used (no AC, Radio, fans, even wipers) and a few of the owners are claiming to be close to 7L/100 and hitting over 40mpg.
Another thing to factor is that most forum users are younger (from your post: "...who does 70km/hr on the highway? Shite...I do that in school zones.") and would treat the car as a go-cart, and not as an economy vehicle. If i owned the yaris, i would be lucky to hit over 400 on a tank, because i would be a more spirited driver. The 'Parts guy' and other customers at country hills toyota do tend to get relatively close to the claimed #s, because they are in their 40s and drive 50% throttle.


First off I wrote some of the first responses in one of those threads suggesting that perhaps some of the drivers should try different tactics. So yeah, I read them. In fact I read them all. I read enough to change my original opinion and I am man enough to admit it. The majority of Yaris owners are not happy with the milage they are getting. The Yaris Cannot get better milage than the Echo ( I own an echo ) The echo weighs less and has a lower drive ratio, has the same engine yet Toyota claims the Yaris gets better milage. Well it doesn't.

http://www.greenhybrid.com/compare/mileage/car/1596.html

[Godfuader]

^^ thats cool. alot of the buyers who bought this as a super gas saver are very disappointed. Seems like the corolla and civic may be the better all around (gas+performance) econo-boxes. I personally like the last gen echo hatches. The yaris should be bought as fun, little car that is cheap to buy, has lots of aftermarket parts, and cost less to maintain and fillup than a camry.

[dino_martini]

They are both pretty awsome, good for just cruising around town I guess, and the occasional drive on the highway. Fuel economy is pretty good too

[frostyda9]

Thanks for the politician level decisiveness :goflames:

[Zero102]

and a few of the owners are claiming to be close to 7L/100 and hitting over 40mpg.

Okay, but by my math, 7L/100km = ~33.6mpg.
A far cry from 40mpg.
The smart should easily double that. Sure it's a little slower, but how can you even compare the mileage of those 2?

The smart is made to be an urban commuter, while the Yaris is aiming more for being a multi-use vehicle.

[GTS Jeff]

Originally posted by Zero102

Okay, but by my math, 7L/100km = ~33.6mpg.
A far cry from 40mpg.
The smart should easily double that. Sure it's a little slower, but how can you even compare the mileage of those 2?

The smart is made to be an urban commuter, while the Yaris is aiming more for being a multi-use vehicle. First off, there are two kinds of gallons...

Second, the Smart is too slow for urban commuting. Sometimes you need a "bit" of power to merge, lanechange, etc safely in heavy traffic. When I testdrove the Yaris, I thought to myself, "hey this thing has just enough power to safely navigate traffic"....so how do you expect something with less than half the power to be safe? No way!

[jwocky]

Here's a whole depot of modded Yaris pics from yarisworld. I gotta say some of these look decent. I guess the egg shape of the Yaris is starting to grow on me :)

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59yarisworld (http://www.yarisworld.com)

:nut:

[403Gemini]

my sister and her husband got a matrix and echo. now they're trying to decide which one to keep at the end of the lease. the matrix is kick ass for hauling shit and for trips outside of calgary, but they mostly stay inside the city and the echo gets much better gas mileage.

I told them to just trade in get a yaris (i dunno i like the style more) and buy out the matrix.

[fendercontender]

the echo/yaris does have a decent following. chech us out at echo-bb.com for canadian ncp-13 drivers. you can see me and my car at race city most friday nites autocrossing, does suprislingly well against the competition. heres my cardomain to have a look :
www.cardomain.com/id/fendercontender