2008 Toyota Yaris

The 2008 Toyota Yaris gains the all-new Liftback Sport model. The Yaris Liftback Sport features several exterior enhancements, including color-keyed front and rear under-bumper spoilers and side rocker panels, and is equipped with standard features, such as driver and front passenger sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, tachometer with amber illumination, 15-inch wheels, rear window defroster, rear window wiper, AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA capability and auxiliary audio input jack.

The Yaris interior provides roominess that belies its exterior dimensions. The cabin provides rear seating for three people, with head restraints in all seating positions. The rear seatback folds down to expand cargo capacity and a reclining 60/40 rear seatback is included in the optional Power Package.

A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing with intelligence powers the 2008 Yaris. The engine produces 106 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 103 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. The automatic features uphill/downhill shift logic to reduce gear "hunting" to help ensure smooth performance when driving in hills.

An all-new vehicle introduction in 2007, the only other addition to the Yaris is a standard tire pressure monitoring system for all models.