2007 Toyota Yaris S sedan rear

There wasn't much wrong with the Toyota Echo that a restyle couldn't fix. We got one, allright, plus a new name that brings us in line with the rest of the world, who has known this car as the Yaris for years. The Echo's mechanicals mostly carried over – buzzy 1.5-liter 4 with 106 horsepower, strut front suspension, torsion beam rear, 5-speed stick or 4-speed auto – and it's wrapped in the same-size package, but the new hatchback body provides a second package. Despite the still-present center speedometer, interior detailing is much more tasteful than before, there's been a notable upgrade in audio options (MP3, aux jack), and side air bags and cruise control are actually options now. I'm sorry to report that the arms-out driving position is still a problem. The cheaper hatchback will start at $10,950 (before destination charge) when the Yaris reaches showrooms in spring.