In Europe, where small cars are a necessity because of high fuel costs, the Toyota Yaris has enjoyed six years of consecutive growth against numerous competitors. Now, just as gas prices skyrocket in the U.S. and other Asian manufacturers are poised to enter the North American subcompact market with new or redesigned vehicles, Toyota plans to replace the Echo with the Yaris, in hopes that a hit in Europe equates to success in North America.

The 2007 Toyota Yaris arrives in the spring of 2006 and is based on an all-new platform that is wider and longer than the current model. Aimed at the entry-level consumer, the new Yaris has a spacious interior with 60/40 split fold-down rear seats and seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags for both rows. Other feature highlights include antilock brakes, a stereo with MP3 capability, and an option package that includes power windows, mirrors and door locks.