Don’t confuse the S treatment with any type of handling enhancements. Aside from some body add-ons and a few other changes, the Yaris S will offer the same ride as the Liftback and Sedan versions, body roll and all. The suspension is on the soft side and the front end plows when pushed hard into corners, but the 2007 Toyota Yaris is marketed as an efficient subcompact, so these traits are acceptable and not the least bit unexpected.

Steering is moderately responsive with a touch of road feel thrown in, but the wheel feels a touch floaty at higher speeds. Nevertheless, one of our editors reported having a good time tossing the Yaris S through the gentle curves of Santa Monica’s Sunset Boulevard, despite never topping 60 mph and the ever-present body roll.