By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(August 11, 2014) In a nutshell, the big news for 2015 is that the Toyota Yaris is dumpy looking no more. The compact hatchback has a more youthful, aggressive look with a distinct X-shaped grille motif. In fact, the nose is about the only thing that has changed on the outside.

Available in both three- and five-door models, the Yaris also gets a new interior, retuned suspension, more rigid body structure, and increased sound deadening.

Under the hood is a 1.5-liter inline four with dual overhead cams, 16 valves, variable valve timing, and 106 hp at 6,000 rpm and 103 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200. The five-speed manual gets an improved hydraulic clutch, but the automatic retains the same four-speed unit in use today. To get the manual, you’ll have to order the base three-door L or five-door SE model. Every other Yaris comes standard with the automatic.

There are no options packages for the Yaris, which helps Toyota keep costs down on what is an inexpensive vehicle. You can order one of three trim levels: L, LE, SE, but even the base L isn’t truly what you could call “poverty spec.” It comes standard with a 60:40 split/fold rear seat, air conditioning, a new quick-ratio electric power steering system, power windows with driver’s auto down, power door locks, and 15-in. steel wheels with wheel covers.

Moving up to the LE adds remote keyless entry with engine immobilizer, steering wheel audio controls, metallic interior accents, power exterior mirrors, and cruise control. Ordering the SE package adds a sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, LED daytime running lights, projector headlamps, fog lamps, 16-in. alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, sport meter, tachometer, and unique seat fabric.

No matter which model is chosen, the Yaris comes standard with Entune Audio, a 6.1-in. touch screen, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio unit, six speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, and Bluetooth music streaming. Navigation is available as a dealer-installed option.

The Virtual Driver