Things have come full circle for Toyota Canada's subcompact contender. The old Echo began life as a sedan, then received a second lease on life as a hatchback. When its Yaris replacement arrived in 2006 it was initially available only as a hatchback. And now there's a Yaris sedan.

The 4-door model is mechanically identical to the continuing hatchback, but rides on an 89-mm (3.5-inch) longer wheelbase. This does not translate into much additional rear-seat space (which is not over-generous even by subcompact standards) because the sedan is 83 mm lower than the hatch. However the trunk volume is a match for many in the next class up, and a 60/40-split folding back seat is standard.

The peppy 1.5-litre, 106-hp engine can be combined with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Ride comfort, refinement, handling and shift quality are all very respectable, though not world-beating, and fuel economy is best in class.

Instead of varying trim grades, Yaris 4-door is sold as one model, with a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system. Four different option packages provide various combinations of such items as A/C, ABS, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, additional airbags and a skirts-and-spoilers aero package. A/C is also available as a stand-alone option.

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