Toyota Yaris iA

Easy on the wallet, the Yaris iA offers a dash of fun and a measure of refinement. This small four-door sedan is built by Mazda and based on the Mazda2 (not sold in the U.S.). It is powered by a 106-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. In our testing we got 35 mpg overall with the automatic. The iA proves to be quite pleasant for a subcompact, with nimble handling and semi-decent interior decor. It also comes with a standard low-speed automatic emergency braking system to help the driver avoid collisions. Just like in current Mazda models, the infotainment system consists of a center control knob and a screen, which takes some getting used to in order to master. A navigation system is a dealer-installed option.

For 2017, the Scion iA is renamed the Toyota Yaris iA. This four-door sedan is actually built by Mazda and is based on the new Mazda2 (not sold in the U.S.). It is powered by a 106-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder coupled to either a six-speed manual or an automatic. In our testing we got 35 mpg overall with the automatic. The iA proves to be quite pleasant for a subcompact, with nimble handling and semi-decent interior decor. It also comes with a standard low-speed pre-collision system that helps the driver avoid collisions. A backup camera is standard. Just like in current Mazda models, the infotainment system consists of a center control knob and a screen, which takes some getting used to in order to master.