Toyota Introduces Belta Subcompact in Japan

Toyota has just unveiled its latest model to the Japanese market, the Belta subcompact sedan and successor to the Platz (Japanese Echo sedan). Normally, we tend to ignore subcompact vehicles offered in non-North American markets as they rarely become available here, but the Belta is special. Despite its funky name, derived from the Italian word for "beauty", this is essentially the four-door notchback version of the Yaris hatchback, arguably the reigning king of the subcompact world and soon to be made available across the States.

The Belta is the next logical addition for Toyotas lineup in America. As with the Echo, and the Tercel before it, Toyotas subcompact lineup has long featured a proper four-door sedan variant in addition to three- and five-door hatchback versions. While the current Echo sedan has become an increasingly rare sight since it was discontinued, the notchback should have greater appeal.

Undoubtedly, the Belta is a more attractive vehicle than the old Echo, thanks to Toyotas new Vibrant Clarity styling language. Prominent design cues, such as large headlamps and a friendly-looking grille, link the Belta to the Yaris, while the bulging Toyota logo on the grille and the forward-kinked tail lamps are shared with the forthcoming Camry and Corolla. Kudos to Toyotas stylists, who have cohesively integrated the notchback trunk without making the car look frumpy or ungainly.

The Beltas main goal is optimizing interior volume and cargo-carrying capacity, while providing low-cost, fuel efficient transportation. All major dimensions of the Yaris, bar length, were kept constant. As with hatchback to sedan conversions, such as the Golf and Jetta, the increase in length ends up forming the trunk. Toyota claims that this subcompact achieves 35.7 inches of rear legroom, and an expansive 16.7 cu-ft of cargo volume, putting it on par with vehicles in the compact segment size above its subcompact status. With such impressive packaging, the Belta makes Toyotas next smallest sedan, the Corolla, seem wasteful!

 

When the car goes on sale in Japan, it will be available with a choice of 1.0- and 1.3-liter inline-fours featuring economy-maximizing VVT-I technology. Mated to the lone gearbox choice, Toyotas Super CVT-I (Continuously Variable Transmission), the 1.0 is able to return an impressive estimate of 52 mpg, while the 1.3 still manages a prudent 46 mpg. Destined for the crowded and gridlocked streets of Japan, these miniscule engines may be sufficiently powerful, but when the Belta is converted for North American use, the Yaris 106-hp 1.5-liter engine is expected, with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

The Beltas interior is very similar to that of the Yaris, its airy cabin offset by classy-looking fabrics and plastics. Although it features the same central-mounted instrument cluster, the white Optitron gauge faces are different, as is the center console which features unique HVAC and stereo controls.

Plenty of interior storage spaces are available in the Belta, including storage bins on the upper and lower dash, a massive glove box and a roomy center console that doubles as an armrest. No word on the cupholder count, though.

While our version of the Belta would most likely be identical in trim and equipment level to the upcoming Yaris, i.e. a basic entry-level sedan, Toyota is pitching it as a premium subcompact in Japan. Aside from the regulars, such as power windows, power locks and mirrors, the options list includes Smart Entry & Keyless Start System for automatic door unlocking and one-touch engine starting, plus a digital climate control with Plasmacluster Ion particle filtration - both of which are unique to the subcompact segment.

While Toyotas North American-bound Belta is expected to be more no-nonsense and simple, the car makes a surprising amount of sense. Its got plenty of space inside and in the trunk to happily accommodate four full-size adults and their gear, therefore offering the comfort and amenities that large car buyers desire, all while taking up less space and using less fuel than a regular compact.

The price sounds about right too, starting at the Japanese equivalent of approximately $10,000. It sounds like just the vehicle Toyota needs to reclaim its grip on the subcompact segment, now ripe with new four-door sedans from Hyundai and Kia, and keep forthcoming rivals from Nissan and Honda less competitive.

While Toyota has not confirmed any information about the Belta, it is expected that Japans number-one carmaker will unveil the four-door version alongside the three-door Yaris at Januarys North American International Auto Show in Detroit, as it will make up an integral part of the U.S.-market Yaris range for 2007.