It may not be trendy, but the 2007 Toyota Yaris sedan sure gets the job done, and does so with a different flair than the hatchback – surprise, as the cars share the same powertrain and platform. Despite the shared components, however, the two were engineered by different people and designed by different teams, and the result is a sedan that offers a conservative, upscale subcompact experience whereas the hatchback is more about sporty fun.

On the outside, the Yaris sedan has an arched beltline, with the tires pushed outward and a stylish front fascia that adds a splash of flair. The slightly extended snout and lower profile also give the Yaris a sportier look, though pretensions toward performance are quickly compromised by those standard 14-inch wheels. Buy the 15-inch rims, and improve the look and performance – at least a little. There’s also the Yaris S sedan, with side rocker panel trim, front and rear lower fascia spoilers, 15-inch wheels, and optional aluminum wheels.

Inside, the Yaris sedan is nicer than its hatchback peer, with what feels like more durable materials and a better quality seat thanks to a driver’s side height adjuster. Roominess is another key advantage of the sedan: thanks to a longer wheelbase than the outgoing Echo, the sedan is roomy, with almost two inches more legroom than the hatchback up front. Compared to a Ford Focus sedan, the Yaris offers more front legroom by almost two inches, but the Focus offers two inches more legroom in back. In fact, the 2007 Yaris sedan has more front legroom than the more-expensive 2006 Toyota Corolla, by an inch, and it’s virtually even-Stevens in back.

One thing the hatchback offers that is missing from the sedan lineup are those nifty reclining back seats, though the sedan does offer a 60/40-split in back. Like the hatchback, though, the sedan gets a center-mounted gauge display, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. Yaris sedans get nicer graphics and Toyota’s Optitron lighting, as well as a tachometer which is missing in the liftback.