Excluded from the company’s list of recalled vehicles, the 2010 Yaris keeps the doors open to a brand that sorely needs a bright spot. Toyota’s subcompact hopes to gain an edge on the competition in 2010 with a growing list of standard features.

The Yaris line-up includes three distinct models—a four-door sedan, three-door liftback (hatchback) and a five-door liftback. Offering two hatchbacks is a singular move in the segment. For this review, the model featured is the latter.

Less is more when considering fuel economy. With a 150.6-inch length, the diminutive Yaris stretches the dollar-per-gallon cost with an EPA estimated fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Assisting its fuel efficiency is the variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) on the 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 106 hp and 103 lbs.-ft. of torque. Numbers, however, don’t lie and the Yaris does sacrifice power for fuel efficiency.

The standard manual transmission, which achieves one more mile per gallon on the highway, would surely add some pep. The test vehicle, however, came equipped with the optional four-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logic that reduces gear "hunting" and delivers a smoother performance when driving in hills.

Other improvements for 2010 include a manual transmission with a standard tachometer, now available on the five-door model, and a rear window defroster is now standard on all Yaris models.

The Yaris Liftback interior provides roominess that belies its exterior dimensions. Equipped with the Convenience Package, the Liftback’s rear seatback folds down to expand cargo capacity from 9.3 cubic feet to 25.7 cubic feet. The comfortable but plain cabin provides rear seating for three with headrests in all seating positions.

Because entry-level vehicles often serve as first-time cars for younger drivers, safety features can trump fuel economy.

For 2010, Toyota enhances the safety equipment on the Yaris by adding Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control on all models. The Toyota Star Safety System, which also includes the anti-lock braking system, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Brake Assist, is also standard. Yaris is the only vehicle in its segment to offer this set of safety features as standard equipment.

All five seating positions come with height-adjustable headrests and pretensioners and force limiters with the front seatbelts. Front-seat-mounted side airbags with first and second row roll-sensing side curtain airbags are standard on all Yaris models

Creature comforts include air conditioning, tilt-three-spoke steering wheel, and four-way adjustable front seats. The Convenience Package adds the AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3/iPod connectivity, the 60/40 split, reclining and fold flat rear seat, and a rear wiper. Although Toyota offers a Yaris Liftback base model, it will be hard to find. The Convenience Package ($885) includes such key features that most models will come already equipped with it.

The Power Package ($1,970) included on the test model, adds the features from the Convenience Package as well as power locks, windows and outside mirrors, and remote keyless entry.

Pricing for the Yaris five-door starts at $13,705, but you’d have to buy it without a stereo and that’s not likely. The as-tested price came to $16,734.

Small and fuel efficient, the 2010 Yaris five-door Liftback adds versatility and affordability to its appeal.