So what’s New about the All-New 2012 Toyota Yaris?
 

More safety, more room, a touch more fuel economy and still lacking :(

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 19, 2012

2012 Toyota Yaris – $14,115 to start and a 30/38 mpgUS city/highway fuel economy rating.

For 2012, Toyota dropped the Yaris sedan and instead provides a choice of either the three or five-door hatch just like its predecessor. Unfortunately it arrives with the same engine minus a lb-ft. of torque and the way to low geared 5-speed MT and ancient 4-speed AT, also unchanged for 2012.

It does however gain an additional 1 mpg in the city for both the MT and AT and 2 more mpgs on the highway with the 5-speed stick.

Ride and Handling

The 2012 gained a few inches of wheelbase (98.8 vs. 96.9”) and has a slightly more composed feel to it on the highway. The font stabilizer bar diameter has been increased by almost 0.05” and with the larger 15” steel wheels and tires vs. last year’s 14” steel wheels and tires, its ride over minor imperfections has improved. 16” alloys with a quicker ratio steering is also available on the slightly more upscale SE trim while adding an unfortunate 5.9’ to the SEs turning diameter.

Safety

It’s a Toyota so the 2012 Yaris just like its predecessor arrives with the much vaunted STAR safety system incorporating Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA). New for 2012 is the addition of Smart Stop Technology (SST) or brake override system.

On the passenger safety cell front, the previous generation 2009 – 2011 Yaris achieved a marginal rating on the roof crush strength test performed by the IIHS and thus missed the Institutes desired Top Safety Pick award. For 2012, the good news is that oversight has been remedied with improved HS steel reinforcements and all 2012 models are now IIHS Top Safety Picks.

All Yaris models come with complimentary Toyota Care, which covers normal factory maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Passenger and Cargo Volume

With the new longer wheel base and additional 3” of overall length, passenger and cargo volume has increased slightly to 85 vs. 84 cu. ft. and 15 vs. 13 cu. ft. respectively. The Lowest L trim still arrives with a standard single piece folding bench seat whereas the LE and SE arrive with a 60/40 split fold down rear seat back, a Convenience package option last year.

Early Conclusions

It is still holds down the bottom of the Toyota family with little changed for the 2012 Model Year other than larger wheels and tires. If you are in the market for a B-Segment sized automobile, the Yaris is surely going to provide excellent reliability, safety and good resale. Today however there are other vehicles in its segment that deserve a closer look including Hyundai’s Accent, Kia Rio and Chevrolet’s Sonic.

You cannot overlook the Yaris’ value propositions but you also cannot dismiss the rest of the segment offerings that have caught up and in most cases surpassed the lowly Yaris on a “fun to drive” and even a “cost to own” basis. Good yes, great, no.

Re: So what’s New about the All-New 2012 Toyota Yaris?
 

Come on Toyota - show the Yaris some love with a 6 speed tranny.

Re: So what’s New about the All-New 2012 Toyota Yaris?
 

And maybe the 1.33 engine from the iq , too. And as long as we're dreaming, how about the 1.4 diesel ?

Re: So what’s New about the All-New 2012 Toyota Yaris?
 

Hi All:

It has been over year since we have even looked at a Yaris. And the new news is that it is being manufactured in France and exported to the US.

Two weeks ago, Toyota announced that its production subsidiary in France, Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF), held a ceremony to mark the start of "Yaris" subcompact production for export to the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

The exports are projected to reach 25,000 vehicles a year and will mark the first time Toyota vehicles produced in Europe will be exported to North America. The development represents an additional investment of $13 million USD by TMMF.

The current, third-generation Yaris was launched in Europe in the summer of 2011, followed by the Yaris Hybrid in June 2012. At present, Yaris vehicles produced by TMMF are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide in Europe, Africa, Oceania and Latin America.

Toyota will continue to aim for a globally optimized production and supply structure that accurately meets consumer needs in a timely manner.

Overview of Toyota Motor Manufacturing France

Location: Valenciennes, France
Start of production: January 2001
Products: Yaris and Yaris Hybrid
Employees Approx. 3,500

Re: So what’s New about the All-New 2012 Toyota Yaris?
 

I was very disappointed to see that the 2013 Yaris' EPA numbers went DOWN from 2012.
And I didn't check MSRP , but I'll bet that went UP a bit.

Toyota , you really don't want us to buy a Yaris, do ya ?

And that's so sad , because it's getting really difficult to buy a simple, basic car.