The Yaris is offered in two body styles: 3-door and 5-door liftback. All 2012 Toyota Yaris models come with a 106-horsepower, 1.5L 4-cylinder engine, making 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. With variable valve timing, the engine is quite flexible and responsive and works quite well with the available 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic. EPA fuel economy ratings are 30 mpg city, 35 mpg highway with the automatic, or 30 mpg city /38 mpg highway with the manual.
Standard features on all Yaris models include intermittent wipers, a 4-speaker CD/MP3 player with iPod input, tilt steering wheel, power locks, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes and stability control. Nine air bags including front-seat, side-curtain and a driver's knee airbag are also included. An efficiency-enhancing trip computer is included in the instrumentation that will show instant fuel economy and an "ECO driving indicator" to show the driver how well they're doing. The 5-door model gets a rear wiper standard as well.
The Yaris may be diminutive, but it doesn't sacrifice comfort or interior space. Its 85 cubic feet of passenger volume and 15 cubic feet of cargo space mean it's comfortable enough for up to 5 passengers and their stuff. The short 99-inch wheelbase means a tight turning circle of just 31 feet. Suspension is a MacPherson strut-type front suspension and torsion-beam rear setup that's tuned for good ride comfort and electric-assist power steering maximizes efficiency as well as improving parking-lot maneuverability.
In addition to the standard equipment, the LE model adds on power-adjustable mirrors, an upgraded 6-speaker stereo with HD radio and Bluetooth. Upgraded front seats, a split-folding rear seat and steering wheel audio controls are also included as well as remote keyless are also included.
The SE model, only available in the 5-door, gets 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler fog lamps, a mesh grille, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.
The Yaris gets a redesign for 2012. Gone is the Yaris sedan. The hatchback gets a Camry-like front end and more steeply-raked rear lines. It's available in both 3 and 5 door variations. The same 1.5L 4-cylinder engine returns and customers will have a choice of L, LE and SE trims.
The Yaris has a lot of appeal to those who value practicality, fuel efficiency and reliability. The Toyota Yaris is one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid models available in the U.S., as well as one of the lowest-priced new cars. With the Yaris' enviable reputation for resale value, reliability and longevity, it's a great pick for those who want to buy new and keep their vehicle for a long time.
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