The Toyota Yaris gets a remake for 2012, and a sports version that will tide us over until the Scion FR-S comes.
The entire Yaris range gets a longer wheelbase by two inches, and an overall increase in length by three inches. Even though it's only taller by 0.6 inches, somehow Toyota engineers found an additional 68% more cargo space inside, possibly stealing some technology from Doctor Who's TARDIS. The front facelift gets a more peaky bulldog-like nose, in line with the rest of Toyota's lineup, while the back bumper gets aggressive cutouts and no-nonsense white and red tailights.
Engine choices stay the same, at a 106-horsepower inline-four with 1.5 liters and Toyota's VVT-i valve timing technology. But the engine is bolted to a new four-speed automatic transmission that's smaller and lighter than the outgoing slushbox. A five-speed manual is still available. Toyota has yet to release complete fuel economy specs, but does say the Yaris will achieve 38-mpg on the highway two ticks short of the 2012 Hyundai Accent.
The SE model is Toyota's version of a hot hatch: it gets larger tires and disc brakes, quicker steering, a differently-tuned MacPherson-strut suspension, and a snazzier interior. But all models come with air conditioning, six cupholders, power everything, and a whopping nine airbags to make you feel like you're being bear-hugged by the Michelin Man.
More:
2012 Toyota Yaris Revealed With 38-MPG Highway Rating on AutoGuide.com
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