All new Yaris subcompact combines value, fuel efficiency

The all-new 2012 Toyota Yaris is up 140 percent in sales, according to Toyota, which sees strong interest in its subcompact that combines performance, convenience and fuel economy.

“There is a lot of excitement in the subcompact category today, but the all-new 2012 Toyota Yaris is at the top of the list when it comes to combining value and fuel efficiency with style and fun,” said Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter.

Under the Hood

Toyota designers equipped the 2012 Yaris with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The 16-valve engine uses variable valve timing with intelligence for maximum efficiency.

Customers can choose a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

Front suspension is taken care of by an independent MacPherson strut system with stabilizer bar, and the rear suspension is a torsion beam setup.

Comfort and Convenience

All Yaris models include electric power steering, power door locks, air conditioning, six cup/bottle holders and a storage cover for the cargo area.

The standard AM/FM/CD player with MP3 and WMA connectivity has full audio connectivity with USB and auxiliary ports. The upgraded audio system has HD Radio, six speakers and Bluetooth streaming audio capability.

Audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel, which also has cruise control buttons.

Drivers have more knee space thanks to the flat-bottomed steering wheel, which tilts and telescopes.

Some Yaris models feature a one-piece folding rear seat, while others have a 60/40 fold-down rear seat.

Safety

Toyota’s Star Safety System is standard and includes vehicle stability control, traction control, antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology.

The reinforced passenger area works with front and rear crumple zones to protect occupants in the event of a collision. All five seating positions have height-adjustable head restraints and three-point seatbelts.

Driver and front passenger are protected by dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, a driver’s knee airbag and driver- and front passenger-seat cushion airbags. The vehicle is also equipped with first- and second-row side curtain airbags.