Toyota Yaris has become a popular choice among compact cars in the United States. It features a sporty exterior and a attractive interior equipped with safety measures.
People say that the 2012 Toyota Yaris is an improvement from the 2011 model. But most others think that the new Yaris is an average car. 
Performance
When choosing a new car, one of the main aspects you need to consider is its performance. Even though the Yaris cannot be considered as a muscle car, it holds its own when it comes to performance. It features a 4 cylinder 100 horse power engine. The SE Model’s stiff suspension provides precise handling.
Fuel efficiency
If you are looking for outstanding gas mileage, but don’t want to spend on a hybrid, you must consider the new Toyota Yaris. It is best noted for its speed and mileage of 29 mpg city drive and 36 mpg on the highway. Definitely, it will top other subcompact car when its mileage is taken into consideration.
Safety Features
Safety is important when you choose a car. One of the major selling points of the Yaris is its safety directed specifications. The Yaris is remarkably noted for its Star Safety System.
This feature helps you quickly stop your vehicle if you are going at a speed greater than 5 miles per hour. The vehicle is also equipped with nine airbags which is strategically placed to ensure the safety of passengers as well as the driver. In addition, the vehicle also features innovative shock absorption zones that are placed both in front and back of the car.
Interior
The new Toyota Yaris has a number of outstanding interior features. It is impressive when compared to other competitors. Some of the main features include LCD odometers, twin trip meter, fuel level gauge, interior map light, and CFC free air conditioning.
The interior includes a covered storage deck box in the rear and a rear bench seat. Warning lights are in place for battery, low fuel level, seat belt, oil pressure, air bag, and door ajar notifications.
The seating is configured for maximum comfort. The front seats have a 4 way adjustable capability. It includes day and night rear view mirrors, temperature displays, an MP3 player with four speakers, USB and iPod ports.
Exterior
Apart from the interior comfort level of a car, you may have to consider its exterior features too. The Yaris comes with exterior features such as steel wheels, rear wiper, roof antenna and an aerodynamic multi reflector halogen head lamp.
Moreover it also contains a trunk lamp, hoot releases and 12 volt power outlets. Personal choices such as alloy wheels and spoilers are an additional option based on individual preference.
Competition
The Yaris have a number of other hatchbacks that are following hard after it, these are the Honda Fit (MSRP $16,115; 27 city / 33 hwy), Nissan Versa (MSRP $15,260; 26 city / 31 hwy), and the Chevrolet Sonic (MSRP $15,560; 26 city / 35 hwy). The Toyota Yaris still leads this pack in price and mileage.
Overall Rating
70 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2012 Toyota Yaris is fuel-efficient in the city without hybridhardware, and it has an nicely appointed interior that feels cheerful but not cheapskate; but its weak performance and highway refinement aren’t up to current class standards.”Car Connection
“Acceleration is adequate, but the engine drones. The driving position is flawed, fit and finish is cheap, and the center-mounted gauges are annoying.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“In the subcompact category, Toyota’s Yaris was getting run over by newer, more edgy competitors such as the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and MAZDA2. To remedy the situation, Toyota has revamped the 2012 Toyota Yaris hatchback (called a liftback in Toyota-speak), giving new life to its larger, more stylish and more content-heavy small car.”KBB
“With more cargo capacity, sharper sheet metal and sportier suspension tuning, the redesigned 2012 Toyota Yaris moves up a few notches on the economy-hatch hierarchy. High fuel efficiency; agreeable handling; simple but stylish interior.”Edmunds
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hatchback | Base Price: $14,115.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.1 gallons (42 liters) | MPG: 30 city / 38 hwy |
| Length: 153.5 in. (389.8 cm) | Wheel Base: 98.8 in. (250.9 cm) |
| Height: 59.4 in. (150.8 cm) | Width: 66.7 in. (169.4 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 2295 lbs (1041 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.5 in. (13.9 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 15.3 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 16 Valve 4 cylinder DOHC | Displacement: 1.5 Liter |
| Horsepower: 106 HP | Max RPM: 6000 RPM |
| Torque: 103 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual |
| Option:Yaris 5-door L | MSRP: $15,140; MPG: 30 city / 35 hwy |
| Option:Yaris 5-door LE | MSRP: $16,100; MPG: 30 city / 35 hwy |
| Option:Yaris 5-door SE | MSRP: $17,200; MPG: 30 city / 35 hwy |
