High Resolution Pictures from one of the "Heart Up Vitz!" Launch events

[CTScott]

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/1.jpg

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/2.jpg

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/3.jpg

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/4.jpg

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/5.jpg

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/6.jpg

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/7.jpg

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/8.jpg

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/9.jpg

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/10.jpg

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/11.jpg

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/12.jpg

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/13.jpg

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/14.jpg

http://www.diginfo.tv/assets/10-0272-pics/15.jpg

[Kal-El]

Great pics! Nice to see it in live context. BTW, lovin' the new gauges!

[big lo]

Nice pics bro

[CTScott]

The more pics I see, the more the 12 is growing on me. I would take the green 4WD one in a heartbeat.

[Kal-El]

I can't believe Japan gets a 4WD option. Remarkable.

[ECHOKnight2000]

Nice looking!! The car too:biggrin:

I'd take the green too, its my fav color.

[wooverstone8]

I wonder if we'll get the paddle-shifter option.

[BluYrs]

I can't believe Japan gets a 4WD option. Remarkable.
They get a 4WD version of the current one as well...

I wonder if we'll get the paddle-shifter option.
The paddle-shifter comes with the MultiMode-gearbox (https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Multimode_manual_transmission). This is an option for the rest of the world, when they want an automatic on their Yarii. It is generally considered a "poor man's" alternative to a "real" automatic. The MM is essentially an electrically-operated manual transmission using electric motors and an electronically-operated clutch to provide either automatic or sequential gear changes.

I had the chance of driving an MM-equipped Auris the other day and it was a weird experience. For relaxed driving, it's comfortable, but the gearchanges and reaction of the gearbox take too much time for any spirited driving, even when opting for changing the gears "manually" (via the paddles or by moving the gearstick forwards-backwards). The paddles thus seem highly inappropriate as they give the air of driver-oriented driving dynamics, which simply is not there.

[why?]

love that green color.

[Vioz]

I'm sold!!! Can't wait until its over here in the states, and nice that the dash is in the normal spot, 12 looks more like its part of the scion family truthfully.

[Shinare]

I heart booth-babes. And I too would take that green one in a heartbeat.

(with the cool looking touch screen radio over the old crappy looking one :wink:)

[devinlamothe]

Am I the only one who absolutely hates the interior redesign? I can't for the life of me understand why they got rid of the center console speedometer. That was one of my favourite features and to see it go, well ... let's just say I would not be getting one of these anytime soon. :P

[CTScott]

Am I the only one who absolutely hates the interior redesign? I can't for the life of me understand why they got rid of the center console speedometer. That was one of my favourite features and to see it go, well ... let's just say I would not be getting one of these anytime soon. :P

The center cluster has been one of the Yaris' worst marketing challenges, but I personally find not having to look over or under the steering wheel to be a huge plus. Losing the center cluster isn't a show stopper for me, but it is a huge disappointment.

[ECHOKnight2000]

They get a 4WD version of the current one as well...


The paddle-shifter comes with the MultiMode-gearbox (https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Multimode_manual_transmission). This is an option for the rest of the world, when they want an automatic on their Yarii. It is generally considered a "poor man's" alternative to a "real" automatic. The MM is essentially an electrically-operated manual transmission using electric motors and an electronically-operated clutch to provide either automatic or sequential gear changes.

I had the chance of driving an MM-equipped Auris the other day and it was a weird experience. For relaxed driving, it's comfortable, but the gearchanges and reaction of the gearbox take too much time for any spirited driving, even when opting for changing the gears "manually" (via the paddles or by moving the gearstick forwards-backwards). The paddles thus seem highly inappropriate as they give the air of driver-oriented driving dynamics, which simply is not there.

Every carmaker has their versions. Some good, some not so good. I think because its an econo car they might not put too much into it. Remember its about costs. That's my guess. But also like what I said before, some do it better than others but being an econo car I wouldn't expect it to be somewhat sporty, especially in a Toyota.

[auxmike]

Really looking forward to finally seeing these in the flesh.
I'd love to see an undercarriage pic of the 4X4 version....

[Kal-El]

Am I the only one who absolutely hates the interior redesign? I can't for the life of me understand why they got rid of the center console speedometer. That was one of my favourite features and to see it go, well ... let's just say I would not be getting one of these anytime soon. :P

If the current generation Yaris had conventional gauges, Toyota would have likely sold over 50% more Yaris's than they have bringing it in line with Versa sales. The Yaris is clearly the better car yet the Versa has sold far more.

Other forums and review sites I read discussing the Yaris always discredit the Yaris for its center gauges. Most buyers in the segment say the gauges was the immediate deal breaker.

That said, I also like the center gauges and really have no personal preference. In fairness, most owners like them after a short time after buying. It's what you get used to.

Toyota made the absolute right choice in making the gauges conventional. Now it won't be the only reason people skip the Yaris for consideration.

[Truchito86]

I for one am glad that the gauges are now where they should be. I can't believe that it's still only a four lug, but i hope they offer a 4-wheel disc brake setup this time around, at the very least include it with the S. I do like the re-design, it's modernizing but still stays true to the spirit of the car. I can't wait until the sedan shows up though! Oh and 1+ on the new full screen stereo setup inside.

[roxy1]

cant believe this is gonna come out of my mouth, but here goes: i was just looking at the chevy sonic, and i prefer it inside and out, asthetically speaking only.

[ECHOKnight2000]

cant believe this is gonna come out of my mouth, but here goes: i was just looking at the chevy sonic, and i prefer it inside and out, asthetically speaking only.

I agree, the interior is more inspiring. And I heard the power is the same or similar to the Cruze. So the power to weight ratio should be great considering it weighs less or I assume than the Cruze. So we'll see when it comes out.

[stuffy]

this car is butt ugly...sorry but i had much higher hopes for the new yaris
the angle of the c-pillar is the worst

i think it's going to have a tough time considering the competition this car has now in north america from the ford fiesta, mazda 2, and the usual sub-compacts

was this car designed in japan?

[Kal-El]

this car is butt ugly...sorry but i had much higher hopes for the new yaris
the angle of the c-pillar is the worst

i think it's going to have a tough time considering the competition this car has now in north america from the ford fiesta, mazda 2, and the usual sub-compacts

was this car designed in japan?

I wouldn't throw the Mazda 2 in there. The 2012 Yaris looks far far better. The Mazda 2 is even uglier than the Nissan Versa, IMO. It is already a sales failure (I have yet to see one on the road and its been out nearly a year!).

The biggest new threats to the Yaris is the '12 Accent, '12 Sonic, as well as an upcoming all new Versa which we have yet to see - it's also due to be redesigned for 2012. The Fit and Fiesta are still going strong.

[stuffy]

i've seen a few mazda 2's on the road and i think it's a far, far better looking car than this new yaris...of course have yet to see the yaris in person but i can't see that changing anything for me.

toyota really had to knock on out of the park to stay in the subcompact game (the category they used to own)...this is going to be an utter failure judging by the looks, it's going to have to be amazing on gas and have great road manners for it to even have a chance against a really competitive segment

[roxy1]

toyota will sell plenty of these IF the mileage numbers are good enough.

the mazda 2, at 33 mpg, was a big disappointment. 40 mpg should now be the minimum for a car of this size. if the new yaris isnt there, i will not buy one.

[Kal-El]

the mazda 2, at 33 mpg, was a big disappointment. 40 mpg should now be the minimum for a car of this size. if the new yaris isnt there, i will not buy one.

Especially when its platform cousin, the Fiesta, gets 40mpg and is bigger and more powerful. The Mazda 2 is now the smallest car outside of the Smart and iQ. It should have been an mpg leader.

[3dr5speedblk]

Am I the only one who absolutely hates the interior redesign? I can't for the life of me understand why they got rid of the center console speedometer. That was one of my favourite features and to see it go, well ... let's just say I would not be getting one of these anytime soon. :P

I'm with you, Leave it in the center with the new gauges!!
Looks like a matrix? More premium features more $$$.

[ECHOKnight2000]

I wouldn't throw the Mazda 2 in there. The 2012 Yaris looks far far better. The Mazda 2 is even uglier than the Nissan Versa, IMO. It is already a sales failure (I have yet to see one on the road and its been out nearly a year!).

The biggest new threats to the Yaris is the '12 Accent, '12 Sonic, as well as an upcoming all new Versa which we have yet to see - it's also due to be redesigned for 2012. The Fit and Fiesta are still going strong.

I wouldn't say the Mazda2 has been out nearly a year. Maybe 5 months or so. But yeah I haven't seen one on the road yet either. I like it cause its designed like most Mazda's to be fun and engaging. Sure its down on power compared to its rivals but its that fun tossable light weight car. Miata in hatch back form, in principle.

i've seen a few mazda 2's on the road and i think it's a far, far better looking car than this new yaris...of course have yet to see the yaris in person but i can't see that changing anything for me.

toyota really had to knock on out of the park to stay in the subcompact game (the category they used to own)...this is going to be an utter failure judging by the looks, it's going to have to be amazing on gas and have great road manners for it to even have a chance against a really competitive segment

I like the Mazda as well even if its just as dated as the current Yaris. Or about.
Toyota not only needs to be competitive with mpg but also features and interior. Which it seems as late they are behind.

toyota will sell plenty of these IF the mileage numbers are good enough.

the mazda 2, at 33 mpg, was a big disappointment. 40 mpg should now be the minimum for a car of this size. if the new yaris isnt there, i will not buy one.

The Mazda is more geared towards "performance" rather economy. Its like performance with economy on the side. Think of its bigger brother the 3. In principle.

Especially when its platform cousin, the Fiesta, gets 40mpg and is bigger and more powerful. The Mazda 2 is now the smallest car outside of the Smart and iQ. It should have been an mpg leader.

They share the same platform, abiet modified, but I think that's where it ends. The rest is Mazda exclusive. So the engine, transmission etc. Like I mentioned above, gearing is a big reason the mpg is not where you would think it would be. Its decent mpg but if you put fun driving above that, the the 2 is right for you. :thumbsup:

[CtrlAltDefeat]

Too many odd angles and flattened panels... I like the interior, but only because it doesn't seem quite as plastic and cheap, and has nice looking analog gauges (which might change when it comes to the US). The middle gauges don't make or break the car, as far as I'm concerned. I rather like the change, if only to not put off so many possible buyers. However I think they are going to put off more buyers with the exterior styling changes, then they will gain with the interior changes.

[SailDesign]

It looks like they sawed the tail off a Prius, then stretched it out again. I hate the grill shape (too "V"ed) and the whole package leaves me cold.
Blech!

[marcus]

no center console.??

[auxmike]

I'll hold off on "hero or zero" till I actually get to see the thing in the flesh.....

[computerlove87]

just in terms of looks i find it a little bit higher quality looking than our car, but ugly nonetheless, and I am a huge fan of the center mount console, so I am disappointed with the new one. So far, aside from the drivetrain which is yet undisclosed for usdm, the only thing i like about the car is the rs's new chunky, perforated leather wheel. And if it is only available in 5 door, that is a deal breaker for me LOL

[computerlove87]

OOH also, i spy with my little eye, the potential for the same rear suspension geometry adjustment that we currently have on pic 6. :smile:

[MadMax]

I'm with those who don't like it, it looks like Toyota took the current Yaris and tacked on the Matrix front and rear ends to it. And I for one prefer the center console instruments, I have yet to own a car where I can see them completely when they are behind the steering wheel.

Cheers! M2

[matthewai]

i like the regular gas gauge i hate the digi gauge in the previous versions

[Lewis]

for me the 12 has lost the individuality of design which attracted me to my 09 hatch

that individuality is what sold me on the Yaris originally- the 12 just looks like a mixture of all the current B class competitors which makes it a tough sell I think because being a Japanese built model the cost structure in Japan makes it awfully difficult for them to compete with a Mexican Fiesta and Versa or a Korean Accent or Sonic.

So right from the get go Toyota can't compete feature to feature. So what's left? Individuality of design? - gone, mpg - doubtful based on other non hybrid Toyotas sold in the US unless they go with their stop-start, smaller engined gasoline model but I just don't see Toyota moving that way since it would further increase their cost structure on the Yaris, reliablity - yes but Toyota as a whole has seen that tarnished.

Toyota could have brought in their diesel, stayed with a Euro design theme which does set our cars apart right now but by playing it safe they give one no other reason to buy the Yaris but initial price which really hasn't helped them too much up to now against their higher priced competitors like the Fit and Versa.

the necesscity to compete on price also kills Toyota's and the dealer's margins on the Yaris which is why so many dealers try to "upsell" potential Yaris buyers into a Corolla.

Toyota doesn't make enough on the Yaris to use it's marketing muscle on the model so after an initial "bump" with the new model I hate to say it but I predict the Yaris will continue to bring up the rear in B class US sales numbers.

the paradox is going for safe (middle of the road) can be unsafe- it's better to forge an identity. you want fun to drive - you have a Mazda 2, you want refinement - there's Fiesta, you want utility and versatility- there's Fit, you want a bit more room and comfort- there's Versa, you want value- there is Sonic and Accent. What exactly is the selling point with the new Yaris?

[stuffy]

well put Lewis...if stop/start is standard and doesn't come with a big price tag it might have the edge with fuel economy/green car identity

[Lewis]

well put Lewis...if stop/start is standard and doesn't come with a big price tag it might have the edge with fuel economy/green car identity

Yes Stuffy - I agree 100%- That's the only thing that'll get me out of my 09 and into a '12. I'm not holding my breath because the Toyota marketing approach in the US seems to be - if you want to have high mileage- we have this $26K Prius we sell you.

[CB900F2]

Wonder if they will have a Sedan?

Cant tell forsure, but looks like all the models still have drums in the rear... 4WD, wow, I would definitely get a 4WD version

[sleey0]

I like parts of it and some parts I don't.


Need to see what the USDM is going to have first - you know that the Japanese market ALWAYS gets the better cars, sadly.

[nikonmad]

The center cluster has been one of the Yaris' worst marketing challenges, but I personally find not having to look over or under the steering wheel to be a huge plus. Losing the center cluster isn't a show stopper for me, but it is a huge disappointment.

I think the center cluster was one of the best ever features,that item alone set the yaris apart from the rest (the boring).
It increased view of the road ahead most importantly but in the 2nd gen this arrangement makes the Yaris seem like a much bigger car inside.
Good enough for me @ 6ft 1ins.
Lots of useful storage spaces too.

My 1kr-fe 3 cyl engine chuggs me around the city traffic here in the UK and always returns around 50 miles per UK gallon/1.2 US gallon which is important as here in Great Britain, current price for 1 UK Gallon(1.2 us gallon) is £6.00 pounds sterling or $9.50 USD. ...yes you read it right first time $9.50 !


The new gen 3 arrangement looks a bit too "normal" for me.
An opportunity missed maybe for the powers that be @ Toyota.

We shall see.
Unaware as to the european launch of the 3rd gen, but when it comes here I dont see me swapping in a hurry.

Thanks to CTScott for the heads up and those great pictures :thumbsup:

Wonder if you have any with the hood up ?
Any new engines maybe ?

[alamocoastie]

I disagree with a lot of what yall are saying. Toyota knows the new standard here in the states is 40. They'll hit that. It looks to me that they are now positioning the car in a decidedly more upscale position. Kind of like how the BMW 1 series is, small car, big luxury. Like many, I want the good gas mileage, but I am also tired of cheap crap and would like my small car to be more comfortable. I have a 2002 Protege5 that I absolutely refuse to get rid of for this very reason. Leather interior, cd changer, sport mode auto, great handling, what small cars should be aspiring to. Too many people believe that small cars should be sparse, blech, put in the leather (doesn't need power), give me the nice sound, make me want to drive the wheels off of the thing!

The yaris is taking after its larger sibling, the matrix, but that is a good thing. I've driven them and they can be suuuuweeeeet. Gonna miss the center stack guages though, love that uniqueness.

I for one, can't wait to see the new one. However, I probably won't buy it as the wife tells me I will be buried in this one.

C ya!!

[ECHOKnight2000]

I disagree with a lot of what yall are saying. Toyota knows the new standard here in the states is 40. They'll hit that. It looks to me that they are now positioning the car in a decidedly more upscale position. Kind of like how the BMW 1 series is, small car, big luxury. Like many, I want the good gas mileage, but I am also tired of cheap crap and would like my small car to be more comfortable. I have a 2002 Protege5 that I absolutely refuse to get rid of for this very reason. Leather interior, cd changer, sport mode auto, great handling, what small cars should be aspiring to. Too many people believe that small cars should be sparse, blech, put in the leather (doesn't need power), give me the nice sound, make me want to drive the wheels off of the thing!

The yaris is taking after its larger sibling, the matrix, but that is a good thing. I've driven them and they can be suuuuweeeeet. Gonna miss the center stack guages though, love that uniqueness.

I for one, can't wait to see the new one. However, I probably won't buy it as the wife tells me I will be buried in this one.

C ya!!

You are correct. In the U.S. small equals cheap. Obviously that is changing but American equate size to price. Sad, cause that's why we don't get such cool small cars from Europe. Again starting to change. But the market is still young in that, which is why I don't blame automakers being cautious as its not a very profitable.

I believe the Protege/Protege5 is more of a competitor to the Corolla/Civic class. (at the time) But maybe you were making a point on small cars with lots of features??

Yes, the new Yaris looks more generic and not as stylish as the up in coming offers. But I think another test will be features vs price, and quality of material and build will be a big one as well. Also engine option or options and mpg will be big.

[Yar15]

When the 2nd gen came out it was hot. And so is 3rd.
Rear lights in the rs looks like taken in verso.
Any idea is the 4WD real? 4WD Yaris sounds nice.

[tk1971]

First, Asia in general has to stop using Babblefish to translate their marketing stuff. Heart Up? It would have made more sense to use a heart graphic than to spell it out.

Is that 4WD or AWD? I wonder what kind of mileage it can get?

Other than that, looks like the Yaris is in danger of falling into the "bigger = better" mantra. Nicer looking, yes, but with better looks, and bigger specs with no real major improvements to the drive train (assumed), it may not be able to compete with some of the more efficient competitors in the sub-compact market.

There is a fine line between price and "nice" for econo-box shoppers.

I can't wait to see one in person.

[CTScott]

First, Asia in general has to stop using Babblefish to translate their marketing stuff. Heart Up? It would have made more sense to use a heart graphic than to spell it out.

Is that 4WD or AWD? I wonder what kind of mileage it can get?

Other than that, looks like the Yaris is in danger of falling into the "bigger = better" mantra. Nicer looking, yes, but with better looks, and bigger specs with no real major improvements to the drive train (assumed), it may not be able to compete with some of the more efficient competitors in the sub-compact market.

There is a fine line between price and "nice" for econo-box shoppers.

I can't wait to see one in person.



It's amazing how poorly things translate. I've been following the Heart Up Vitz! Twitter feed, and 99% of the posts make absolutely no sense when translated.

[Thirty-Nine]

First, thanks for the pics.

I really want to get excited over this car, but I just can't yet. I'll give it more time, though.

[kennywhy]

I agree. I think it's over and out for Toyota Yaris. Love my 2007 and like those cool colors they won't offer here. And the 1.3 engine they probably won't offer here.
I'm over it. It's time to move on. Maybe I'll check out the Daewoorolet Sonic too. Maybe.
P.S. The latest Prius looks uglier every time I see it.

[kimona]

Is there still going to be a 2 door version? If so, I wonder if it will incorporate that (ugly IMHO) A-shape rear pillar that seems so common now.

[birdman]

I don't think it's nearly as hideous looking as it did the first time I saw it. It looks like they were trying to follow this Fit's dash styling cues which doesn't thrill me. The cup holders lose their tensioners. I hope the US version has a more simplified front bumper design. Soon enough it will be here and I can decide for myself. Being that my LB has less than 30k on it I can wait until something grabs me. The Prius is introducing a wagon soon plus a smaller hatch and the used ones down the road will be more affordable. I think that small is the growing trend especially as gas prices force more consumers into smaller cars.

[PumpkinSteve]

I'm warming to it, but if they don't bring out a model that is at least as fast as my 1.8 then I won't be buying it. I still have a warranty until 2013 in any case so I don't think I'll be looking before then.

[roxy1]

European spec Vitz, which i think is expected to be close to what N. America get. some slight difference in the front. i like it.

if this car comes over and gets arount 41-43 mpg (which i expect it will) i will give it a hard look.

if they give it just a little bit of handling ability, unlike the current yaris, that would be terrific as well.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/roxy84_photos/01.jpg

[PumpkinSteve]

European spec Vitz, which i think is expected to be close to what N. America get. some slight difference in the front. i like it.

if this car comes over and gets arount 41-43 mpg (which i expect it will) i will give it a hard look.

if they give it just a little bit of handling ability, unlike the current yaris, that would be terrific as well.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/roxy84_photos/01.jpg

Wow, that looks much better!

[CtrlAltDefeat]

European spec Vitz, which i think is expected to be close to what N. America get. some slight difference in the front. i like it.

if this car comes over and gets arount 41-43 mpg (which i expect it will) i will give it a hard look.

if they give it just a little bit of handling ability, unlike the current yaris, that would be terrific as well.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/roxy84_photos/01.jpg

hey that does look better... more cross-between-a-mazda-3-and-a-vw-golf and less cross-between-an-aveo/versa/matrix's-ugly-brother...

[USblueberry]

I am in a desperate situation here!!! I shipped my Yaris to Italy and in order to circulate it they ask me to modify it in order to meet European standards. This car has been circulating in Europe for more than 10 years before coming to the US so my question is: "How different can it be??????" At the dealership they could not specify what needs to be done before seen it which means that I have no idea how much is going to cost me. So I do not know if I should leave it at the port or it is worth to pay the VAT and the modifications.
Did anyone have a similar experience or any idea of what needs to be modified?

[Red Horse]

probably changing the left driving wheel to the right side

[CtrlAltDefeat]

I am in a desperate situation here!!! I shipped my Yaris to Italy and in order to circulate it they ask me to modify it in order to meet European standards. This car has been circulating in Europe for more than 10 years before coming to the US so my question is: "How different can it be??????" At the dealership they could not specify what needs to be done before seen it which means that I have no idea how much is going to cost me. So I do not know if I should leave it at the port or it is worth to pay the VAT and the modifications.
Did anyone have a similar experience or any idea of what needs to be modified?

hmmm not really the place for this, but i would assume the bare minimum would be the lights/reflectors would be changed... i think US spec bumpers are actually stronger so i think they would be ok, not sure if you would have to change the driver side... seems like they have a lot of left hand drive cars running around europe... I'm really just guessing here, tho. Hopefully for your sake it's just the lights

[Chuck G]

Am I the only one who absolutely hates the interior redesign? I can't for the life of me understand why they got rid of the center console speedometer. That was one of my favourite features and to see it go, well ... let's just say I would not be getting one of these anytime soon. :P

I'm with you!
I've really become a big fan of the center mounted speedo.

[quemoto]

The center cluster is awesome and always gets looks, the rest of the interior looks like some solid upgrades but honestly the outside looks like an Aveo and those cars are in my opinion junk, I had one as a rental and hated every part of it. I thought the Yaris styling was fine all they really needed to do was add projector Headlamps and LED Tail's stock and make the foglights standard on some trim other than the S... I hate driving cars without fogs, those silly covers make me feel like a cheap ass. The microimage fog kit was at my door a week after buying the car.

[birdman]

That white one really looks pretty nice. Isn't it weird how many people hate the center mounted instruments but you almost never hear about people hating the harder to see center mounted ones on the Mini. As far as handling is concerned I drove the Fit and I much prefer the better weighted feeling from my Yaris and it handles very nice with just a TRD sway bar. It is a lot of fun driving the winding mountain passes where I live once you get a feel for the car. Much more predictable than my '07 Honda Civic coupe.