Any news on 2013 Yaris (non-hybrid) models yet?

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by bronsin

The styling in that picture is going in the wrong direction. Has anyone noticed the styling of MBs and BMWs lately? They used to be nice subtle, understated designs. They put a lot of thought into the mechanicals of their cars.

Now they are getting real "busy" in how the car looks and its not a good busy either.

My wish for the 2013 Yaris is the 1 liter engine coupled to the auto clutch transmission of the Smart Car (it slows down when you take your foot off the gas like a manaul transmission does)

That and get the weight down to ~1800 pounds.

No diesel or turbo diesel unless its ~500 cc's. Diesel is more than gas now so any advantage in mpg is canceled by paying more for fuel and the initial purchase price (think HYBRID)

I agree with you re MB and some BMWs. Re the interiors though, MB has the same business and other negatives holding back their interior execution, but I think the execution of the interior on nearly every model of BMW is better than any other manufacturer. IF a person leads a high stress life, I could see why that person would want to buy any level of BMW. There is just something calming about sitting in one. IMO, only recent BMW designs have achieved this. BMW, for quite a few years, had a charity breast cancer event in the parking lot at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. They would set up a course with cones and had most of the models there set to drive on the course. For some reason, I would usually get an invitation in the mail. I don't remember having the feeling I do now while sitting in and driving those BMWs.

If it meant appreciably better fuel economy, I think it would be great if Toyota brought the 1.3 liter gas engine to the U.S. for the Yaris. The reduction in horsepower wouldn't bother me at all.