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

[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]

Originally Posted by 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!!

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.