New 2012 Yaris at my local dealership

[kimona]

The 2006-2011 Vitz quickly became a car with cult appeal. The 2012 model Vitz has absolutely none of that. Pity.

[enviri]

i want that steering wheel!!! *looks up yahoo japan*

from the looks of it, it's a good thing that rear bumper doesnt look like it extends for half a mile like the 06-08's did...ugh.

[Connoisseur_of_fine_cars]

Storage bins gone. Generic styling. Glad I bought an '11 before it's too late.

But I do wonder if Toyota fixed the throttle lag problem and the electric steering problem.

[wooverstone8]

I forgot to note that this is the base model and the sticker price is $16,000. This car didn't have power windows.

[bronsin]

Oh jeez in all the excitement I forgot to ask the most important question of all:

Have they increased the weight? Have they made it bigger?

[traveller]

Compared to the Mk2 its 100mm longer and the roof height is less. Don't know about the weight though.
That dash looks like something from the 1980's!

[bronsin]

Found the weight on Toyotas site. Its listed at 2295 which is unchanged I believe.

The problem with small cars is they get bigger over time. I saw a Honda Accord in the showroom last summer with a sticker that claimed the car got 16 mpg.

If anything they should get smaller/lighter/smaller engine.

[A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby]

Originally Posted by bronsin

Found the weight on Toyotas site. Its listed at 2295 which is unchanged I believe.

The problem with small cars is they get bigger over time. I saw a Honda Accord in the showroom last summer with a sticker that claimed the car got 16 mpg.

If anything they should get smaller/lighter/smaller engine.

just look at the new Corolla. Far bigger than the original.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Originally Posted by bronsin

Found the weight on Toyotas site. Its listed at 2295 which is unchanged I believe.

The problem with small cars is they get bigger over time. I saw a Honda Accord in the showroom last summer with a sticker that claimed the car got 16 mpg.

If anything they should get smaller/lighter/smaller engine.

We weighed our L with a 1/2 tank of fuel, 2269lbs.

[djct_watt]

There was a nice photo I saw somewhere on the internet a long time ago, that compared an 80's Accord and a late model. It seems that the modern Civic is much closer to what the Accord was originally, and likewise can be said about the Corolla/Camry relationship. I guess these new models (Yaris/Vios/City/Fiesta/Mazda2) are stepping in to fill the void.

It's typical Western ideology (having been born and raised in the USA); bigger is better. And just like shopping at Costco, it doesn't always come with rewards. Often times shopping at Costco, I would end up with a bunch of unconsumed spoiled produce; or waste.

I for one, am very happy that the Yaris didn't get much bigger. I only wish that they spent a little more time on a more interesting interior/exterior design.

[Still Learning]

Yeah, that design doesn't do it for me either. Looks too much like a Kia. I'm sticking with my 07.

[Chuck G]

Originally Posted by Still Learning

Yeah, that design doesn't do it for me either. Looks too much like a Kia. I'm sticking with my 07.

It really does look like a Kia product.
Shame

[A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby]

rear end is looking like the Nissan Leaf...blah

[Steve L.]

I like my 2010 model year better. The 2012 doesn't have the cool center speedometer!! Also I think the body looks better on the older ones not the 2012. It is okay though, just not as good.

[sjones]

Those pictures don't do anything for me. I think the the interior styling is plain and awkward, and the back angle is not very flattering. The chrome on the rear is also a sore sight.

[Astroman]

Yup, kia rio comes to mind. Pity.

[Qmobile]

looks like mine/my mom's car only pregnate with matrix-ish tails

[broody]

I don't like the exterior but I guess I'll get used to it, the interior is fine. But I'll have to test drive it, I don't expect to find many differences.

Originally Posted by bronsin

Found the weight on Toyotas site. Its listed at 2295 which is unchanged I believe.

The problem with small cars is they get bigger over time. I saw a Honda Accord in the showroom last summer with a sticker that claimed the car got 16 mpg.

If anything they should get smaller/lighter/smaller engine.

They get bigger and more poorly built. Otherwise, you could think that a 2012 Civic will be the same as a 20 years old Accord (which is true in terms of size and weight), but the quality of the materials, the sound proofing, comfort of the seats, and even room, is not quite as good as in an old Accord. I would love to have a brand new Civic VX (EG), they looked good, they were light, had fair performances and awesome fuel economy. There wasn't much room though.

But you can find some decent mid-size/small cars for your familly, like a Prius, which is the size of a compact car but almost as roomy as a Camry, and light enough (at least it would be without the hybrid system).