Wednesday, August 5, 2009
2010 Toyota Yaris updates and rumors
The venerable Toyota Yaris will get a few changes for the 2010 model year. According to Toyota, the Yaris will get standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), and will get Toyota's Star Safety System that includes ABS, Electric Brake-force Distribution (DBD), and brake assist. Toyota says the Yaris will be the only vehicle in its segment to offer these features standard.
The Yaris' MSRP will go up only $150, or about 1.1-1.2 percent.
There are also a couple of rumors from Yarisworld.com about the 2010 Yaris. First is the rumor that the '10 Yaris five-door will be available with a five-speed manual transmission.* The 2009 five-door is currently only available with an automatic.
*UPDATE: I just talked with a Toyota PR representative, and she said that all 2010 Yaris models will be available with a manual transmission.
The second is that Toyota is eliminating the S trim level, but adding a "sport" package. No word on the availability of a tachometer, though.
LINKS
2010 Yaris (Yarisworld.com)
Toyota.com
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8 comments:
The Yaris 5 door not having the manual tranny turned away a friend of mines. He ended up buying a Java color Kia Soul with a manual through the C4C program. Nice to see him get rid of his Jeep Wrangler for a subcompact.
Also, can you post the July sales numbers for the subcompacts like you did for previous months? I was anxiously waiting for you to post the numbers.
Well, we bought our Suzuki SX4 instead of a Yaris five door because of the lack of a manual.
And yes, I'm working on the sales data as we speak.
Traction and stability control on a Yaris? I imagine this is mostly for the Canadians, since I recall something about traction and stability control being mandatory on all new vehicles sold in Canada by 2011. Stability and traction control ruins the whole appeal of the car to me. I bought my 5-speed Yaris with crank windows and manual locks for $11,700. The Yaris is a no frills basic mode of transportation. Traction and stability control on a 100hp FWD econobox seems a bit ridiculous to me. I really hope the traction and stability control are optional, because I never would never buy a Yaris equipped with one.
I think that this is a great addition. I was a bit disappointed to see that the Fit didn't get this as a standard feature across the range.
" el said...
Traction and stability control on a Yaris? I imagine this is mostly for the Canadians, since I recall something about traction and stability control being mandatory on all new vehicles sold in Canada by 2011. Stability and traction control ruins the whole appeal of the car to me. I bought my 5-speed Yaris with crank windows and manual locks for $11,700. The Yaris is a no frills basic mode of transportation. Traction and stability control on a 100hp FWD econobox seems a bit ridiculous to me. I really hope the traction and stability control are optional, because I never would never buy a Yaris equipped with one.
August 6, 2009 10:50 PM"
What difference does it make what vehicle it is applied to?
Stability control is an incredible safety feature for everyone, even those who have had attended formal driving schools. I have attended a five day Bertil Roos school and I run Group Two at Summit Point and I still would never purchase a vehicle (daily driver) without stability control.
You can't be "on" 100% of the time. I really don't understand why you wouldn't want an additional safety feature to keep you and your loved ones safe...
I think there are some people who don't want the driving experience "messed with" by technological driving aides. I believe they find it intrusive.
However, I can see your point, sleeksilver. Plus which, the majority of the driving public aren't race car drivers. I think it's a good thing, personally.
My 2005 xB had it, and my 2009 SX4 has it, and it's saved my butt a couple of times.
It really bugs the crap out of me that the Fit only has SC with the Navi. They do it to sell the Navis, but I think it's pretty low. (They're risking consumer safety for a buck. Well, a yen in their case. xD)
If they were smart they'd have SC standard on all models and just have 4WD or something available with the Navi if they wanna sell it that bad. I know people would pay the extra for 4WD, especially in the north (USA). And I know they can put 4WD on the things since I see it all the time here in Japan. (And I think they have it available in Canada...)
It also puts my panties in a twist thinking the Yaris... THE YARIS... has better safety features than the Fit. That's just NOT right. :(
*grumbles* What you bet that either '10 or the '11 models of the Fit end up with SC because of Toyota? I bet they will.... darn them! Always when I'm not in the market for a car! >_<;
I don't care about the manuals, I'm horrible with them. (I am HORRIBLE at multi-tasking when I drive.) I know it's big news though, since the 5D didn't come with the man-trans as an option.
In 2.5 years of using a Yaris as a daily driver, I have yet to end up sideways or skid out of on control. The car has so much natural grip that the only time I have not had full control of the car was in the rain. And I drive like a maniac, so it's not like I'm just pussyfooting around town. The car barely has enough power to make the front tires chirp, so traction control is of no real use. Stability control...I could see if a deer were to run out in front of you and you had to brake and swerve to miss it, stability control would probably minimize the danger of the average driver skidding off the road.
I don't want traction and stability control because once you have it you can't get rid of it. Forever will the car's computer think it knows best. Were I in a big, top heavy SUV, you damn bet I'd want the fancy gizmos. But I'm in a Yaris, a Yaris that is glued to the asphalt by gravity and a fancy set of touring tires. It's not invincible, but it's a pretty decent little car to toss around on occasion. Only with traction and stability, you won't be tossing much.
I think it comes down to people that enjoy driving vs those that don't enjoy driving. I enjoy driving, and I don't want that experienced tampered with by a bunch of necessary "safety" devices. I think ABS is great, but you can keep your traction and your stability and your air bags.
That makes me wonder...is ABS going to be standard on the Yaris now? Mine doesn't even have ABS, so I'd be quite curious if they're going to make models with Traction and Stability control but no ABS....
In summary, traction control and stability control suck, unless you're hauling your family through a wooded area in the rain while talking on your cellphone and eating a hamburger. Then it saves lives, although those lives might not be worth the addition to the MSRP. And if you autocross on the weekend, don't buy a 2010 Yaris.
Well, you can disable most traction control systems. You can't, however, disable many stability control systems.
I used to autocross my 2005 xB (no, really, I did), and I would take off the traction control. However, the stability control on the car was not invasive. It would only come on if you about to literally spin out of control. I did not find it invasive in the least. That was my experience ...
Keep in mind: The automakers do need to equip vehicles for those that drive through the woods in the rain while eating a hamburger, talking on the cell phone, smoking a cigarette, and attending to the 2.5 kids in the back seat.
Most consumers are not versed in vehicle handling. My mom, a very competent driver; do I want my mom's vehicle to have vehicle stability control? Absolutely. Do I want my grandma to have it? You bet.
I'm all for increased safety, especially in small cars. I can understand why some auto enthusiasts find it invasive, though. But when it comes to the majority of drivers on the road, I think it's a good idea.
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