Toyota announced today that the next-generation Toyota Yaris' pricing will start at $14,115. This gets you an three-door Yaris L three-door liftback with a five-speed manual transmission. A top-of-the-line Yaris SE five-door with a four-speed automatic will go for $17,200. Pricing is set to start August 31. At this point, Toyota hasn't disclosed any more information regarding the Yaris for North America. Toyota hasn't released any more official information (not even official photos yet), but it is presumed the 2012 model will retain the 1.5-liter 1NZ-FE engine found in the current Yaris.
There has been some grumblings about this on the blogs, and the fact that the car comes with a five-speed manual or four-speed auto, and not a six-speed manual and five-speed automatic or CVT. This leaves the Yaris as one of only a handful of vehicles still offering a five-speed manual/four-speed automatic as transmission offerings.
However, it also means the Yaris is now one of only a few vehicles offered in a three-door configuration. The MINI Cooper, Honda CR-Z, and Fiat 500 will be the only 2012 models available as a three-door hatchback. And, frankly, if the three-door can be made to look like these Australian models pictured here, I'd be tickled. Not a huge fan of the five-door, but really like the three door.
4 comments:
I personally love the 3 door redesign. I currently drive a mazda protege so I like small cars. I plan to buy a new car next year so this we definitely be on my list. I was set on the mazda2, but this new 3 door yaris has won me over so far. I'm surprised there are so many people upset over the 4 speed auto. Yes, it would be nice to have a 5 speed auto, but the engine and transmission in the yaris/echo are as reliable as you can get. They are practically bullet proof. Can't wait for toyota to release more info.
I normally favor the 3 door hatchbacks as well, but I favor the 5 door design in the current (pre 2012) Yaris generation. I own a 3 door but I'd have the 5 if I could have gotten it with the manual transmission. As far as I know, all the 5 doors are automatic only, and they weren't even for sale in the U.S. when I got my 3 door back in '07.
The new interior is a huge step up, even if they used the same parts bin as the current gen. And the outside of the car isn't shabby either. But the decision to use the same 1.5 liter and transmissions? That's just lazy and boring. Which makes it a perfect Toyota.
That optioned-up red 3 door looks hot, but USA Today's reported the 3 door only comes as a base model, the sport (and midline) trim come in 5 door only.
Personally, I'm planning on keeping my paid-for '08 for a while anyway.
The 2011 Toyota Yaris has a few good things going for it: excellent fuel economy, an affordable base price and an eccentric appearance. The Yaris is one of the few vehicles in its segment to offer these safety features as standard equipment.
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