Toyota’s Yaris Grows Bigger With Redesign

Toyota says its revamped Yaris Liftback B-car will creep up in size for the ‘12 model year.

The redesigned car will be offered in both 3- and 5-door body styles and feature a wheelbase that has been lengthened by 2 ins. (5 cm) to 98.8 ins. (251.0 cm) and an overall length stretched by 2.9 ins. (7.4 cm) to 153.5 ins. (390.0 cm).

The Yaris also grows a little taller, increasing 0.6 ins. (1.5 cm) in height. All that stretching increases the small car’s cargo room 68%, the auto maker says.

Three trim levels will be offered, including a sport-tuned SE package that is available only in a 5-door.

All come with Toyota’s 1.5L twin-cam 4-cyl. engine with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that produces 106 hp at 6,000 rpm and 103 lb.-ft. (140 Nm) of torque at 4,200 rpm.

A new 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission Toyota says is more compact, lighter weight and operates with less friction than the previous automatic is available in all models.

A 5-speed manual can be had on base L and SE versions only and features the best fuel economy rating: 30/38 mpg (7.8-6.2 L/100 km) city/highway.

The Yaris packs in Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes vehicle stability control, traction control and antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

Restyled ‘12 Yaris.

Also included as standard is the auto maker’s Smart Stop Technology brake override system.

Pricing will start at $14,115 for an L-grade 3-door and rise to $17,200 for the SE 5-door with an automatic, about $1,000 more than the ’11 model, reflecting the additional standard equipment.

Production is slated to begin Aug. 31.