Subcompact Culture reviews the 2012 Yaris SE

[Thirty-Nine]

I spent a week with the 2012 Yaris SE in December. Toyota really did a good job revising the new Yaris, and the SE is downright fun to drive.

You can read the review here: http://www.subcompactculture.com/201...ngly.html#more

- Andy

[IllQueens]

...the Absolute Red absolutely looks gorgeous...

[MadMax]

Disagree, that thing looks even worse than I realized. Give me the 2007-2011 version any day of the week. This one looks just like every other subcompact hatch being offered these days. The "old" Yaris was unique and had character. This one is blending in with everything else.

And "improved?!?" That's debatable! All the changes are cosmetic, and not necessarily for the better. I bet the instruments are not as easy to see hidden behind that fat steering wheel. The dash looks flat as a board, bleh! And that head-on picture is not flattering at all.

Plus, the jump in price is going to send a lot of potential buyers looking elsewhere. Toyota has priced itself into a corner, should've left well enough alone.

If anything were to happen to my 08 I would not be considering this new model as a replacement. I'd more likely get a Golf or Civic, Toyota has failed as far as I am concerned.

[Yar Is Word]

Thanks for the review!

[Thirty-Nine]

Originally Posted by MadMax

Disagree, that thing looks even worse than I realized. Give me the 2007-2011 version any day of the week. This one looks just like every other subcompact hatch being offered these days. The "old" Yaris was unique and had character. This one is blending in with everything else.

And "improved?!?" That's debatable! All the changes are cosmetic, and not necessarily for the better. I bet the instruments are not as easy to see hidden behind that fat steering wheel. The dash looks flat as a board, bleh! And that head-on picture is not flattering at all.

Plus, the jump in price is going to send a lot of potential buyers looking elsewhere. Toyota has priced itself into a corner, should've left well enough alone.

If anything were to happen to my 08 I would not be considering this new model as a replacement. I'd more likely get a Golf or Civic, Toyota has failed as far as I am concerned.

Yes, it is debatable, as it is my subjective review. However, it is not hard to see the gauges at all. No harder than 99% of the other cars sold in the world.

I also don't think the jump in price will change anyone's mind. All of the subcompacts out there (sans the stripper Nissan Versas) are in this same price range. Heck, the Sonic LTZ turbo was more than $19K. Yaris SE is a bargain comparatively.

[fnkngrv]

Nice article Andy. I have seen a 12 now on the road. Personally I as well prefer the 07-11 aesthetically as well. As for the gauges I much prefer them in the middle, but then again that is just me.

[thebarber]

the red ones are faster.

[A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby]

saw one in a parking garage. it is quite easy to identify as a yaris from a distance and not something else

[Vang]

how's the turning radius? easier/harder/no difference when parking in cramped spots?
also any major blind spots?

[MadMax]

Originally Posted by Thirty-Nine

Yes, it is debatable, as it is my subjective review.

Fair enough, everyone's entitled to their opinion.

However, it is not hard to see the gauges at all. No harder than 99% of the other cars sold in the world.

Yeah, but the center-mounted gauges were an improvement over 99% of other cars! It did take a little getting used to, but once I did I realized it was a lot better than having to shift around just to see how fast I was going! I think it was a big mistake to change that aspect of the car, and can't believe people actually complained about it as it definitely was an improvement.

About the only compromise I can think of is the Civic's instruments at the top of the dash just below the windshield...



I also would miss the glovebox located just behind the steering wheel, I find it "stealthy" in that most people don't know it exists. I use it more than the other two on the passenger side, and it's another feature lost on the new Yaris.

Lastly, the appearance was the biggest disappointment for me. The car has lost its character. I was looking at some Porsche 911s in a magazine while I was getting Sprocket's tires rotated and balanced this morning, and I realized it is that unique shape that sets it apart from the rest of the cars in its class. The Yaris was the same, but alas no more...

Still, I am envious that you get the opportunity to test these new models, and I appreciate your reviews.

Cheers! M2

[Strider199]

I like the new front end of the 2012. My Dad drives an 06 which when he pulled into my driveway back than, and still today, I just can't get used to that rounded shape.
This is my first Yaris and I prefer the gauges on the drivers side. When I ride shotgun in my Dad's Yaris I find the centre cluster distracting.

Now I do not like the lack of space/compartments in the 2012 Yaris. Unless there are a few compartments I haven't found yet, there is no room up front for my C.B. or scan gauge. I do like the cubbies in the older dash.

Nice review Thirty-Nine. That red does look good but I got mine in Black because my Dad's 06 is Red.

I am not impressed that my 3 door CE manual 5 speed didn't come with a tach.

[donmeca2020]

Originally Posted by MadMax

Disagree, that thing looks even worse than I realized. Give me the 2007-2011 version any day of the week. This one looks just like every other subcompact hatch being offered these days. The "old" Yaris was unique and had character. This one is blending in with everything else.

And "improved?!?" That's debatable! All the changes are cosmetic, and not necessarily for the better. I bet the instruments are not as easy to see hidden behind that fat steering wheel. The dash looks flat as a board, bleh! And that head-on picture is not flattering at all.

Plus, the jump in price is going to send a lot of potential buyers looking elsewhere. Toyota has priced itself into a corner, should've left well enough alone.

If anything were to happen to my 08 I would not be considering this new model as a replacement. I'd more likely get a Golf or Civic, Toyota has failed as far as I am concerned.

to say the exterior looks bad, i think its alot more intimidating then the earlier gen yaris hatches and sedans, im glad that cutesy look is gone. as for the gauge cluster no longer being in the middle of the dash, i think it was a great idea to put it back where it belongs.

i've said it a few times on here but possibly this year i might be getting one. and i prefer the new look and gauge cluster put back where it was supposed to be.

[Thirty-Nine]

Originally Posted by Vang

how's the turning radius? easier/harder/no difference when parking in cramped spots?
also any major blind spots?

The SE's turning radius is bigger than other Yaris models. I believe Car and Driver said it had something to do with the larger wheels or something. It was still good. It was a amazingly quick, though which is great in cornering and maneuvering around town. Visibility was excellent.

[Captain Slow]

trying to be too "sporty" in my eyes does just the opposite on this type of car. it only reminds me that it's not a sports car even more.

i like my 2010 and it's "cutesy" appearance. it's a little econo car and looks the part. I've always been one who wasn't suckered in by clever marketing, instead I like unique things. I liked the original Yaris since the first time I saw one because I thought it had a unique look to it, the center gauges only add to that uniqueness.

was a VW beetle or VW minibus ever considered "sporty"? nope, but they sure were unique enough to be remembered.


that said, if you really like the 2012+ design then by all means buy one. i will never get one though.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Originally Posted by Thirty-Nine

The SE's turning radius is bigger than other Yaris models. I believe Car and Driver said it had something to do with the larger wheels or something. It was still good. It was a amazingly quick, though which is great in cornering and maneuvering around town. Visibility was excellent.

The 2012 has a nearly 2" longer wheelbase, that is where you lose the turning radius - but the change is so small most people will never have an issue or notice it.

[tetzyamis]

Originally Posted by Jason@SportsCar

The 2012 has a nearly 2" longer wheelbase, that is where you lose the turning radius - but the change is so small most people will never have an issue or notice it.

2011 Yaris turning diameter = 30.8'
2012 Yaris L = 30.8'
2012 Yaris SE = 36.7'

So, 2" longer wheelbase didn't affect the turning diameter.
SE's steering ratio or whatever the reason made turning radius to be almost 6' larger. I think I would notice 6' difference in turning diameter.

[03Z33]

Originally Posted by Thirty-Nine

The SE's turning radius is bigger than other Yaris models. I believe Car and Driver said it had something to do with the larger wheels or something. It was still good. It was a amazingly quick, though which is great in cornering and maneuvering around town. Visibility was excellent.

Originally Posted by Jason@SportsCar

The 2012 has a nearly 2" longer wheelbase, that is where you lose the turning radius - but the change is so small most people will never have an issue or notice it.

I'm sure the wheel size and longer wheelbase contribute to the wider turning radius some but you're missing the best part:

2012 Yaris SE ONLY have a different steering ratio (tighter rack)!

L, LE models get the normal sloppy rack, it makes a very noticeable difference in steering feel and response :)

According to Toyota specs the electric power steering in the SE model is also "sport calibrated" which may make the steering feel heavier.


2012 L, LE Specs:
Electric Power Steering (EPS); power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Turning circle diameter, curb to curb (ft.) 30.8


2012 SE Specs:
Sport-calibrated Electric Power Steering (EPS); power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Turning circle diameter, curb to curb (ft.) 36.7

[Jason@SportsCar]

Originally Posted by 03Z33

I'm sure the wheel size and longer wheelbase contribute to the wider turning radius some but you're missing the best part:

2012 Yaris SE ONLY have a different steering ratio (tighter rack)!

L, LE models get the normal sloppy rack, it makes a very noticeable difference in steering feel and response :)

According to Toyota specs the electric power steering in the SE model is also "sport calibrated" which may make the steering feel heavier.


2012 L, LE Specs:
Electric Power Steering (EPS); power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Turning circle diameter, curb to curb (ft.) 30.8


2012 SE Specs:
Sport-calibrated Electric Power Steering (EPS); power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Turning circle diameter, curb to curb (ft.) 36.7

Where does it say the ratio is different? Steering ratio will effect how quickly the wheels turn in response to your input, but will have no effect on turning radius. The only reason for a bigger arch is the longer wheel base, and if they put a steering limiter in place to prevent the "larger" SE wheel/tire combo from rubbing the inner fenders.