Subcompact Culture reviews the 2012 Yaris SE

[Vang]

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

[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.

[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.

[tetzyamis]

Originally Posted by Jason@SportsCar

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.

SE
Steering gear ratio = 46.17
Lock to lock turn = 2.3 turns
Turning circle = 36.7 ft

None-SE
Steering gear ratio = 49.93
Lock to lock turn = 3.0 turns
Turning circle = 30.8 ft (which means the longer wheel base than the previous gen Yaris did not affect the turning circle)

[Jason@SportsCar]

Originally Posted by tetzyamis

SE
Steering gear ratio = 46.17
Lock to lock turn = 2.3 turns
Turning circle = 36.7 ft

None-SE
Steering gear ratio = 49.93
Lock to lock turn = 3.0 turns
Turning circle = 30.8 ft (which means the longer wheel base than the previous gen Yaris did not affect the turning circle)

They actually made the new car turn sharper than the previous gen.

Steering Ratio (:1), Overall: 19.7

Lock to Lock Turns (Steering): 3.0

Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb: 32.6'