2012 Toyota Yaris has achieved sales up 140 percent in April and 70 percent for the year. This means that the subcompact Toyota vehicle is one of the most frequent choices customers make, when they have in mind characteristics such as performance, comfort, fuel efficiency and safety. The new Yaris is now being offered in two variants – with three- and five-door. Both are available with five-speed manual or four-speed electronic automatic transmissions.

More importantly, the vehicle is propelled by the efficient 106 hp (78 kW) four-cylinder engine which in addition has a Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Thank to this the car achieves 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway with the manual and 30 city/35 highway with the automatic transmission.

Another benefit of the Yaris is the safety it provides for its occupants. It has a reinforced cabin which integrates front and rear crumple zones and energy-absorbing materials in the roof and doors.

Furthermore, the seating positions are equipped with height-adjustable head rests and three-point seatbelts. There is also a set of airbags included as a standard: driver and front passenger advanced dual-stage front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, driver- and front-passenger seat-cushion airbags and first and second row side-curtain airbags.

In addition to all this as a standard, the brand has decided to include the Toyota's Star Safety System on all its models. The latter system features: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

2012 Toyota Yaris SE

Next, an advantage to be mentioned is the comfort of the car. Yaris' cabin provides rear seating for three persons with headrests in all positions. In addition to this, the interior is driver orientated and includes easy-to-reach controls, high center-mounted instrument cluster for excellent on-road visibility, and an array of storage spaces and cup holders.

Further features as standard equipment are: air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, rear-window defogger and intermittent wipers.

And if the customer wants to have an additional space for the luggage, Toyota has made the rear seatback foldable, so that the cargo capacity becomes from 9.3 cubic feet to 25.7 cubic feet. A 60/40 split rear seatback comes as a standard on LE and SE grades.

What we've almost forgotten is the remarkable exterior of the Yaris, which combines contemporary vision with crisp character. Here the grill is accented by sharp character lines that flow into the sleek hood and windshield.

Now the vehicle is even more aerodynamic, because the outer moldings on the windshield and door glass have been eliminated.

And if one is more of a sportier type of person, Toyota has thought about them too! If one enjoys a dynamic driving experience and seek this, then 2012 Toyota SE is made for them. This model comes with five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic one, 16-inch alloy wheels and tires, sport-tuned suspension, quicker-ratio steering and integrated fog lamps.

2012 Toyota Yaris is available with manufacturer's suggested retail prices starting at $14,115.

Toyota Yaris (2012) - picture 1 of 6
Toyota Yaris (2012) - picture 2 of 6
Toyota Yaris (2012) - picture 3 of 6
Toyota Yaris (2012) - picture 4 of 6
Toyota Yaris (2012) - picture 5 of 6
Toyota Yaris (2012) - picture 6 of 6

Source: Toyota