The 2012 Toyota Yaris is undoubtedly on the list of the least expensive, yet economic vehicles available in Australia. With the base Toyota Yaris YR starting at $14,990, it is not only inexpensive to purchase, but the amazing fuel economy the Yaris offers helps you to keep even more money in your pocket. Keep in mind, the 2012 Yaris is not made for winning races or the ability to seat five average size adults comfortably; it is simple basic transportation that saves on petrol. With 13 variations of the Yaris, there at least one that will appeal to someone looking for an affordable car. The Yaris comes in four trim lines, the YR, YRS, YRX and ZR. Among those, you have the option of a 3dr or 5dr hatchback, automatic or manual transmission, and a 1.3 or 1.5-liter engine.
The 2012 Yaris YR is powered by a 1.3-liter multi-port fuel injected four-cylinder available with a 5spd manual transmission or a 4spd automatic transmission. It only creates 63kw of power but the fuel economy is admirable at 5.7L/100km. The YRS, YRX, and ZR are powered by a 1.5-liter multi-port fuel injected four-cylinder that is also available with a 5spd manual or 4spd automatic transmission. The bigger four-cylinder produces 80kW of and the fuel economy is still an impressive 6.3L/100km. Although both engines are small output, the lightweight 1025kg build of the Yaris makes them more than sufficient to get your Yaris from point A to point B and not use too much petrol in the process. It does offer some impressive acceleration, and freeway travel at 110km/h seems to suit the Yaris quite well. Toyota has taken the roads and conditions of Australia into consideration with the Yaris, and increased its body rigidity and provided more responsive steering and locally tuned suspension. The upgrades definitely improve the drivability and make it a bit more fun for city driving.
The 2012 Yaris is available as a 3D hatchback, 5D hatchback or a 4D sedan; allowing quite a few variations to choose from. The exterior of the Yaris is basic, but there is a range of colors to choose from that appeal to both sexes, from Ink black to Cosmopolitan Pink. The Yaris is not meant to be flashy, and Toyota does a great job of upholding this. The exterior attractions are the deep front and rear bumpers that effectively give the Yaris a low, more impressive stance. The inside is much more impressive than the outside however. The longer wheelbase has increased rear cargo space as well as boot space, and the spare tire is now hidden in a compartment under the cargo floor. The fabric seats are relatively plain, but comfortable, and the long list of creature comforts found in much more expensive cars makes up for the basic feel of the interior. Although the Yaris is small, it is relatively safe with a full line of active and passive restraints as well as multiple airbags for front, rear, and side impacts, traction control and anti-lock brakes. All models also come with a first aid kit as well, just in case.
The 2012 Yaris is definitely priced to appeal to a wide range of buyers. The Base Yaris YR 3D with a 1.3-liter and 5spd manual transmission will cost about $14,990, the YR 5D with the 5pd manual is around $15,690, the YR 3D automatic around $16,590, and the YR 5D automatic tops the list at $17,290. If you opt for a little more power and want the 1.5-liter, the base YRS 3D 5spd starts at $16,890, the YRS 5D 5spd will cost around $17,390, the YRS 4D sedan 5spd is around $18,190, the YRS 3D automatic costs around $18,490, the YRS 5D automatic is around $18,990, and the top of the line YRS 4D Sedan with an automatic transmission is $19,790. Moving up to the YRX, the 5D automatic starts at $21,390, and the 4D sedan with an automatic transmission will cost around $21,790. To round out the line, the ZR with a 5spd manual transmission in a 3D hatchback will run around $18,990. With all the variations available as well as affordable pricing, one of these is bound to appeal to someone wanting a small car to save on petrol.
For some people not matter how well you try to sell the Yaris, it is just not the car for them. Not everyone can see himself or herself driving a mini compact car that has about a much power as a motorcycle. However, some people on a budget not only want to save money buying a vehicle, but driving it and maintaining it as well. The Yaris seems to be the victim of the love them or hate them attitude, but for those that love them, they are an efficient, affordable answer to high petrol costs.
