MotorMouths

Toyota hits a homer with the redesigned Yaris. Lively and secure cornering, smooth ride, great seats, terrific interior (except for the radio), tight manual transmission, and lively high-tech engine that delivers 30/38 mpg.

The new Yaris stands out because of its pint-sized personality and lean design. Inside and out, it’s an improvement over its predecessor. It’s not a car for enthusiasts, it’s not fancy looking, nor is it filled with premium gadgetry, but it is a car that makes getting around feel new and playful.

The 2012 Toyota Yaris is a very decent little car. It offers impressive comfort, real-world mid-30 MPGs, 9 standard airbags, plus Toyota dependability. All of that makes it a fine entry-level choice for the under-30 set.

The 2012 Yaris is better looking, better equipped and better to drive. Unfortunately, enthusiasts still probably won’t be compelled to consider this Yaris, mostly because of a serious power deficit compared to rivals.

The Yaris is not the cheapest car in the segment, nor is it the most fuel efficient or the best-equipped. What it does have over the rest of the field is style – the Yaris is easily the most attractive offering in the segment.

The Yaris is an impressive little car. Toyota can once again reassert itself on its traditional grounds of reliability, solidity of build, and no-hassle car ownership.

Toyota has succeeded in making the Yaris a better driver’s car, but the process of improving the ride and the interior has just served to highlight the pieces that aren’t up to par, namely the engine and transmission.

The 2012 Yaris is better in every regard. The vast improvements haven’t quite catapulted the entry-level hatch to the top of the heap, but it’s within arm’s reach. And it might be even closer if our arms didn’t have to reach so much while driving it.

The Yaris is a small car that’s okay with being a small car. There’s a directness to the controls and an agility to the chassis you won’t find in subcompact hatches with loftier aspirations. Unlike its predecessors, the Yaris is a fun car to drive, minimally competent powertrain notwithstanding.

The Yaris fulfills the mission of cheap and cheerful transportation with a totally unexpected dose of fun and simplicity. But it’s really only a good option if you want a new car but can’t stretch yourself to one of the other more premium subcompact options.

The new Yaris is a solid subcompact hatchback at a base price below $15,000. It took some steps forward for 2012, but it needs more power and improved fuel economy to lead the subcompact pack.

Short take on Yaris: Cheap-o, but roomier and more fun to drive than expected. The angular lines on such a stubby car won’t please all eyes.