The Toyota Yaris gets a new, sportier look and some much-needed updates for 2012, and that helps close the gap some in a crowded field of affordable small cars. But the Yaris continues to come up short against the leaders, most experts believe.

The 2012 Toyota Yaris strikes a slightly longer, more serious and yet snappy pose that the automaker hopes has an appeal to the younger market that it's targeting with a digital campaign. That’s all well and good, experts note, and they do appreciate several of the changes that come with the makeover, though some question whether Toyota has gone far enough.

Reviewers feel the Yaris may be able to make up some ground on its rivals, but no one is suggesting that leaders in the field such as the Hyundai Accent, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and Kia Forte are about to run scared in the face of competition from the Yaris.

One area in particular that holds the 2012 Toyota Yaris back is its powerplant. Toyota again sends the Yaris out with the 1.5-liter, inline 4-cylinder engine that puts out 106 horsepower with 103 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission are not that impressive, reviewers feel, for the most part. In turn, though, the 2012 version is lighter than in years past, and fuel mileage numbers are pretty good for the class: the 2012 Yaris rates at 29 mpg city/36 highway with the manual transmission, 30/35 with the automatic.

There are experts, it should be pointed out, who believe the Yaris possesses enough power for the highway and getting around the city. Some reviewers note, in addition, that handling for the improved 2012 Toyota Yaris is better and that it’s more fun to drive as well.

That’s especially true of the new, top-of-the-line SE trim, which features a sport-tuned suspension that also has quicker steering and, with a wheelbase that’s 2 inches longer, offers a more stable ride.

Toyota dropped the sedan from the Yaris lineup, and the 2012 versions come in 3-door or 5-door hatchback body styles in L, LE and SE trims.

The base L gets air conditioning and a front mono-arm windshield wiper, CD player and iPod and USB connectivity. The LE ups the goodies to include power windows and doors, audio controls on the steering wheel, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a higher-end sound system. The SE, besides its tighter suspension and steering, has 16-inch alloy wheels, sports seats and higher-grade cloth upholstery,

Some of the more impressive changes for 2012 came with the cabin. The materials inside are better, and so is the design. Reviewers give unanimous thumbs up to one major addition by subtraction. No longer are gauges for the Yaris situated awkwardly on a center console. They have been moved to the front dash, back in front of the driver.

Front seats are well-positioned, and thus visibility is good, and roominess is pretty good for passengers in the back seats, too. Luggage space has been upped considerably to 15.6 cubic feet.

A few safety upgrades are among the revisions on the 2012 Toyota Yaris, too. It comes with 9 airbags, including one for the driver’s knees, and also has rollover-sensing, side curtain airbags for both the front and rear seats. The front seats are designed to help lessen problems with whiplash, and the Yaris has antilock brakes (the SE has 4-wheel discs, and other versions get rear drums) along with traction and stability control.