The Toyota what? Yes, that’s what they call the Lexus HS 250h-based sedan in Japan. Pictures of the updated Lexus emerged late last year; now it’s time for the Toyota-badged version to show us its new face.
Looking a little subtler than the Lexus, the facelifted Toyota Sai gains slim, angry-looking LED headlamps, a reworked grille and a new V-shaped front bumper incorporating bigger fog lamp housings.
A chrome strip runs along the side, and round the back, you’ll find new LED tail lamps that run across the width of the V-shaped boot lid, plus a new rear bumper. Wheels are 16-inch aluminium jobs.
The biggest change inside is a new centre stack that holds reshaped air vents and new switchgear, amongst others. Materials and trim have been enhanced in places, creating a more upscale atmosphere. A new 10-speaker SD Navigation system with microSD, Blu-ray and USB compatibility can be specified.
Nothing’s changed under the bonnet – there’s the same 150 hp/187 Nm 2.4 litre 2AZ-FXE Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder and the same 143 hp/270 Nm electric motor. Combined output is 190 hp, and fuel economy on the JC08 cycle is rated at 4.4 litres per 100 km. The Camry Hybrid has a similar setup.


Toyota Yaris Cross
from RM99,900
Toyota Hilux
from RM226,300
Toyota Urban Cruiser
from RM198,000
Toyota bZ4X
from RM220,000
Toyota GR Yaris
from RM315,600
Toyota GR Corolla
from RM368,950
Toyota Camry
from RM221,800
Toyota Corolla Cross
from RM133,800
Toyota Alphard
from RM548,000
AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments generally highlight that the Toyota Sai facelift has an attractive design, with praise for its bold and modern look, especially the interior. Some express skepticism about the name "Sai," viewing it as problematic or humorous, especially in certain languages like Hokkien. Several comments also compare the car’s design to Korean Hyundai models, with mixed reactions, some seeing it as copying and others appreciating the aesthetics. Overall, there's enthusiasm for the car's appearance but concern about the naming and regional marketing.