2020 Toyota Yaris and Yaris Ativ on display at Thailand Motor Expo – new 1.2L engine with VVT-iE; 3 variants

Toyota Motor Thailand recently updated its Yaris and Yaris Ativ (the sedan version) line-ups, and both are on display at this year’s Thailand Motor Expo. There’s not a whole lot new with the styling of both models, but there are significant changes under the bonnet, and the variant offerings have been streamlined as well.

The 3NR-FE 1.2 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine from before has now been replaced with the 3NR-FKE, which ensures the B-segment models comply with Thailand’s Phase 2 Eco Car regulations that pushes for better fuel economy and lower emissions. With a rated fuel consumption of 23.3 km/l, the Yaris and Yaris Ativ meet the regulations requirement of not being under 23.25 km/l (4.3 litres per 100 km).

The mill has the same displacement, but features Dual VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system Electric Motor) instead of Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) as well as a higher compression ratio of 13.5:1 from 11.5:1. There’s also a slight gain in power, with the E20 gasohol-compliant engine providing 92 PS at 6,000 rpm and 109 Nm at 4,400 – the 3NR-FE made 86 PS and 108 Nm. The engine also gets an idling start/stop system as standard, and is paired with a Super CVT-i.

In terms of available variants, there’s now just three – Entry, Mid and High – instead of five (J Eco, J, E, G and S) before. The list of standard safety equipment is similar on both the hatchback and sedan, as all come with VSC, traction control, ABS, EBD, BA and hill start assist. The Yaris Ativ does get seven airbags (front, side, curtain and driver’s knee), but it’s just two for the Yaris.

As for other items on the kit list, the Entry comes with reflector halogen headlamps, 15-inch steel wheels, fabric seats, a urethane steering wheel and gear knob, a standard head unit, two speakers, and manual air-conditioning. This variant is priced from 529,000 baht (RM73,010) for the Yaris Ativ, and 539,000 baht (RM74,390) for the Yaris.

Moving up the line-up, the Mid adds on an under-bonnet hood silencer, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, sun visors, an Optitron instrument cluster with a multi-info display, a 6.7-inch touchscreen head unit, two more speakers, automatic air-conditioning, 15-inch alloys and a reverse camera. For both models, this variant is 50,000 baht (RM6,900) more than the base Entry, from 579,000 baht (RM79,911) for the sedan and 589,000 baht (RM81,298) for the hatchback.

The top-of-the-range High is identically priced for both at 649,000 baht (RM89,583), and gains projector headlamps with LED DRLs, front fog lamps, front and rear digital video recorders leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, a larger 4.2-inch multi-info display for the Optitron cluster, keyless entry and start, as well as two more speakers for a total of six.

There’s also an optional Yaris Cross line of accessories that brings SUV-inspired styling to the model, which can be ordered individually or as a complete package at a promotional price of 35,000 baht (RM4,831).

Items include front and rear black bumper skirting with silver “skid plates,” matching black side skirts and body cladding, a black-painted roof, 16-inch two-tone alloys, as well as a revised ride height that adds 30 mm to emphasis the “crossover” theme.

The red car (a High variant) seen in our photos is dubbed the GT Edition, with the add-on package being offered at a promotional price of 7,000 baht (RM966). This sees the fitment of a full bodykit, which consists of front, side and rear skirts, plus a trunk spoiler.

The Yaris comes in a choice of seven colours – Super White, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Red Mica Metallic, Orange Metallic and Citrus Mica Metallic – while the Yaris Ativ gets just six, which includes the Yaris’ options minus Orange Metallic and Citrus Mica Metallic, but adds on Dark Blue Mica Metallic.

2020 Toyota Yaris Ativ High GT Edition

2020 Toyota Yaris High Cross

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