Toyota Yaris 2021 Facelift

2022 Toyota Yaris 1.5G review in Malaysia, from RM74k

In Car Reviews, Toyota, Video Reviews, Videos / By Matthew H Tong / 26 May 2022 6:26 pm / 35 comments

The Toyota Yaris might be getting a little long in the tooth by now, but that hasn’t stopped people from buying the hatch. In fact, there’s a bit of a waiting period right now, even with the slight price increase (around RM3,000 more) that came with the latest facelift.

Design-wise, the exterior gets a welcome revision, but the interior and mechanicals were left largely untouched. All three variants – J, E and G – of the hatch share the same 2NR-FE 1.5 litre four-cylinder engine with Dual VVT-i, making 107 PS at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. A CVT (with seven-speed Shiftmatic mode) sends drive to the front wheels.

What was considered to be a big upgrade was the addition of Toyota Safety Sense, but only for the E and G variants. This includes pre-collision system (PCS), lane departure alert (LDA), blind spot monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) as well as a 3D panoramic view monitor (PVM).

So, how does the Yaris stack up against the all-new Honda City Hatchback? Is the badge worth ponying up over the already impressive Perodua Myvi facelift? Find out what we think in the video above. You can also read our in-depth written account, or browse CarBase.my for a closer look at its specifications.

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REVIEW: 2021 Toyota Yaris 1.5G in Malaysia – RM85k

In Car Reviews, Cars, Toyota / By Jonathan Lee / 27 October 2021 11:29 am / 21 comments

We’re seeing a seismic shift in the B-segment hatchback market in Malaysia. All-conquering Perodua Myvi aside, the Honda Jazz had been the undisputed champion on the non-national side ever since it arrived in 2003 as a fully-imported curio, the spotlight having been taken up by the cheaper and more traditional Toyota Vios and Honda City sedans.

Buyers loved the funky tallboy looks and the cavernous interior they afforded, and while prices were fairly steep (they got quite a bit cheaper when CKD local assembly began in 2012), it found a fair few fans. Toyota tried to fight the Jazz twice with the Yaris, first with the similarly tall second-generation model in 2006 and then the lower-slung Thai version in 2014 – both coming off second-best and quickly discontinued.

Then, out of nowhere, came the third-generation Myvi. Almost immediately, Malaysians realised what they wanted wasn’t a gangly-looking hatch; they wanted something sleeker, sportier, more in tune with their growing aspirations. There were implications further up the food chain – Toyota reintroduced the Thai Yaris in 2019 (mercifully in CKD form) and while it didn’t sell as well as the Vios, it didn’t flop either. It is now Honda that’s playing catchup, unceremoniously dropping the Jazz in favour of the forthcoming City Hatchback.

Onwards, then, to the facelifted Yaris, armed with a sharp new face and a smattering of new safety features. As the de facto leader of the B-segment pack (by virtue of being the only one currently on sale), can it build on this newfound momentum? We spend a few days with one to find out.

Read the full review of the 2021 Toyota Yaris here.

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2021 Toyota Vios GR Sport vs Yaris 1.5G in Malaysia – sporty sedan and top-spec hatchback side by side

In Cars, Local News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 8 October 2021 5:38 pm / 15 comments

The Toyota Vios GR Sport (GR-S) and Yaris 1.5G are the top-of-the-range variants of their respective models, with both being introduced last December. We’ve already featured the former in a side-by-side gallery post with the Honda City previously, and we’re now doing another with its hatchback sibling that sadly doesn’t get the Gazoo Racing treatment.

Pricing-wise, the Yaris 1.5G is the more affordable option of the two, retailing at RM84,808 on-the-road without insurance. Meanwhile, the Vios GR-S goes for substantially more at RM95,284, which is also RM7,700 more than the second-tier Vios 1.5G at RM87,584. These figures factor in the ongoing sales tax exemption, which is 100%, as the Vios and Yaris are locally assembled (CKD) here in Malaysia.

Under the bonnet, both cars are powered by the same 2NR-FE 1.5 litre Dual VVT-i four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 107 PS at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. The mill sends drive to the front wheels via a CVT, which has seven virtual speeds in the Yaris, but the Vios GR-S gets ten. That’s three more than the regular Yaris and Vios variants, with Toyota claiming improved engine response as a result by keeping it in a higher RPM range.

Toyota Vios GR-S (left), Yaris 1.5G (right)

This is just one of several enhancements developed locally to make the Vios GR-S sportier, hence the asking premium. Besides the “10-speed CVT,” the Vios GR-S also comes with sports-tuned suspension, larger 17-inch multi-spoke wheels in black and 205/45 profile Toyo Proxes TR1 tyres – the last two items being the largest ever fitted to a Vios from the factory.

On the exterior, there’s a full body kit that is inspired by the GR Yaris. The package includes an aggressive front bumper that has prominent faux intakes, a honeycomb mesh instead of horizontal slats for the lower intake, a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, side skirts as well as black side mirrors, door handles and a boot lid spoiler.

Inside, there are sports seats trimmed in a combination of leather and suede, with red stitching, along with a red Optitron meter panel featuring red needles instead of the blue-white theme in lesser variants. The 4.2-inch multi-info display (MID) also gets a model-specific startup screen and you’ll find plenty of GR badging on the exterior and interior (including the floor mats).

Toyota Vios GR-S (left), Yaris 1.5G (right)

As for the Yaris, it is largely identical to the regular Vios at the front, although it too sports a honeycomb mesh instead of horizontal slats. The obvious hatchback body also results in 286 litres of boot space being made available compared to 506 litre you get with the B-segment sedan, regardless of variant. The interior layout is the same for both the Vios and Yaris, with the differences being the kit you get.

In terms of equipment, the Vios GR-S shares many items with the Vios 1.5G (save for the sporty additions), which itself is quite similar to the Yaris 1.5G. Standard items for the two compared models here include LED headlamps, LED taillights, LED fog lamps, keyless entry and engine start, the aforementioned Optitron panel and 4.2-inch MID, single-zone automatic air-conditioning and UMWT’s Vehicle Telematics System (VTS).

Similarly, the infotainment is a seven-inch Display Audio system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, linked to a six-speaker sound system. Unlike the Vios 1.5G that gets black leather seats and the Vios GR-S that comes with leather/suede upholstery, it’s just fabric for the whole Yaris range. The Yaris 1.5G gets smaller 16-inch alloys with 195/50R profile Proxes R50 tyres as well.

Toyota Vios GR-S (left), Yaris 1.5G (right)

Safety-wise, it’s a pretty comprehensive list of standard features for both Vios GR-S and Yaris 1.5G, including seven airbags (front, side, curtain and driver’s knee), VSC, ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control, hill start assist, a front digital video recorder, a 3D panoramic view monitor as well as front and rear parking sensors.

More than that, there’s also the Toyota Safety Sense suite that includes active systems such as pre-collision system (PCS), lane departure alert (LDA) and a blind spot monitor (BSM) with rear cross traffic alert (RCTA).

So, between the two top-spec Vios and Yaris variants, which one do you find more appealing? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

GALLERY: Toyota Vios GR Sport

GALLERY: Toyota Yaris 1.5G

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GALLERY: 2021 Toyota Yaris 1.5G facelift – RM84,808

In Cars, Local News, Toyota / By Mick Chan / 18 December 2020 7:52 pm / 13 comments

Launched yesterday evening alongside the 2021 Toyota Vios facelift, Vios GR-S and the GR Yaris was the 2021 Toyota Yaris facelift for the Malaysian market, following its initial announcement last month by UMW Toyota Motor. Three variant are offered for the updates B-segment hatchback – 1.5J, 1.5E and 1.5G, priced at RM70,940, RM80,380 and RM84,808 respectively; all prices are on-the-road without insurance.

It’s the highest G trim variant we have photographed here, which has been outfitted with the optional Aerokit with RM2,500 on the E and G variants. Here, the 1.5G variant is shod with 16-inch alloy wheels in 195/50 tyres, adding to the range-wide triple bezel LED headlamps, daytime running lights and LED front fog lamps with an acoustic windshield as well as LED combination tail lamps.

As before, powertrain in the Yaris is the Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5 litre naturally aspirated inline-four producing 107 PS at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm, mated to a CVT with a seven-speed Shiftmatic mode.

This G variant, along with the E, gain the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems which includes pre-collision system (PCS), lane departure alert (LDA), blind spot monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) as well as a 3D panoramic view monitor (PVM).

Joining the list of safety kit are seven air bags, ABS, EBD, BA, vehicle stability control and traction control. The vehicle telematics system (VTS) is standard here and on the E variant, and optional on the J variant. In terms of infotainment, the 1.5G variant receives a seven-inch touchscreen Display Audio unit with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker setup.

Uprating the 1.5G ambience above the other variants are single-zone automatic air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, while an electrochromic rear view mirror is a new addition. The 2021 Toyota Yaris facelift is available in three exterior colours – Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl and Silver Metallic, and comes with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

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2021 Toyota Yaris facelift launched in Malaysia – now with AEB, LDA; LED headlamps standard, from RM71k

In Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News, Toyota / By Anthony Lim / 17 December 2020 8:56 pm / 41 comments
Announced last month, UMW Toyota Motor has officially launched the 2021 Toyota Yaris facelift in the country. The car was introduced via a digital presentation earlier this evening, alongside the 2021 Vios facelift, GR Yaris and Vios GR-S.

As before, three variants are available for the Yaris. The base 1.5J is priced at RM70,940, while the 1.5E goes for RM80,380, and the range-topping 1.5G for RM84,808, all on-the-road without insurance. The final prices are lower than that estimated last month (RM71,688 for the J, RM80,591 for the E and RM85,587 for the G).

Exterior-wise, the refresh introduces a new front bumper, which provides the car with a bolder and wider visual stance. The grille and the lower intake are now fused into one, and the headlamps are now triple bezel LED units, standard across the entire model range. LED daytime running lights and LED front fog lamps are also standard fit.

There are two different wheels, with the J variant getting a 15-inch unit (with 185/60 series tyres) while the E and G are equipped with 16-inch alloys, wrapped with 195/50 tyres. Both the E and G also get an acoustic glass windshield, and the rear lamps on these go the LED combi route.

The Yaris can also be specified with an optional Aerokit (RM2,200 for the J, RM2,500 for the E and G), which adds on front/rear bumper spoilers and two-tone side skirts to enhance the styling of the car further. On the E and G, the pack also comes with a roof spoiler, hence the higher price.

Inside, the Yaris facelift features a black interior, with fabric upholstery. Standard kit includes two 2.1A USB ports, smart keyless entry and push-start ignition, a drive mode switch (Sport/Eco) and illuminated scuff plates.

The J comes equipped with manual air-conditioning, a four-speaker radio/CD player audio system (with auxiliary and Bluetooth connectivity) and an urethane steering wheel. Moving on to the E gets you an Optitron instrument meter panel, which incorporates a 4.2-inch full colour multi-information display, and the steering wheel gets audio control switches.

The variant also comes with a seven-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. This replaces the previous 6.8-inch unit. Elsewhere, UMWT’s Vehicle Telematics System is now standard on the E and G variants, while an optional wireless charger (RM490) is available for all Yaris models, placed in the centre console box.

The G bumps up the presentation with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, and other unique features for the variant include single-zone automatic air conditioning and an electrochromic rear view mirror, the latter being new to the car.

There is no change to the powertrain, with the Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5 litre engine continuing to deliver 107 PS at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm at 4,200 rpm. Likewise, the choice of the paired transmission, which is a CVT with a seven-speed Shiftmatic mode.

Click to enlarge

The big news is the addition of Toyota Safety Sense, which adds on safety and driver-assist kit to the car. Available on the E and G, the suite consists of a pre-collision system (PCS) with autonomous emergency braking and lane departure alert (LDA), which works from speeds of 50 km/h on to help avoid unintended lane changes.

Also on are a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert and a 3D 360-degree panoramic view monitor, on top of the usual VSC, hill-start assist control and seven airbags. Additionally, the E and G come fitted with a front digital video recorder.

Three exterior colours are avuilable for the Yaris facelift – Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl and Silver Metallic, with the Citrus Mica Metallic that was the pre-facelift’s hero colour being dropped from the palette.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the specs:

2021 Toyota Yaris 1.5J

Gets as standard

Mechanicals
- 2NR-FE 1.5 litre engine
- 1,496 cc
- 107 PS at 6,000 rpm
- 140 Nm at 4,200 rpm
- CVT with a seven-speed Shiftmatic mode
- Ventilated brake discs (front), drums (rear)
- 1,110 kg kerb weight
Exterior
- 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/60 tyres
- LED headlamps
- LED daytime running lights
- LED front foglamps
- Bulbed rear lamps
- Coloured front grille
- Body-coloured door handles
- Powered, retractable side mirrors
Interior
- Fabric upholstery
- Analogue instrument meter panel
- Smart keyless entry and push-start ignition
- Manual air-conditioning
- Drive mode switch (Sport/Eco)
- Four-speaker radio/CD player audio system (with auxiliary and Bluetooth connectivity)
- Urethane steering wheel, tilt-adjustable
- Two USB ports (2.1 A output)
- 60:40 split foldable rear seats
- Illuminated scuff plates
Safety
- Seven airbags (dual front, front side, curtain and driver knee)
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control
- ABS, EBD, brake assist
- Hill start assist
- Emergency stop signal
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Seatbelt warning for all occupant seating
2021 Toyota Yaris 1.5E

Adds on

Mechanicals
- 1,115 kg kerb weight
Exterior
- 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/50 tyres
- LED rear combination lamps
- Acoustic glass windshield
- Auto-fold function for side mirrors
Interior
- Optitron instrument meter panel
- 4.2-inch full colour multi-information display
- Seven-inch touchscreen display infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support
- Steering wheel audio controls
- Premium security solar film
Safety
- Pre-collision system (PCS) with autonomous emergency braking
- Lane departure alert (LDA)
- 3D panoramic view monitor (PVM)
- Blind spot monitor (BSM)
- Rear cross traffic alert (RCTA)
- Front digital video recorder
- Vehicle Telematics System (VTS)
2021 Toyota Yaris 1.5G

Adds on

Mechanicals
- 1,140 kg kerb weight
- Brake discs (rear)
Exterior
- Chrome-plated door handles
Interior
- Leather steering wheel, with audio controls
- Leather gearshift knob
- Auto air-conditioning (single-zone)
- Two additional speakers, total of six
- Electrochromic rear-view mirror
Safety
- Front parking sensors
Optional equipment available for all three Yaris variants
- Aerokit (with front/rear bumper spoilers, side skirts, roof spoiler; 1.5J without roof spoiler)
- Rear digital video recorder
- Wireless charger
2021 Toyota Yaris facelift official images
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2020 Toyota Yaris facelift open for booking – LED headlamps standard; AEB, LDA available; from RM72k

In Cars, Local News, Toyota / By Danny Tan / 2 November 2020 11:21 am / 55 comments

Teased over the weekend, the 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift has been officially announced by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), and order books for the refreshed B-segment hatchback are now open. The Yaris minor change was launched in Thailand together with the Yaris Ativ sedan (Vios) in August this year, but the Thai eco cars come with 1.2L engines.

This is an obvious facelift thanks to the big black mouth of the new front bumper. The grill and the lower intake are now fused into one, and the headlamps are now triple bezel LED units. With a follow-me-home function, the LED headlamps are now standard across the J, E and G range. Previously, these weren’t even available on the G, so it’s a big upgrade.

We also see an aerokit incorporating a black lip and two-tone side skirts on the car you see here, which is the top G. Toyota says that this latest face takes after the Corolla and Camry, and is more aggressive. We think it doesn’t just look sportier, but cleaner too.

The big news is the addition of Toyota Safety Sense features to the model. Pre-collision system (PCS) uses a camera and radar to warn and provide autonomous emergency braking. The system works from 15 km/h. Lane departure alert (LDA) helps avoid unintended lane changes through a visual alert in the multi-info display plus a beeping sound. LDA works from 50 km/h onwards and can be turned off.

These driver assist features are in addition to the 3D 360-degree panoramic view monitor, VSC, hill-start assist control, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert and front/rear digital video recorders. No mention of airbags, but it was already seven units (dual front, side, curtain, driver’s knee) across the board previously, so that should be carried over.

In the connectivity and infotainment department, the Yaris facelift comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen head unit that’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-ready. Smartphone connections aside, the new HU is slightly larger than before (6.8-inch). UMWT’s Vehicle Telematics System is now standard on the E and G variants, while a wireless charger (an add-on in the centre console box) is available.

Click to enlarge brochure

Other notable features include single-zone automatic air con, an Optitron meter panel with colour multi-info display and an electrochromic rear view mirror (new). There should be no change under the hood, with the Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5 litre engine (107 PS/140 Nm) continuing to serve alongside a CVT with a seven-speed Shiftmatic mode.

The bright citrus that was the pre-facelift’s hero colour is no more – now, you can have the Yaris in red, silver or a new Platinum White Pearl. Estimated prices are RM71,688 for the J, RM80,591 for the E and RM85,587 for the range topping G variant, which are slightly higher than before. The factory warranty is five years with unlimited mileage.

Estimated prices are on-the-road excluding insurance, but with the 2020 sales tax exemption by the government. The SST exemption is maximum as the Yaris is CKD locally assembled in Bukit Raja, Klang. Bear in mind that we don’t have the full spec breakdown yet and some of the equipment listed above are available for the model, but not standard across the range – some might be reserved for the higher variants.

GALLERY: 2020 Toyota Yaris 1.5G facelift

GALLERY: 2019 Toyota Yaris 1.5G pre-facelift

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