A revised face and added safety tech make its way to the Toyota Yaris for 2021.
Toyota has recently unveiled a new and mildly revised version of its Yaris hatchback. Launching alongside its updated Vios counterpart, the top-selling non-national hatchback in Malaysia has been given a facelift and some additional features in an attempt to maintain its standing at the top of the local sales chart.
Much like the Vios on which it is based, the cosmetic changes made on this Yaris facelift is mainly constrained to the face of this compact hatchback. A new front bumper design now gives the smallest Toyota in the local lineup the same corporate front end as its larger sedan siblings.
A new front grille, triple bezel LED headlights with LED DRLs and follow-me home functionality, as well as repositioned LED fog lights are also to be featured on this Japanese hatchback. Having said that, aside from some new alloy wheel designs down the side, not much else is changed from the bonnet onwards on the exterior this updated Yaris.
Speaking of the bonnet, what is under the hood of the Yaris remains the same too, with that being the well-proven 1.5 litre 2NR-FE dual-VVTI naturally aspirated four cylinder that is also found under the hood of the Vios. Rated at the same 107 hp and 140 Nm of torque, it is mated to the same 7-speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which drives the front wheels.
Stepping inside, as with the updates found on the Vios, the Yaris gains a new 7-inch central infotainment touchscreen with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Included too within the Yaris is Toyota’s Vehicle Telematics System (VTS), which tracks the location of the car via GPS/GSM to more easily locate the car if it is stolen.
Continuing on the topic of tech, the Yaris too gains all the enhanced active driver aids that are now standard on the Vios as part of its Toyota Safety Suite (TSS). This therefore brings Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), 3D Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RTCA) and a Front Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to this compact Japanese hatchback.
Having said that, similar to the Vios, these aforementioned niceties are only offered on the higher two trim levels, with the base-spec 1.5 J variant having to do without any of these features. Nevertheless, all variants of the Yaris still retains its usual suite of passive safety aids, as well as 7 SRS airbags.
The facelifted Yaris is available in three exterior paint colours: Red Mica Metallic, Sliver Metallic and Platinum White Pearl. The latter of which replaces the bright citrus exterior hue that was previously available on the pre-facelift models. While it is a healthy colour palette, strangely enough the Yaris is 2 down on colour options compared to the Vios, which features Orange Metallic and Dark Blue Metallic as exterior colour choices too.
Be it as it may be, despite being shorter on colour choices, the Yaris is also slightly cheaper than its Vios counterpart. Prices for the new Yaris begins at RM70,940 for the base 1.5 J variant, while the mid-tier 1.5 E goes for RM 80,380, with the range-topping 1.5 G selling for RM 84,808.
There is also a GR Yaris launched locally alongside these regular variants. Unlike the GR-S Vios however which was just a warmed up version of the regular car, this new RM 300k hot hatch is leagues away from this ASEAN-spec Yaris here. More on that pocket rocket can be found here.
PRESS RELEASE: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) is pleased to announce the launch of the New Toyota Vios and New Toyota Yaris. Both models have been received well since their launch in 2019, with more than 40,000 units of the Vios and 20,000 units of the Yaris delivered to customers nationwide.
To refresh and update the two models, cosmetic revisions have been made while to offer the best value for money, many features have been enhanced or added. Safety has also been upgraded with the inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense, in line with Toyota’s aim of bringing down motoring accidents and making roads safer.
As before three variants are available for both models – the 1.5G, 1.5E and 1.5J, all powered by the proven Toyota 1.5-litre engine with a 7-speed CVT.
To refresh the design, Toyota stylists have strengthened visual presence with a new bumper design that is bolder and gives the front a wide stance look. The lighting units on the latest Yaris and Vios are now LED headlamps with LED integrated Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) as well as LED fog lights.
Alloy rims with different sizes, depending on the variant, are fitted and have designed oriented towards sportiness.
The interior retains an elegant image with Optitron meters for all variants, except the 1.5J. Optitron meters were first used in Lexus luxury models and have advanced lighting technology for sharpness and clarity under all lighting conditions. The instrument panel includes a 4.2-inch Full Colour Multi Information Display (MID) using a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen.
Leather upholstery is provided in some variants, creating a more premium image in the cabin. There is also a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob while the instrument panel area has been darkened to complement elegant look. For variants with fabric upholstery, there is a new design on the fabric that is more casual yet elegant.
Better connectivity can be enjoyed with the new 7-inch display audio system upgraded with the inclusion of Apple CarPlay & Android Auto-ready (AACP). This enables apps from most smartphones to be mirrored onto the audio system and accessed from the display. Favourite apps such as Waze, Spotify, Google Maps, etc. can therefore be used, expanding the capabilities of the system.
Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) is standard for both Vios and Yaris variants except the 1.5J variants are offered as optional. This system uses GPS/GSM to track the location of the car at all times so if it is stolen, recovery by the police can be made easier and more likely. It can also monitor and record vehicle speeds and other operating conditions, with data sent by email to a designated user via mobile app.
Considering today’s active lifestyles where people carry mobile phones and other devices, a number of storage spaces have been provided around the cabin for front and rear occupants. Besides the deep console box between the front seats, there are also cupholders and the spacious door pockets are large enough to take water bottles as well. The cupholders have LED lighting inside, adding a touch of class.
To recharge or power mobile phones, there are two 2.1A USB ports provided as well as a wireless charger [offered on optional basis]. A conventional 12V socket is also available for powering other devices or as an additional recharging point.
To further assist the driver, Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is now offered in all variants except the 1.5J. This system consists of a Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) which can be switched off if the driver does not require them.
PCS constantly monitors the road ahead and if a vehicle is detected and there is a possibility of a collision, the driver will receive a warning. If no action is taken to reduce speed, the brakes will be automatically activated to reduce the risk of a collision
With LDA, when the car deviates from its lane unintentionally, an alert is shown on Multi Information Display (MID) with an accompanying buzzer sound. This will prompt the driver to take corrective action to bring the car back into its correct position in the lane.
Other features added to the new Yaris and Vios are an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) system that automatically activates during emergency braking, and a Rear Seatbelt Reminder to help ensure that rear passengers abide by the law. An ISOFIX point with a tether anchor is also provided for installing a compatible child seat, also required by law for small children (since the beginning of 2020).
Wits its energy-absorbing, high-strength body structure, the latest Vios and Yaris are rated the maximum of 5 stars by ASEAN NCAP. Standard features across the range include 7 SRS airbags and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Additionally, all the variants also come with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) as well as Brake Assist (BA). Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) is also a standard feature and helps in preventing the car from rolling backwards when moving off on a steep slope.
Also new is the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system has been upgraded from 2D to 3D type. This is supplemented by a rear view camera and parking sensors. There are also Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic alert (RCTA) systems, increasing driver awareness of other vehicles in the surroundings.
The Aerokit offered as optional, enhances the looks of the car and the latest kit has a restyled front bumper to match the new looks. While a front Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is installed as standard for the Vios & Yaris except the 1.5J variants, there is also the option of adding a rear DVR. All items are installed at UMWT’s own accessory centre adjacent to the plant. Installation is professionally done and proper colour-matching is assured.
The new Yaris and Vios are now available for viewing, testing and purchase at the showrooms of all Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide. For more information, the public can visit Toyota.com.my or call the Toyota freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
