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Toyota Yaris Updated In Malaysia With More Kit, But At A Cost

Prices for this mildly revised Yaris has since jumped by over RM 4,000 over its pre-update counterparts.  

While the Yaris in Thailand has received a rather substantial facelift over six months ago already, an equivalent update for its Malaysian counterpart is unfortunately not to be available just yet. Though Toyota has nevertheless recently given its humble hatchback over here a minor jazzing up in the interim, with a slightly enhanced look and some newly added kit. 

The extent to the slightly enhanced look of this mildly updated Yaris stretches only to a set of new front and rear skirtings on the outside, which are then complemented by seats that are now covered in a more striking fabric design within. A total of 5 exterior colour combinations are available, with Red Mica Metallic and Platinum White Pearl colours available in single or two-tone options featuring a black roof, while the Silver Metallic finish is only available in single-tone. 

As for the newly added kit meanwhile, this mildly updated Yaris now nets a new Optitron instrument gauge cluster with red and white graphics, as well as a larger 9-inch central infotainment screen (with Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity) that replaces the previously available 7-inch unit. Standard too now on this Toyota hatchback is a front driving video recorder (DVR) with smartphone connectivity, whilst the in-car USB ports have also been updated to the Type-C format. 

Unfortunately however, the newly-added kit also meant a newly-revised price tag. And as with all things these days, the price of this new Yaris has crept steadily upwards. This latest Toyota hatchback now retails for RM 88,000 for the base 1.5E trim rises to RM 91,600 for the top-spec 1.5G, which is some RM 4,700 and RM 4,000 more than what the respective variants cost before this most recent update. 

Much like before, both variants of the Yaris are to be powered by a 107 PS 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four cylinder that is mated to a CVT transmission with a simulated seven-speed Shiftmatic mode. Both trim levels of this hatchback also continue to feature the bevy of active and passive safety tech that comes included with Toyota Safety Sense. These include a Pre-Collision System & Lane Departure Alert, 7 airbags, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist and a 3D panoramic view monitor. 

Differentiating the two specs though is the addition of rear disk brakes and chrome-plated door handles on the 1.5G, while the 1.5E has to make do with rear drum brakes and body coloured door handles instead. The higher-spec Yaris is also further enhanced with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, an electrochromic rear view mirror, a six-speaker setup, a pre-installed RFID tag and parking sensors at the front as well as the rear.

PRESS RELEASE: Driven by its leading position in the non-national B-segment hatchback market, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has introduced the Yaris IMP with a facelift that now features styling enhancements, new technology and a refreshed interior ambience. 

The new Toyota Yaris builds on the significant success of the current model, which has sold over 60,300 units since its launch in 2019. 

The Toyota Yaris’ “Dare To Live: Amp Up Your Vibe” tagline resonates with a more youthful audience, delivering joy and excitement to those seeking a car that complements their modern, forward-thinking sense of style. Launched today, the latest Toyota Yaris comes in two variants, the 1.5E and 1.5G. 

Both variants pack a sporty new front and rear skirting, as well as an optional 2-tone paint finish with a striking black roof. A total of 5 colour combinations are now available, with Red Mica Metallic and Platinum White Pearl colours available in single or two-tone options. The Silver Metallic finish is only available in single-tone. 

Moving to the interior, both variants of the new Toyota Yaris now feature a larger 9” display, with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, as well as a wireless charger for compatible mobile devices. The seats are now finished in a more striking fabric design, whilst the USB ports have been updated to the current Type-C format. 

A front driving video recorder (DVR) is also now standard, with smartphone connectivity. Finishing off the enhancements to the interior is a new sporty Optitron instrument gauge cluster with red and white graphics. 

In addition to the above, the new Toyota Yaris 1.5G variant is further enhanced with a soft leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, a pre-installed RFID tag and parking aid sensors at the front and rear. 

In line with Toyota benchmarks, both variants come with a host of safety features as standard. Maintaining its 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, the car includes Toyota Safety Sense Pre- collision System & Lane Departure Alert, 7 SRS Airbags, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, 3D panoramic view monitor and more. 

Both variants continue to be powered by the proven 2NR-FE 1.5-litre engine, a proven 4-cylinder DOHC power plant with Dual VVT-i, mated to the 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic transmission. 

Reflecting the market competitiveness of the Yaris amidst the feature enhancements, there is a pricing adjustment for both variants.The 1.5E model is now priced at RM88,000, while the 1.5G is sold at RM91,600 (On The Road Price Without Insurance). 

The primary target market for this latest variant are younger male and female Gen-Z audiences looking for an upgrade in their status symbol. 

President of UMW Toyota Motor Datuk Ravindran K. is confident the new Toyota Yaris ticks all the boxes that the Gen-Zs are looking for in a ride. “There is a growing population of youth who are the trend-setters of the future – the Tik-Tok Generation who prioritises style and social standing, and are ambitious and self-expressive. The new Toyota Yaris is the vehicle that delivers on their expectations for their main ride. 

“We feel this new edition will appeal to the Gen-Zs in every aspect. From its stylish exterior appearance that will appease their social status, while the advanced technology such as the larger audio entertainment unit, coupled with the Toyota Safety Sense features will enhance the driving comfort and gives them a peace of mind each time they get behind the wheel. We are sure the “Dare To Live: Amp Up Your Vibe” tagline will jive perfectly with this generation’s personalities ,” he said. 

Adding further peace of mind and freedom of mobility, the all-new Toyota Yaris cars come with a full 5-year warranty. There is no limitation on mileage travelled after the original registration, so the owner gets the full 5 years of coverage. 

Joshua Chin

Automotive journalist. Professional work on dsf.my and automacha.com. Personal writing found at driveeveryday.me. Instagram: @driveeveryday

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