The 2019 Toyota Yaris has finally been officially launched in Malaysia. The hatchback sister of the B-segment Toyota Vios comes with the same 1.5 litre Dual VVT-i engine as the sedan, with 107 PS and 140 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. The 2NR-FE DOHC unit is paired to a CVT automatic gearbox with seven virtual ratios, which UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) calls Sport Sequential Shiftmatic Mode.

The Yaris measures 4,145 mm long and 1,730 mm wide, with a 2,550 mm wheelbase. Those dimensions are similar to the booted Vios, but the five-door hatchback’s overall length is 280 mm shorter. Like the Vios, the suspension consists of front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam. Brakes are ventilated discs in front and drums at the back. The top spec 1.5G gets rear disc brakes.


Malaysians can choose from three trim levels – J, E and G. The base J spec comes with halogen reflector headlamps with follow-me-home function, LED daytime running lamps, 15-inch rims with 185/60 tyres, door visors, powered wing mirrors, keyless entry and push start, black fabric seats with blue stitching, illuminated scuff plates and a CD player with MP3/USB/AUX/Bluetooth connections.

One level up is the mid spec E, which adds on a fair bit. 16-inch rims with 195/50 tyres, projector headlamps, front fog lamps, LED rear combination lamps, wing mirror turn signals, auto fold and retractable wing mirrors, acoustic windshield, a multi-info display, steering audio/Bluetooth buttons, 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, Digital Video Recorder (dashcam), a 6.8-inch touchscreen DVD head unit with USB mirroring, security/solar film and a Drive Mode switch (Sport and Eco modes) are all standard here.


The car you see here is the top G spec, which further adds on rear disc brakes, chrome outer door handles, Optitron meter panel with 4.3-inch TFT multi-info display, leather on the steering/gear knob, MID steering buttons, auto air con (single zone) and six speakers (from four). For safety equipment, the Yaris comes with seven airbags (dual front, side, curtain, driver’s knee), VSC, ABS/EBD/BA and auto door locks as standard. E and G spec cars add on the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

UMWT is offering some options as well. The RM 2,880 aerokit includes a front bumper spoiler, rear bumper spoiler, side skirts and roof spoiler (RM 2,450 without the roof spoiler); while the dashcam and DVD-AVX can be added on to the J spec. Five colours are available, and they are Super White, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black, Red Mica Metallic and the Citrus Mica Metallic hero colour you see here.


Prices start from RM 70,888 for the J, rising to RM 76,888 for the E and RM 83,888 for the top G. Prices are on-the-road without insurance, and are a couple of thousand ringgit cheaper than the equivalent spec Vios, which is priced from RM 77,200 to RM 87,300. The top Vios comes with leather seats, but both hatchback and sedan specs are otherwise largely similar.