2019 Toyota Yaris made a massive comeback trumping all its closest competitions like the Honda Jazz and Mazda 2. A supremely quiet cabin along with a smooth and fuel efficient drive from the 1.5-litre NA engine mated to a CVT already makes it a winning car. But the Yaris also has 7 airbags, Blind-spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Panoramic View Monitor to make it the safest car in the B-segment hatchback market.

Honda Jazz Hybrid vs Honda Jazz V vs Toyota Yaris; combing through the spec sheet

This is the all-new 2020 Toyota Yaris, one unified Yaris for all markets

Design

Gone is the bulbous exterior of the previous Yaris sold in Malaysia, the current version is a young sporty looking hatch that makes the car look faster than it goes. Toyota has also taken the plunge by offering 2 bright colours despite the practical preference of our country.

Dimensions

The 2019 Toyota Yaris measures in at 4,145 x 1,730 x 1,475 x 2,550 mm in length, width, height and wheelbase.

Lighting

There are very little differences between the Yaris top spec, hence both G and E variants come installed with projector halogen headlights with manual levelling. The base spec Yaris J makes do with reflector halogens that are also level adjustable.

Wheels

The higher spec Yaris wears stylish 16-inch wheels while the base J variant runs on smaller 15-inch wheels.

Centre Console 

Toyotas are not well-known for their cubby space distribution, though there are still a number of useful units strategically located they're still measuring on the small side

Dashboard

Like all Toyotas, the Yaris's dashboard is built with good quality material and fitted nicely to enforce the quiet cabin that Toyota is going for.

Space

If compared to its competitors, the Yaris does not have ample space for a tall person to stretch. But it is still enough for a comfortable sprawl.

Boot

You can still easily fit a 28-inch luggage bag comfortably though it is still comparatively small against its sedan sibling, the Vios.

Safety Feature

This is where the Yaris sets itself apart from its competitors. 7 airbags, VSC, Traction Control and HAC come as standard on all variants, head up to the mid-spec E onwards and you get blind-spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and even Panoramic View Monitor to safely park your car without the fear of hitting any kerbs.

Comfort Feature

With the new generation Yaris also came with a much more quiet cabin complimented with a brilliant sound system that gives you an out of world experience. The seats are nicely plush and the fabric material is friendly on skin.

Infotainment

Though launched in 2019, the Yaris is still not equipped with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto ready. But the crisp touchscreen display is connected to a DVD Player and allows Mirrorlink connection. Though the sound system is brilliant, it is brought down by the wonky Mirrorlink that messes with phone screen rotation and we don't know who still purchases DVDs in this day and age.

Engine

It's not the fastest engine in its class with power output figures like 107 PS and 140 Nm, but if driven in the city, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine hardly feels like it is lacking in power.

Transmission

Since the new generation's arrival, the Yaris can comfortably lay claim to the smoothest CVT of its class. Too bad we can't say it's the quietest.

Front-wheel drive

The Toyota Yaris is front wheel drive only

Acceleration

The Yaris manages 12.5-seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. Though it is does not have very high power output figures, the Yaris still has a push that measures similarly to its closest rival.

Engine Performance

Throttle response is expectedly just a beat slower whenever you press the throttle. But once the burst of speed comes to pass, the Yaris provides a zippy drive that makes tacking through city traffic a fun activity.

Transmission Performance

Toyotas are known for their exceptionally smooth CVTs and the Yaris is no different. You get smooth upshift and downshifts and the Yaris' CVT also allows you the option to drive it like a manual.

Steering and Handling

The Yaris is not the most talented car in corners, but it is weighted just right so it is easy to manoevre around tight spaces that is often found in the city's many parking lot.

Sound Proofing

Since it's launch in 2019, the Yaris came with the quietest cabin in class. Toyota has insulated the car well and the cause is helped by the acoustic windshield glass as well. At 90 km/h, the Yaris rates at 62 decibels while at 110 km/h, the Yaris' noise level reads at 68 decibels.

Passenger Comfort

Toyota set up the Yaris' suspension to best iron out the imperfections of Malaysian roads. So, while it might not have the cornering talent of the Mazda 2, the Yaris does give a comfortable ride.

Fuel Consumption

In mixed conditions of stop-go traffic and highway driving, the Toyota Yaris returned a fuel consumption of 5.8L/ 100km. While it can't make the claim that it's the most fuel efficiency car in its class, the Yaris will still help you safe on fuel.

How fuel efficient is the Toyota Yaris?

Conclusion

While the Toyota Yaris is not the car with the best driving experience you can get, it makes up the shortcoming with its comfortable cabin and fuel efficiency. And, the Yaris can certainly claim to be a value-for-money car thanks to the first-in-class safety features and 7 airbags just to name a few.