UMW Toyota Malaysia recently opened order books for the new 2021 Toyota Yaris facelift in Malaysia. In this article, we take a look at what you can expect in the facelifted version of Malaysia's best-selling non-national hatchback. 

When will the 2021 Toyota Yaris facelift go on sale?

Much like the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift, the new Yaris is expected to hit showrooms in December. Stocks of the current Yaris is depleting fast, and our sources tell us that buyers who have had their loans approved will automatically receive the new cars. 

Is the new Yaris more expensive?

Marginally - only an RM 1k+ bump across the range from the pre-facelift's prices. Here's the estimated price list:

Prices above are on-the-road, without insurance and roadtax.

So what's new in the upcoming Yaris?

Let's start with the most apparent: the looks. There's new LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs) along with the redesigned front bumper. It's aggressive, but certainly easier on the eyes than the fussy front fascia of the outgoing model.

The sides, wheels and rear portion remain unchanged. This car wears an optional bodykit though, and they're priced as such:

• Aerokit Package 3 (RM 2,800, for E & G variants only)
• Aerokit Package 4 (RM 2,450, for the J variant only)

Also, note that only three colours are available now: Red Mica Metallic, Silver Metallic and Platinum White Pearl. The bright Citrus Mica Metallic has been discontinued.

Since the changes in the Vios should largely mirror the ones in the Thai-spec car, we can expect the same here. Which means beyond a change of trim colour (from bright silver to a sleeker dark grey), there shouldn't be any radical changes to the interior. 

What are the new features?

Looks aside, a notable addition is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support on the Yaris' touchscreen infotainment system. About time too, as the MirrorLink system employed in the pre-facelift Yaris and Vios is battery-sapping at best.

Also, potential owners can specify a wireless charger at an extra RM 550 (available for all variants).

What about safety updates, any ADAS?

Oh yes it does, in the form of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)! The new Yaris comes with these features:

Other safety features are:

• 7 airbags
• 3D 360-degree panoramic view monitor.
• Blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (BSM, RCTA)
• Front digital video recorder (DVR/dashcam)
• Vehicle stability control (VSC)
• Hill-start assist control (HAC)
• Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (ABS, EBD)
• Brake assist (BA)

What stays the same?

Powertrain isn't expected to be different from what the current Yaris has: the 2NR-VE, 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated, four-cylinder engine making 107 PS and 140 Nm paired to a CVT.

There'll also be an electrochromic rear-view mirror, drive mode switch (between Eco and Sport) and an Optitron meter with digital multi-info display - carried over from the pre-facelift Yaris.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Yes, two things actually: if a sedan flair is what you like, you may want to read the FAQ we've written about the upcoming 2021 Toyota Vios facelift.

But if you want to widen your options, take a gander at what we've gathered of the soon-to-come 2021 Honda City Hatchback. That's launching in Thailand on 24-November 2020 and as usual - you know Wapcar.my will be the first with all you need to know.