In Brief: Toyota Yaris 2019 - A Welcomed Rival

(Toyota Yaris 2019 Model | Gallery)

The Toyota Yaris 2019 is a B-segment hatchback, aimed squarely at the Honda Jazz, Mazda 2, Kia Rio, Peugeot 208, and Volkswagen Polo.

What Is the Toyota Yaris 2019 price?

Prices start from RM 70,888 for the base 1.5J variant. The mid-spec 1.5E costs RM 76,888, while the range-topping 1.5G costs RM 83,888. All prices are on-the-road, without insurance.

All variants of the Toyota Yaris 2019 share a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that outputs 107 PS and 140 Nm. Also shared across all variants of the Toyota Yaris 2019 is the CVT-type automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.

Our pick of the range is the 1.5J, as this variant is sufficient for most buyers as UMW Toyota Motor has done a swell job speccing the Toyota Yaris 2019.

The base 1.5J gets smart entry with engine push start button, 7 airbags, and stability control with traction control.

For those not constrained by a budget, then the Toyota Yaris 2019 1.5G is the wiser choice as it includes a host of additional safety equipment such as Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a front digital video recorder (DVR). The 1.5G also gets single-zone automatic air-conditioning, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, Optitron meter cluster, and a 6-speaker audio system.

Toyota Yaris 2019 Pros And Cons

Similar to the Toyota Vios, the Toyota Yaris 2019 offers superior cabin quietness and refinement levels. It's safe to say that cabin quietness and refinement levels surpasses that of the Honda Jazz. 

The Toyota Yaris 2019 also is also well equipped as it comes, as standard, with 7 airbags across the range. Stability control and traction control is also made standard for all variants of the Toyota Yaris 2019.

The downside is that the Toyota Yaris’ interior lacks storage spaces that some other rivals (read: Honda Jazz) offer. The Toyota Yaris’ 1.5-litre petrol engine also feels lethargic when compared to some rivals.

What Are The Alternatives of Toyota Yaris 2019?

Other B-segment alternatives to the Toyota Yaris 2019 include the Honda Jazz (RM 70,242 – RM 88,600), Mazda 2 (RM 76,670 – RM 95,170), and Kia Rio (RM 79,888).

The Honda Jazz offers a much more practical interior than the Toyota Yaris 2019, as Honda has placed a multitude of storage spaces throughout the cabin of the Jazz. Further adding to the Jazz’s credibility is its flexible Ultra Seats. The letdown is that the Jazz’s infotainment system is quite subpar in its segment, with limited usability as it is unable to display Chinese characters and does not offer a clock.

Then there’s the Mazda 2, which embodies a gorgeous interior coupled with a ride and handling package that shames lot of cars in its segment. The flipside is that the cabin lacks the practicality of the Yaris or the Jazz. The Mazda 2 is also lacking in safety equipment as all variants of the Mazda 2 get 2 airbags up front, no side airbags or curtain airbags.

Another segment alternative is the Kia Rio. This Korean hatchback offers good looks coupled with decent value for money. At its price point, the sole Rio 1.4 EX variant offers 6 airbags, stability and traction control, auto-dimming rear view mirror, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Blind Spot Detection System. The downside is that the Rio’s 1.4-litre natural-aspirated engine takes a while to get up to speed.