** This article is the personal experience of a 2019 Toyota Yaris owner and does not necessarily reflect the views of WapCar

Facebook: Mike Maximiliano

I fell in love with the Toyota Yaris the moment Toyota has teased it to the world. Being a college student, my options were limited by my parents. During the 2019 Malaysian Autoshow, I was taken aback by its design and features it has. Air conditioning, headlamps with follow-me-home function, an infotainment display, and electrochromic rearview mirrors makes this a very impressive package. I think the deal-breaker for my parents to get this car for me was its safety features. It comes with 7 SRS airbag, hill-start assist, blind-spot monitor, and more.

After I went for a test drive with the car, I fell deeper in love with it. I was looking for a compact car for myself and I think the Yaris is the right one for me. Design-wise I absolutely loved it, combined with its swift engine and how smooth the car handles. The cabin is spacious and comfy for a compact car. Shortly after the test drive, I immediately booked the car on the spot.

I absolutely adore the new Yaris as it is bigger than its predecessors. The new grille, headlights and taillights look gorgeous. The materials used for the interior is fabulous. You won’t get uncomfortable even after sitting for long hours thanks to its adjustable settings. The rear seats can fit two people perfectly.

Pros about my Toyota Yaris

1. Fuel consumption

A full tank can get me around 350 km or so. I can go up to 7 days without refuelling if I use it to drive from home to work.

2. Comfortable Ride

The car handles well, making it getting from Point A to B smoothly and reliably.

3. Blind Spot Monitor

Helps me to see motorcycles hiding in my blind spots.

4. Eco/ Sport Mode

Eco modes make driving like a breeze. The transmission actively upshifts at a lower RPM; Sport mode overrides this to allow the engine to rev at a higher RPM. Driving has never been more fun.

5. Transmission

The CVT automatically shifts to the next gear if a forgetful user in manual mode red lines the engine. Manual shifting is allowed with the gear stick in the manual mode. The gear stick can also be used just like any other automatic gearbox, where the transmission will shift automatically.

6. Comes with a built-in dashcam

7. 360° Surround View Monitoring System

Makes parking a whole lot easier

10 thing that I loathe in the Toyota Yaris

1.  No Adaptive Cruise Control

2. No Leather Seat 

For 84k, the car should come with leather seats. Even the Perodua Bezza 1.3 AV comes with it.

3. No GPS Connection

4. Keyless Entry Only Available on Driver’s Door

5. No Paddle Shifter

Come on UMW Toyota… The Indonesian Spec Yaris comes with that.

6. No Sun Roof

Not fair because in Thailand they have that in their Yaris

7. Only 2 USB Ports  

And they are all from the back.

8. Stereo System

The sound quality is not that good.

9. Bluetooth takes too long to connect

10. Low Engine Output

Acceleration is slower than I expected. I have to wait for the car to gain enough traction.

Ratings

Total Score: 5/5

Performance: 3/5

Quality & Features: 5/5

Space: 4.5/5

Ride Comfort: 5/5

Fuel Economy: 4/5

Conclusion

This car is perfect for my love towards sporty hatchbacks. For those who ask why I chose the hatchback over the sedan, it’s because I’m still single!