Toyota Vios GR Sport to Corolla Cross - here are the Toyota cars coming to Malaysia in 2021!

2021 is fast shaping up to be a very exciting one for Malaysia's automotive industry. Other brands notwithstanding, let's take a look at what new cars we can expect from UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) in Malaysia in 2021.

All-new 2021 Toyota Harrier

The fourth-generation Toyota Harrier is an all-new model, built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform (TNGA-K to be exact, like the Toyota RAV4).

In Japan, powering the Harrier are a choice of two powertrains: a 2.0-litre petrol engine (171 PS, 207 Nm) or a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid (combined system output: 218 PS), paired to a CVT. Both are naturally-aspirated. 

However in Malaysia, only the 2.0-litre engine is bound to appear. 

Seeing that the outgoing XU60-generation Harrier is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), we can safely expect the same in the upcoming Harrier. 

However, expect prices to see a bump from the current generation. For more on the 2021 Harrier, read this FAQ. 

2021 Toyota Camry facelift

For the same premium flavour in sedan form, you can look forward to the facelifted Toyota Camry. 

Unlike the Harrier, the Camry is a facelift - which means most things should remain the same, barring a few visual and technological refinements, such as improved Smart Entry keyless entry system, the inclusion of Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and an improved version of TSS.

That said, the Malaysian-spec TNGA-underpinned Camry will most likely keep the aging 2.5-litre 2AR series engine (184 PS/235 Nm). It's fun to drive yes, but it could do better with the modern 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine (209 PS/250 Nm) as seen in the Thai-spec car. 

Read our roundup of the upcoming Camry facelift in this article. 

2021 Toyota Fortuner facelift

Since the Toyota Hilux got a facelift very recently, it's fair to expect the Toyota Fortuner to get it too. According to our friends at Autofun, the upcoming Fortuner is bound to be more luxurious.

Powertrain-wise, the facelifted Fortuner is expected to keep the 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV turbodiesel engine (150 PS/450 Nm) in Malaysia.

Whether or not we get the new 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV engine (204PS/500Nm, powering the Thai-spec Fortuner Legender and our Hilux Rogue) remains to be seen. 

Meanwhile, exterior changes are very subtle. It's the inside where it counts - expect better optional extras (wireless charger and powered tailgate with kick sensor are offered in Thailand) as well as improved TSS to be part of the package.

For the full rundown of the upcoming Fortuner - click here!

Update: Prices for the facelifted Toyota Fortuner has been announced. Read it here.

2021 Toyota Corolla Cross

The second TNGA-based SUV coming here is the Toyota Corolla Cross. A huge hit in Thailand, it's Toyota's fighter to the Honda HR-V and Subaru XV. 

Although powertrain details for Malaysia are still shrouded, it comes with two 1.8-litre, naturally-aspirated engine options in Thailand: 2ZR-FBE (non-hybrid, 140 PS/177 Nm) and the 2ZR-FXE (combined system output: 122 PS).

Inside, the Malaysian-spec Corolla Cross should get leather upholstery as well as a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support.

Boot space is bigger than segment rivals (487 litres, compared to the HR-V's 437 litres) and safe (comes with TSS). 

A definitive guide to the Corolla Cross can be read here.

2021 Toyota Vios GR Sport (Launched Dec 2020)

All of the above a bit too stately for you? Then let Gazoo Racing heat it up a bit. The Toyota Vios was recently facelifted, and with that we'll be welcoming a new GR Sport variant. 

Word on the street says that it'll feature suspension upgrades, cosmetic reworks and most eyebrow-raising of them all, a CVT with 10-virtual ratios. 

Since it's a GR Sport variant, don't expect pops and bangs or wild drifting action. 

Update: UMWT has launched the Vios GR Sport on 18-December 2020. For the full break down, read this article!

2021 Toyota GR Yaris (Launched Dec 2020)

Yes, the three-cylinder rally car for the road is coming! Personally signed off by rally legend Tommi Makinen, the Toyota GR Yaris is the fire-breathing B-segment hatchback you're looking for, with 272 PS and 370 Nm on tap.

The world can't get enough of it, and Top Gear Magazine just gave it a perfect score. It's already open for booking in Thailand, so expect the same in Malaysia soon but remember - prices won't be cheap - circa RM 300k - but it's one for the record books.

Update: UMWT has launched the GR Yaris on 18-Dec 2020. Read the full article here!

Conclusion

So there you have it - next year's upcoming Toyota models. This'll be a series of articles covering different manufactures as we run up to the new year, so stick around and stay tuned to WapCar.my!