2019 Toyota Yaris Hatchback - All you need to know

The B- segment hatchback market has long been dominated by the crowd- favourite Honda Jazz. Honda's offering is very attractive to look at, well equipped and was for quite a long time, the only locally assembled hatchback from a globally renowned Japanese carmaker in the country.

Now however there is a new contender in the segment which is the all-new Toyota Yaris. In the following article, we will take a look at all specifications of Toyota’s latest hatchback in detail and see if it has what it takes to dethrone Jazz as the segment- leader.

Toyota Yaris was first introduced in the country back in 2006 and was imported as a completely built unit. This model was succeeded by 2014 revamp which was also imported as a CBU. Setting itself apart, the current model is locally assembled.

What is the price of 2019 Toyota Yaris?

The 2019 version of Toyota Yaris is built in Malaysia which also makes it the most affordable model to have ever been offered under the nameplate. Prices for the all-new Japanese hatchback start from RM 70,888 for the entry-level J model and goes all the way up to RM 83,888 for the top of the line G- spec model. Both of which happens to be just slightly more expensive than its arch-rival in the segment.

Is 2019 Toyota Yaris underpowered and what is its fuel economy?

 

The 1.5-liter unit produces a very modest power output at 107 BHP and 214 Nm of peak torque. Then there are the missing paddle shifters for the continuously variable transmission. The response of Toyota Yaris is one of the most linear and immediate in the segment but if you are looking for rapid acceleration,

Yaris is not the hatchback for you as it is more of a comfortable daily driver. The company has not yet disclosed the official fuel economy figured but we have listed below our estimation of Yaris’ fuel consumption over a distance of 100 kms.

2019 Toyota Yaris
Engine	1.5- litre petrol
Transmission	Continuously variable transmission
Power	107 bhp at 6000 RPM
Torque	140 Nm at 4200 RPM
Claimed Fuel Economy (l/km)	9 (approx.)

2019 Toyota Yaris exterior and dimensions

The all-new 2019 Toyota Yaris is a hatchback version of the Japanese carmaker’s Vios sedan. The front-end of the 2019 Yaris has been completely redesigned and now floats a sportier fascia. Even though the overall design is very familiar to that of the Toyota Vios, there are a couple of subtle changes that set the hatchback apart from its much larger sibling.

The 2019 Toyota Yaris gets fog lamp encasings that flaunt a gloss black paint scheme. Unlike the horizontal slats found in Vios, the front grille has also been redesigned in the new Yaris and now features a honeycomb unit. The car is available in five different color schemes which include Attitude Black, Citrus Mica Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Silver Metallic, and Super White II.

When looking at the hatchback’s side profile, the first thing that catches one’s eye is it’s tastefully designed floating roofline. The blacked-out C-pillars works well with the sporty spoiler at the rear to bestow the small hatchback with a much more athletic stance.

The overall design language used in the 2019 Toyota Yaris is shared across the Japanese carmaker’s current generation line-up. Toyota also offers an optional 5- piece aero kit that comes with front and rear bumper extensions and side skirts that feature contrasting black accents.

Toyota Yaris also happens to be one of the most utilitarian hatchbacks in the segment and the attention to detail can be found in thoughtful features offered across the small car.

For instance, Toyota has conveniently installed a button right next to the rear hatch release which automatically locks the car once you close the boot. This makes loading and unloading cargo super easy and to unlock the car one has to simply press the boot release once again.

Measurements	2019 Toyota Yaris
Length	4145 Mm
Width	1730 Mm
Height	1475 Mm
Wheelbase	2550 mm
Ground Clearance	135 mm
Boot Capacity	309 Liters

Interior

Like the exterior, even the interior of the 2019 Yaris specs sheet is quite similar to the one found in Vios. Unlike its sedan sibling, Toyota Yaris does not get leather seats nevertheless the fabric seats offered in Yaris are very soft, smooth and incredibly comfortable. The seats also feature blue elements that complement the contrasting blue stitching on the door panels and dashboard very well.

Another convenient utility feature offered in the Yaris is its eco savings calculator which can be found on the multi-info display. This feature helps the driver calculate how much money he or she has saved by merely entering the fuel consumption benchmark and price.
Features that are not so convenient include Yaris' awkwardly located and noticeably small front armrest.

Equipment list and safety features

The entertainment unit offered in the Yaris features a 6.8-inch screen that comes mated to a 6-speaker sound system. The infotainment system comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and Yaris also gets USB, AUX and HDMI ports. At the rear, there is plenty of space for 3 passengers thanks to the flat floor but Yaris doesn't get any rear AC vents.

Some standard features offered in the 2019 Toyota Yaris include

• Seven airbags
• Electronic stability control
• ABS with EBD

Some optional extra safety and driver assistant features offered in the hatchback include

• Front digital video recorder
• Cross-traffic alert
• 360-degree panoramic view monitor
• Rear disc brakes

What are the highlights of Toyota Yaris vs. Honda Jazz vs. Mazda 2?

It is worth noting that the graphics and user interface offered in Yaris fail to impress us and those found in Mazda 2 are relatively superior. Honda Jazz still is the most spacious B- segment hatchback in the category as the payload space in Yaris is relatively compromised because of its raked roof.

However, the difference in cargo space is quite marginal as Yaris offers 309 liters of usable storage space. To compensate for the reduced boot capacity, Toyota offers an extra 16- inch alloy wheel as a spare unit in the new Toyota Yaris whereas Honda Jazz only gets a space saver.

In conclusion

The all-new Toyota Yaris is a very comfortable car to drive which was surprising considering its sporty appearance. What sets Toyota Yaris apart from other offerings in the segment is its refinement and comfort.

Toyota Yaris manages to glide over the bumps quite easily without compromising the supple ride. This does not mean that the handling characteristics of the hatchback are not as impressive because Yaris manages to hold the line quite impressively through the bends.

Also Read: Toyota Motors showcases 2020 Yaris and Yaris Ativ at 2019 Thailand Motor Expo