It’s finally here. The Toyota hot hatch we have been waiting for for so long is finally amongst us and the good news is, it’s not alone. Instead, it has come along with its mates, including the 2021 Vios, Vios GR-S, and GR Yaris. Back in November, Toyota opened the booking for the facelifted Yaris and Vios, with the GR Yaris coming as a surprise entry in the line-up. Toyota Malaysia only dropped a few posts announcing the arrival of a ‘newborn’ without specifying the vehicle's name or details.

Coming back to the car in question, the 2021 Toyota Yaris, our first impression is that it is a hot hatch that from the looks of it looks powerful and loaded with amazing features. However, only after studying each of its profiles in detail will we be able to give our final verdict. So, let's get started.

 

2021 Toyota Yaris Variants & Price

The 2021 Yaris is offered in three trim options - base model 1.5J, mid-spec 1.5E, and range-topping 1.5G. The final prices that these models carry are lower than the estimated price announced by Toyota earlier. Here's 2021 Yaris price details:

2021 Yaris Variants	2021 Yaris Price
Toyota Yaris 1.5J	RM 70,940
Toyota Yaris 1.5E	RM 80,380
Toyota Yaris 1.5G	RM 84,808

 

2021 Toyota Yaris Exterior

On the design front, the 2021 Yaris displays a wider and bolder profile. At the front, we see an infused grille and air intake unit that surely dominates the area. The grille is connected to the headlamps that now come with a triple bezel LED unit with a Follow-me-home function. Also, part of the standard kit is the LED DRLs and LED fog lamps.

At the side, the Yaris gets a prominent wheel arch that in the base J trim houses 15-inch wheels wrapped in 185/60 series tyres. The E and G models benefit from 16-inch units with 195/50 tyres, an acoustic glass windshield, and auto fold wing mirrors with turn indicators.

At the rear, all the trims except J get LED rear combi lamps. Rear fog lamps are present in all Yaris models.

2021 Toyota Yaris Dimensions

Length	4,140 mm
Width	1,730 mm
Height	1,475 mm
Wheelbase	2,550 mm
Turning Radius	5.1 m

 

From the looks of it, the 2021 Yaris seems to be a spacious can with ample room for passengers and their luggage.

2021 Toyota Yaris Interior

On the door of the hot hatch and you'll be greeted by an all-black interior laid in fine fabric upholstery. While the Yaris is packed with several comforting and connectivity features, however, it all varies with the variant picked. Part of the hatchback's standard kit however is illuminated scuff plates, two 2.1A USB with AUX & Bluetooth, a drive mode switch (Sport/Eco), power windows with auto up-down & jam protection, and time adjustable wipers, push-start ignition, and smart keyless entry.

Going by the variant-wise feature list, the table mentioned below gives a clear explanation -

Features	Yaris 1.5J	Yaris 1.5E	Yaris 1.5G
Multi-information Display	Without	A 4.2-inch colour screen
Steering wheel	3-spoke Urethane, Tilt Adjustable without switches		3-spoke leather, Tilt Adjustable with audio, MID & Bluetooth switches
Air-con system	Manual		Auto
Audio system	CD Player with Tuner, USB, AUX, MP3, & Bluetooth	7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Tuner, USB, AUX, MP3, & Bluetooth
Rear-view mirror	Day & Night		Electrochromic mirror

 

2021 Toyota Yaris Engine

All three Yaris variants are powered by the same 2NR-FE 1.5 cc 4-cylinder, in-line, DOHC with Dual VVT-i mill. The said engine is paired to a continuously Variable Transmission with a 7-speed sport sequential shiftmatic mode and churns out a maximum power of 107 Ps at 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 140 Nm at 4200 rpm.

2021 Toyota Yaris Ride & Handling

Ensuring a smooth ride is its great suspension setup that includes a MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser at the front and a Torsion Beam with Stabiliser at the rear. Braking is taken care of by ventilated disc and solid disc at the front and rear ends, respectively.

2021 Toyota Yaris Safety & Security

One of the biggest upgrades in the facelifted Yaris is the inclusion of the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite of safety and driver-assist kit. The TSS is only available with the mid-spec E and range-topping G variant and includes lane departure alert and a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking. Also, limited to the two trims is a 3D Panoramic View Monitor, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, front & rear parking sensor, and Front Digital Video Recorder.

The 2021 Yaris standard safety kit includes 7-airbags (dual front, driver's knee, front side, and curtain shield), a seatbelt warning system (driver, front & rear passenger), ABS with EBD & BA, Hill-start Assist Control, and Emergency Stop Signal.

Conclusion

The 2021 Toyota Yaris seems to be a promising car with reasonably good performance figures, features, and safety kit.

Also Read: 2021 Toyota Vios: Key Highlights