In the latter half of 2019, the newest version of the Toyota Yaris made its debut. The new hatchback dubbed the global version was meant for markets such as the US, Europe, and Japan. It is important to note that the Yaris takes two forms, the first is for the global market and the second is for the “emerging market”. The latter of which is the one currently available in the Philippines.
With that said, the appearance of the Global model in the ASEAN region could indicate that Toyota wants to streamline its Yaris range by just selling one model instead of two in the area. The decision makes sense as developing two different models is a costly endeavor.
The Japanese hatchback was seen undergoing road testing on one of the roads in Thailand. With it comes a special TC plate which indicates that the vehicle is a test car. While Toyota Thailand has yet to release any information about the test vehicle its presence will likely lead to two scenarios. The first is that the vehicle is really going through testing for the Thailand market, while the second is that the hatchback is being further tested for harsher roads and hotter climates. With that being said, the Global model being launched in the Land of Smiles, and subsequently in the Philippines is still a likely scenario. A slightly larger version could be being developed for the ASEAN market that will utilize the same TNGA underpinnings of the global model. It would also pave the way for the next-generation Toyota Vios at the same time.
While no official information has been provided, for now, it will be a waiting game to see what Toyota has in mind with the global Yaris in Thailand. If it does launch in the country then it could effectively pave the way for a GR Yaris to enter the region along with other GR models that the Japanese brand currently has on sale in other markets.
Latest News
-
Xiaomi’s second car revealed as 681 hp crossover / News
Smartphone giant Xiaomi is making further strides into China’s EV market with the unveiling of its latest model, the YU7 crossover.
-
Mitsubishi Triton wins Design Award at Japan Car of the Year / News
If you’re a fan of rugged-looking trucks, Mitsubishi’s all-new Triton has something to celebrate. It just bagged the Design Car of the Year award at the 2024-2025 Japan Car of the Year award...
-
Hyundai previews the next generation of the Palisade / News
Now that the next-gen Santa Fe has launched, Hyundai is preparing a major overhaul for its bigger brother, the Palisade.
Popular Articles
-
Cheapest cars under P700,000 in the Philippines
Jerome Tresvalles · Sep 02, 2024
-
First car or next car, the Ford EcoSport is a tough package to beat
Jun 18, 2021
-
Car Maintenance checklist and guide – here’s everything you need to know
Earl Lee · Jan 12, 2021
-
Most fuel efficient family cars in the Philippines
Bryan Aaron Rivera · Nov 27, 2020
-
2021 Geely Okavango — Everything you need to know
Joey Deriquito · Nov 19, 2020
-
Family cars in the Philippines with the biggest trunks
Sep 20, 2023
-
Head to head: Toyota Rush vs. Suzuki XL7
Joey Deriquito · Oct 28, 2020
-
Why oil changes are important for your car
Earl Lee · Nov 10, 2020
-
2021 Kia Stonic — What you need to know about it
Joey Deriquito · Oct 16, 2020
-
Top 7 tips for buying a used car in the Philippines
Joey Deriquito · Nov 26, 2020