Toyota Yaris 2021

The current-generation Yaris hit the local market on December 20, 2017. This marked the 3rd generation of the hatchback in the Philippines. The hatchback was launched with two engines, the same 1.3 and 1.5 available with its sibling the Vios. The Toyota hatchback comes in three variants the lower tier variants come with the 1.3-liter powerplant and can come either with a CVT or a 5-speed manual. The range-topping S variant comes with a 1.5-liter engine and a CVT only.

A facelift for the model was launched on December 23, 2020. The launch was quiet and done via a press release sent out before Christmas. 

The Toyota Yaris uses Toyota's B platform and is powered by either a 1.3-liter or 1.5-liter. The two engines can either be had with a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT. For suspension, the hatchback has MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. Stopping power comes in the form of ventilated discs for the front and rear. it rides on 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/60 series tires.

As the Yaris comes with two engine options, its road performance varies depending on the power plant that resides under the hood. While the 1.5L engine provides more oomph than the smaller 1.3L, both engines drove calmly and less eager to move forward from a standstill. The limitations of the CVT in terms of acceleration and holding speeds are also felt greatly in the Yaris. Handling-wise, the Yaris is good in tackling corners, considering that it has a front-wheel-drive powertrain layout. However, it needed more road feedback for a more engaging drive.

At the center of the interior of the Toyota Yaris, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment can be found. For the 2021 model year and up, the Yaris features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its lineup. It features a head unit that supports CD, MP3, AM/FM radio, USB, AUX, Bluetooth, and voice link for iOS and Android smartphones. You also get a push-start system along with the keyless entry. To elevate the driving experience, you get Eco and Sport driving modes that can be toggled at the press of a button. 

The exterior of the Toyota Yaris is styled by Kazuya Hasegawa and Takeshi Matsuda. It takes on the shape of a hatchback and shares the same front fascia as its stablemate the Vios. it comes with either long multi-reflector halogen lights or LED headlamps at the front that meets at the center with a Toyota logo. Speaking of the grille, for the 2021 model, Toyota has opted for a new design that uses a different and more open pattern from before. You also get LED fog lamps as standard throughout the range.  Higher tier variants also get LED daytime running lights. The headlights flank a large bottom grille that now serves as the main source of fresh air for the vehicle.

As for the color options for the facelifted 2021 model, the Yaris can be had in Cyan Metallic, Citrus Mica Metallic, Super White II, and Red Mica Metallic. 

On the inside of the Toyota Yaris comes a new design. The interior color theme comes mainly in black accented by silver for the air vents and for the center console. The seats come with a black color scheme but the top of the line model gets synthetic leather seats which add to the Yaris' value proposition over the lower variants and the Vios. Higher variants get the benefit of a single zone climate control with a simple and easy to understand layout. Lower tier models, on the other hand, come with a dial setup.