Refreshed Toyota Yaris hatchback unveiled in Thailand
Back when Toyota Motor Philippines teased the launch of the refreshed 2021 Toyota Vios for the Philippines, we thought the teaser showed the refreshed Yaris which is essentially a Vios with a hatch. Unfortunately we were wrong and TMP launched a refreshed Vios but with the same front fascia as the Yaris we showed in our article.
Now in Thailand, Toyota has introduced the refreshed version of the Yaris hatchback alongside the Yaris Ativ which is what the Vios sedan is called in their market. It looks exactly like that on the patent images we reported on previously and now we wonder when this will reach our market.
First things first, the updated Yaris adopts the new sleeker and sharper front fascia that was introduced on the Vios a few weeks ago. Just like the Vios, higher-spec variants come with LED headlights and daytime running lights, and a new more stylish bumper and front grille. What the Yaris gets that the Vios doesn’t is a two-tone color combination on the exterior, and a new set of alloy wheels.
Inside, the Yaris also gets similar updates as we got on the Vios. There is an updated touchscreen infotainment system that now comes with Apple CarPlay, and a new driver’s instrument cluster. Other standard features include leather seats, USB charging ports for rear passengers, and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. It also comes with automatic headlights.
Under the hood, the Thai-spec Toyota Yaris is powered by a 1.2-liter four-cylinder 3NR-FE gasoline engine. It produces 91 hp and 109 Nm of torque, paired to a CVT. The updated Yaris is also equipped with an automatic start/stop feature which shuts off the engine at a stop. This feature helps save fuel economy.
Safety is greatly improved on the refreshed Toyota Yaris as it is now available with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). The intelligent safety suite features pre-collision alert and lane departure warning, at least for the Yaris as other Toyota models equipped with TSS usually come with additional driver’s aids.
We don’t know yet when Toyota Motor Philippines plans to bring in this updated 2021 Toyota Yaris. Given that they have already launched its twin, the Toyota Vios sedan, there is a chance that it could come soon as well.
