Toyota Yaris IMP (with IMProvements) launched for the Malaysian market - The popular Yaris hatchback soldiers on in its current form with a slight facelift

Recently, UMW Toyota Motor has announced the refreshed, improved Toyota Yaris IMP. The IMP stands for Improvement and this essentially is how the company aims to keep being the market leader in the non-national B-segment hatchback market. The Yaris IMP which comes with the current Yaris facelift now features styling enhancements, newer technology and a refreshed interior ambience. The new 2023/2024 Malaysian market Toyota Yaris builds on the significant success of the current model, which has sold over 60,300 units since its launch in 2019.

Launched sometime the past week, the latest Toyota Yaris comes in two variants, the 1.5E and 1.5G. Both variants feature a sporty looking new front and rear skirting, as well as an optional 2-tone paint finish which features the body in one colour and a black roof. A total of 5 colour combinations are now available, with Red Mica Metallic and Platinum White Pearl colours available in single or two-tone options. The Silver Metallic finish is only available in single-tone. It seems the 'hero' colour yellow is no longer available with this round of refresh.

Inside, both variants of the new Yaris hatchback get a larger 9” display for the infotainment system.  Like any car that is sold in 2023, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are as standard, as well as a wireless charger for compatible mobile devices. The USB ports have been updated to the current Type-C design too. .The seats are now finished in a more different fabric design, 

Aside from the above, other notable equipment include a front driving video recorder (DVR) is also now standard, with smartphone connectivity. Finishing off the enhancements to the interior is a new sporty Optitron instrument gauge cluster with red and white graphics.

In addition to the above, the new top specced Toyota Yaris 1.5G variant gets a soft leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, a pre-installed RFID tag and parking aid sensors at the front and rear.

As for safety features, the new Yaris maintains its 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating. Safety equipment includes Toyota Safety Sense Precollision System & Lane Departure Alert, 7 SRS Airbags, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, 3D panoramic view monitor to name a few.

Both variants continue to be powered by the proven 2NR-FE 1.5-litre engine, a 4-cylinder DOHC power plant with Dual VVT-i, (105ps/140Nm) mated to the 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic transmission powering the front wheels. A simple and reliable setup from what I have noticed listening from friends and relatives who have owned it since this Yaris was launched here. Having driven the car when it was launched, I did feel that everything was adequate as a daily driver and suitably nippy around town. Decent poke on the highway and is a decent all round performer. Not overtly sporty, but decent handling and the CVT works well without any truly noticeable rubberband feel when you are driving it. The Yaris has, enough to make you enjoy driving it if you are going for it. 

According to UMW Toyota, the primary target market for this latest variant are younger male and female Gen-Z audiences looking for an upgrade from smaller A segment or older B segment vehicles.

President of UMW Toyota Motor Datuk Ravindran K. is confident the new Toyota Yaris ticks all the boxes that the Gen-Zs are looking for in a ride. “There is a growing population of youth who are the trend-setters of the future - the Tik-Tok Generation who prioritises style and social standing, and are ambitious and self-expressive. The new Toyota Yaris is the vehicle that delivers on their expectations for their main ride.

“We feel this new edition will appeal to the Gen-Zs in every aspect. From its stylish exterior appearance that will appease their social status, while the advanced technology such as the larger audio entertainment unit, coupled with the Toyota Safety Sense features will enhance the driving comfort and gives them a peace of mind each time they get behind the wheel. We are sure the “Dare To Live: Amp Up Your Vibe” tagline will jive perfectly with this generation’s personalities,” added Datuk Ravindran.

Personally, I believe the Yaris is suitable for any age in terms of ownership. Those that want a compact hatchback and like the virtues of owning such a car would see this as a good proposition. Those that want to downsize from their larger cars could also consider such a car too as it gets all the necessary equipment that we'd expect from a car today and has that Toyota brand image too.

 The 1.5E model is now priced at RM88,000, while the 1.5G is sold at RM91,600 (On The Road Price Without Insurance). A slight adjustment from the added details as well as this being 2023 and everything seems to need some correction due to many factors.

The all-new Toyota Yaris cars come with a full 5-year warranty. There is no limitation on mileage travelled after the original registration, so the owner gets the full 5 years of coverage.

You can opt for the two tone scheme for the exterior as seen in the Yaris below (compare to the ones further down to visualise)

The End