Toyota Thailand has announced updates to its Yaris. Why is this important? Toyota SA sources our Yaris units from Thailand so there’s a good chance these updates will eventually make their way to our market.
Toyota Thailand has shown off an updated Yaris B-segment sedan. It is important to note that Toyota SA uses this Thai model for the local portfolio.
The changes are minor, with some visual updates in the form of a new grille with a mesh-like pattern. The headlights are slightly thinner with some derivatives receiving full-LED units as well as LED daytime running lights. There are new side skirts as well as a roof spoiler and rear bumper. The vehicle is rounded off with new 15-inch bi-tone alloy wheels.
The cabin gets some trim updates with the brushed silver being replaced by a darker smoked look aluminium. The infotainment has been upgraded to a bigger unit which is now Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.
Impressively, despite its humble designation as a pocket-friendly city hatchback, Toyota Thailand has given its Yaris the Toyota Safety Sense with auto emergency braking and lane departure alert.
As far as engines go, the 1.2-litre and 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engines are carried over. The SA-spec Toyota Yaris gets 79 kW and 140 Nm from the 1.5-litre motor.
Interestingly there’s also a trim level called X-Urban for the Toyota Yaris and the vehicle gets some offroad-inspired bits like cladding and wheel arch extensions.
The European market gets a completely different Yaris, visually similar to the hardcore GR Yaris racer as well as the Yaris Cross – a baby B-segment SUV that is available with a hybrid powertrain.
