[Update 1:50 pm: Post edited with additional information and estimated price list from UMW Toyota.]
After teasing it over the weekend on its social media channels, UMW Toyota today officially announced the arrival of the 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift in Malaysia, with prices estimated to start from RM71,688. The updated Toyota Yaris is now available for booking at all Toyota showrooms nationwide.
The Toyota Yaris was updated in Thailand back in August with several visual updates to its exterior, where most of the cosmetic changes were made to the face of the B-segment hatchback. Most noticeably, the grille design has been flipped vertically from the current model, now integrating a little more cohesively to the headlights and upper grille.
Malaysian specification Thailand specification
The updated Toyota Yaris destined for Malaysia differs slightly from the Thailand model with an additional lip splitter on the front, while the more elaborate side skirtings, rear bumper, alloy wheels, and roof spoiler seems to be retained from the pre-facelift model, for the range-topping G variant at least.
Other exterior changes include a new triple bezel fully LED headlights, with a new daytime-running light strip at the bottom of the assembly. The headlights also feature a new follow-me-home function for both safety and convenience, and will be available across all variants; the headlights were previously halogen projector units throughout the entire model range.
While the exterior aesthetic changes are pretty significant, the interior remains largely identical to the outgoing model, based on what we’ve seen on the Thailand model. The biggest change on the inside of the new Toyota Yaris is the new infotainment display, which has been upgraded to a seven-inch unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity on the E and G variants.
UMWT’s Vehicle Telematics System is also now standard on the E and G variants, while a wireless charging pad for your mobile phone is available as a paid option on all variants, priced at RM550.
The biggest news on the 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift however, is the addition of the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance features. The system offers autonomous emergency braking and lane-departure warning on the B-segment hatchback, the former enabled from 15 km/h using an integrated camera and radar system, while the latter provides a visual alert in the multi-info display, as well as a beeping sound to warn the driver of unintended lane changes from 50 km/h and above.
The pre collision warning and lane-departure alert system is available on the current Toyota Yaris, but through the front dashcam system which proved to be unreliable and cumbersome to operate. Blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and a 360-degree surround-view monitor continues to be available on the 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift.
Otherwise, the rest of the Toyota Yaris should remain unchanged, including the 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated four-pot mill which makes 107 hp and 140 Nm of torque – paired to a 7-speed CVT transmission.
The 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift is estimated to be priced at RM71,688 for the J, RM80,591 for the E and RM85,587 for the range-topping G variant – an increase across the board compared to the current model. Prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions for the locally-assembled model. Included in the price is a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
As for colour options, the bright Citrus Mica Metallic hero colour from the current model has been discontinued, replaced by Platinum White Pearl (RM400 surcharge), a new addition to the model. The 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift will also be available in Red Mica Metallic and Silver Metallic.
It is unclear if the updated Toyota Vios, unveiled in Philippines in July this year, will also make its introduction in our country at the same time. Will these changes be enough to compete against its newest competitors in the hotly-contested B-segment market? Let us know in the comments below!
GALLERY
