All New 2023 Toyota Yaris Sedan Revealed

Yaris name-plate has been used by Toyota for a very long time, and depending on the market/region; it has been used on different models and body styles. It means it is known as Yaris in one country while with another name in another. Pertinently, Toyota Vios and Toyota Yaris are virtually same models with slightly different styling, with Vios seeming to be with a slightly sporty appearance. 

Yaris, a B-segment sedan, is also very famous in Pakistan & currently, Toyota Indus produces the third generation with chassis code XP150. Although the third generation has been in production since 2013, it was introduced in Pakistan in March 2020.

Toyota Thailand was developing the 4th generation model for some time and porotype camouflaged vehicles were seen multiple times in the recent past. At last, the all-new 2023 Toyota Yaris is revealed for the Thai market. Let us go over what we know about the new Thailand domestic model Toyota Yaris.

Platform and Footprint 

The 3rd generation Toyota Yaris is based on Toyota’s older B-platform, which has been the basis of various models since 2005. The new 4th generation of Yaris with chassis code D92A / AC100 is based on a new modular global platform developed by Daihatsu, the DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture). As a reminder, Daihatsu is a fully owned subsidiary of Toyota Motors.

The DNGA-B platform is highly rigid, lighter, safer, and quieter. It provides the foundation for B-segment models for Toyota like the new Yaris, Subaru, and Perodua. Also, models like Perodua Ativa, Daihatsu Rocky, Daihatsu Xenia MPV, and Toyota Raize crossovers share the same underpinning, technicalities, and mechanicals.

As additional information, the current Euro-spec Yaris hatchback or JDM Toyota Aqua is also a B-segment model based on Toyota’s TNGA-B ( Toyota New Global Architecture for B segment). Basically, DNGA is a cheaper alternative platform for models for emerging markets as well as Japan where it is positioned to develop Kei cars.

As of footprint, the 4th generation Yaris sedan (Thai spec ) is 4425mm longer, 1740mm wider and 1480mm high. This makes it 5mm longer,10mm wider and 5mm taller than the previous generation. These dimensions might not be hugely different from the last model, but the prominent increase can be seen in the wheelbase, which is now 2620mm, 70mm (2.75 inches) long. We can expect improved interior volumes, especially at the rear seats.

Exterior 

The new model’s exterior is more in line with the rest of the Toyota lineup. On the front, you can see the influence of the current generation of Camry as well as Corolla.  Moreover, the new Yaris brings a wider and bolder front blacked out horizontally slated grille, new LED headlights with L-shaped DRLs integrated within the headlights. They remind us about the 12th generation Corolla. 

The lower outer edge of the newly designed bumper gets non-functional vertical air curtains which are also available with the fog lights. The bonnet shut line is horizontally designed across the width, which gives the car a wider look. The character line continues along the front fender and the door and diminishes at the B-pillar. A second character line continues on the mid portion of the front and rear door.

On the side profile, the increased wheelbase is clearly evident, especially with the broader window on the rear passenger door. The quarter glass panels are now moved to the C-pillar; it used to be within the passenger door of the previous generation. A chrome strip runs across the window beltline line, while the B-pillar’s roofline slopes towards the rear and terminates at the trunk’s edge, giving the vehicle a sports-back profile similar to the current generation Honda Civic. The new model in Thailand comes standard with newly designed 195/60/R16 alloy wheels.

The rear also gets a total makeover with new slim LED taillights with LED pulsating turn signals. A plastic blacked-out trim connects the two taillights, while a new bumper and trunk design keep the character lines as horizontal as possible, giving a vehicle a wider stance. Shark-fin antenna and high mount stop lamp are also available. The slim rear reflectors are moved downwards on the lower bumper valance. I am sure some Honda fans might pick the 7th generation in some angles on the rear, although it is very subjective. Overall, the new model looks elegant on the exterior with a flavor of sportier & aggressive styling.

Interior

Hop in, and you will be welcomed by an all-new interior. The interior is revolutionary for Yaris. It takes inspiration from other products with which the model shares its underpinning. You can pinpoint certain parts taken straight from the other models if you have keen eyes. In this case, the inspiration has been taken from the Toyota Raize crossover or Perodua Ativa. 

Like exterior design philosophy, the dashboard layout is horizontally aligned but remains driver-focused. The dashboard comes in a combination of hard plastic on the upper portion. However, it comes with soft touch material on the areas accessible to the driver and passenger in the loaded version. You will find new and improved door panels and controls with improved storage capacity.

Infotainment System

Yaris is equipped with a floating LCD infotainment system with cell phone integration like apple CarPlay & Android Auto. The standard infotainment screen is 8-inch, while a 9-inch screen is also available. Furthermore, the steering wheel can control the infotainment system and voice recognition.

Depending upon the variant, 4 or 6 speakers are available, while the top-of-the-line model comes with a Pioneer sound system. The driver information cluster is partially digital with a 7-inch LCD, a standard feature. Toyota Telematics is also available, which allows you to check various types of the vehicle data like driving data, and any details on vehicle malfunction.

Depending upon variant fabric or leather, seating is available with leather in different tones. Single zone manual air-conditioning is standard, although an automatic digital single zone is available in the top-of-the-line variant. A PM2.5 air purifier is also available. Depending on the variant, you will find rear AC vents, push-button start, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, and 64-color ambient lighting.

New Yaris is also equipped with an Electronic Parking Brake/EPB and Auto Brake Hold/ABH features, but these are not standard features, which means that basic models will keep the conventional handbrake. Unfortunately, sunroof is not an option, and it is unclear whether there are power driver or passenger seats.

We don’t have interior measurements, but with an increased wheelbase, we can expect a greater leg space in the second row. In a nutshell, like exterior, the interior is a marked improvement over the previous generation and gives a better feel.

Engine

Let’s open the hood and see what’s going on in Thailand. The Thai domestic model now has a 1.2L 3NR-VE, a VVTi DOHC Naturally Aspirated 4-cylinder engine, and this is the standard engine across the lineup. The engine makes around 93hp at 6000RPM and 110Nm of torque at 4000RPM. The entire line comes with a Super CVT-i gearbox with three driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport). As per Toyota, the new engine is Euro 5 compliant and can deliver fuel economy up to 23.3 km per liter.

Other standard equipment includes Electric Power Steering and a MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar on the front. Meanwhile, a torsion beam and coil spring with a stabilizer bar are offered at the rear in suspension. As per Toyota, the new Yaris model has improved driving dynamics with a quiet cabin and lower road noise.

Also, i t is predicted that the new Yaris with 1.3L and 1.5L engine versions might be available outside Thailand in other markets. The 1.5L 3-cylinder/ M15A-FXE, a naturally aspirated 2-motor hybrid engine, is also rumored to be launched later, but there is no confirmation.

Safety

The Yaris chassis based on DNA focuses on a highly rigid body using thicker and high tensile steel components at strategic locations. Meanwhile, Vehicle Stability Control/ VSC, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist/ BA, Traction Control, Hill Star assist, and rearview camera come standard across the model lineup. Every version of Yaris comes with 6 airbags, including front side and curtain. Moreover, the upper variant gets Toyota active safety features like Pre Collision warning and braking, Lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, Front departure alert, and Auto high beam.

Moreover, features like Blind spot monitoring, panoramic view monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert are also available. The top variant gets all 4-disc brakes, while the lower trim level only comes with rear drum brakes with disc on front. Overall the new Yaris appears to be much safer comparing the previous generation.

Thai Prices & Pakistan? 

The new Yaris will be for sale soon in Thailand in 4 variants with “Sport,” a base model starting at 539,000 baht ( PKR- 3,421,439/- at today’s exchange rate). Meanwhile, top of the line, “Premium Luxury ” require 689,000 baht ( PKR-4,374,900/). Toyota Thailand also offers a long list of accessories at additional cost.

 I am sure the next question will be when we see this new Yaris in Pakistan. The local market welcomed the Toyota Yaris sedan, a third generation, just a little over two years ago, and it is safe to say the current model will stay here for at least three more years before its replacement with the new model.