The Toyota Yaris is an iconic name in the world of compact cars. While Malaysians know the Yaris as a compact hatchback, it has actually taken many forms from a crossover to a powerful hot hatch. That’s all thanks to Toyota pushing the boundaries of innovation with the Yaris lineup, giving it different body styles and powertrains. In this article, we’ll explore the diverse forms of the Toyota Yaris in Malaysia and internationally including versions you may never even heard of.
Toyota Yaris Hatchback
The Toyota Yaris Hatchback, the quintessential representation of the Yaris legacy, made its debut in the late ’90s. This is the version we are reminded of when we think of a Yaris. This compact hatchback is a favorite among buyers thanks to its signature Toyota reliability, agility, and efficiency. Engine options vary across generations, but the 2023 Yaris sports a 1.5-liter engine producing 107 PS of power and 140 Nm of torque. Safety is a priority with the Yaris as it has the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features. The price of a new Toyota Yaris in Malaysia starts from RM83,300 but you can find a pre-owned one in excellent condition from below RM70,000.
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Toyota Yaris Cross
In response to the rising demand for compact SUVs, Toyota introduced the Yaris Cross in 2020 – a bold and adventurous addition to the Yaris family. Blending the iconic Yaris charm with a taller SUV riding position, this versatile crossover offers heightened ground clearance (around 30 mm), rugged styling, and enhanced practicality. Powering the Yaris Cross is typically a Dynamic Force 1.5-liter engine, something that we don’t yet see in Malaysia. The Yaris Cross is available in other markets with either a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) configuration or a petrol hybrid. Unlike other compact crossovers, you have the option of all-wheel-drive with the hybrid version of the Yaris Cross.
Toyota Yaris Ativ
Catering to the preferences of specific markets, Toyota unveiled the Yaris Ativ, an Asia-exclusive sedan version of the Yaris. We know it as the Toyota Vios but markets like Thailand call it the Yaris Ativ. With its refined aesthetics and spacious cabin, the Yaris Ativ provides a more comfortable and sophisticated driving experience. Similar to the Vios, the Yaris Ativ introduces various tech and creature comfort improvements in the cabin including a larger, eye-catching infotainment display and sportier instrument cluster. Unlike the 1.5-liter engine in the Vios, however, the Yaris Ativ features a 1.2-liter engine producing 94 PS and 110 Nm.
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Toyota GR Yaris
In 2020, Toyota introduced the GR (Gazoo Racing) Yaris for driving enthusiasts craving sheer performance and exhilaration. Its development relied heavily on feedback from Toyota’s CEO himself, Akio Toyoda, who raced it on the track. The GR Yaris was engineered as a rally homologation race car, so its development helped produce the GR Yaris Rally1 prototype which entered the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2022.
This hot hatch packs a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, generating an impressive 261 PS and 390 Nm of torque – numbers unheard of, especially from an automaker like Toyota. The GR Yaris is all-wheel-drive, enhancing its handling and cornering capabilities.
Toyota GR Yaris H2
Taking performance to the next level, the GR Yaris H2 is an experimental hot hatch that uses hydrogen as fuel. This car burns hydrogen in a slightly modified GR Yaris engine instead of generating power with fuel cells. This groundbreaking innovation signifies Toyota’s dedication to eco-friendly technologies, combining high-performance capabilities with hydrogen’s clean energy potential. It has been tested and demonstrated at various events including the WRC in 2022 and at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed where Mr. Bean himself, Rowan Atkinson tested the car.
Rowan Atkinson driving the GR Yaris H2
Toyota Yaris Verso
To offer a more versatile vehicle in the compact segment, Toyota introduced the Yaris Verso in 1999, a practical compact MPV. The Yaris Verso is a five-seater mini MPV that retained the beloved Yaris attributes of efficiency and maneuverability while offering an adaptable interior configuration to accommodate passengers and cargo with ease. That was achieved by lengthening its wheelbase and increasing its height. It was succeeded by the Toyota Ractis in 2005 and sold in a number of markets including Japan, Hong Kong, and Germany.
Bonus: Toyota Yaris Cruiser
The Yaris Cruiser isn’t a vehicle that is confirmed by Toyota but could be the company’s next compact electric off-road vehicle. Based on the Compact Cruiser EV concept that Toyota unveiled at its electric vehicle showcase in 2021, Car Moby, a Japanese publication discovered the words ‘Yaris Cruiser’ printed on the concept vehicle’s tires, though the writing was removed in other images of the vehicle.
You can see the words ‘Yaris Cruiser’ printed on the tires
The Yaris Cruiser could look like a baby FJ Cruiser. Technical information on this off-roader is unavailable but it does look like a promising vehicle to rival the quirky Suzuki Jimny.
As the Toyota Yaris continues to evolve and embrace diverse forms, it remains an enduring symbol of innovation and adaptability in the compact car segment. From the classic hatchback to the bold GR Yaris and the versatile Yaris Cross, each iteration has left a significant impact, catering to a wide range of drivers and their unique preferences. As we eagerly await future Yaris iterations, we can’t help but appreciate the legacy of this beloved compact car and the exciting possibilities it holds for the road ahead.
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