UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) launched a slew of new models in Malaysia today, and one of them is the 2021 Toyota Yaris facelift. Now equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense – the Japanese company’s suite of driver assistance systems – the new B-segment hatchback also comes with a slightly different front end design along with support for Android Auto.

First, let’s talk prices; the final prices of the Yaris are actually lower than the estimated pricing unveiled last month. The base J variant goes for RM70,940, while the higher-end E and G models cost RM80,380 and RM84,808 respectively. These are on-the-road prices with SST included, suggesting that deliveries for the hatchback will only begin next year.

One of the biggest upgrades the facelifted Yaris received is Toyota Safety Sense. Available on the E and G variants – the base J model doesn’t get this – it includes two major features: Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). The former warns the driver and automatically applies the brakes when there’s a risk of frontal collision, while LDA alerts the driver when the car is (unintentionally) getting out of lane.

Under the hood of the new Yaris is the very same Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5L engine found in the pre-facelift model. It outputs 107PS and 140Nm of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a seven-speed Shiftmatic mode.

Aside from that, the front end of the Yaris is slightly reworked as well. LED headlights are now standard across the range, and the lower grille is much wider now. These changes don’t radically change the looks of the Yaris, but they do give the hatchback a cleaner, more aggressive styling, in our opinion. As for wheels, the J model gets 15-inch alloys, while the E and G trims come with larger 16-inch alloy wheels.

On the inside, all variants of the updated Yaris come with fabric seats and seven airbags. The J and E models get urethane steering wheels with manual air-conditioning, while the range-topping G models has a leather-wrapped steering wheel with single-zone automatic air-conditioning. It’s also worth noting that the infotainment system of the E and G models now supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay too.

The 2021 Toyota Yaris facelift is now available for viewing and test drive at all Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide. The B-segment hatchback is offered in three colours: Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Silver Metallic.