2021 Toyota Yaris: Expectations and what we know so far

2021 Toyota Yaris: What we know so far

Since 2013, the Yaris that we know is based on the XP150 series Vios. Yep, it’s practically the same Vios that we currently see on our streets today, except a hatchback. Sure, the Yaris has undergone the same changes that the Vios went through, but it’s still based on the third-generation XP150 Vios.

The current PH-spec Toyota Yaris

That said, there’s another version of the Toyota Yaris currently sold in other markets right now. The most well-known version is of course the 3-door GR Yaris, which is a very hot Toyota New Global Architecture-based hatchback.

For our market, however, we’re convinced that the current Philippine-spec Yaris will be carried over for the model year 2021. But what can we expect from it when 2021 comes around?

2021 Toyota Yaris: Exterior

Earlier this year, the Vios was given a facelift. It now comes with LED headlamps, and it lost that grille that looks like it was “grinning.” The current Yaris however, still retains a similar front end found on the pre-facelift Vios.

The current PH-spec Yaris from the rear

That said, we would want to see the same changes applied on the 2021 Toyota Yaris. It is after all, structurally identical to the current Vios, so giving it a similar cosmetic update might not be such a tall order at all.

The new Yaris with the new Vios' face is already being sold in Thailand

2021 Toyota Yaris: Interior

For a modern hatchback, the Yaris is already very spacious. The top-spec variant also features a lot of useful amenities including a push-to-start button, an automatic air-conditioner, and a power-adjustable rearview mirror, among others.

The PH-spec Yaris' dashboard

What Toyota could improve upon is the seven-inch touchscreen that’s available on both the Yaris E and Yaris S. It could be given Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and it would greatly increase the said head unit’s capabilities. Other than that, it already comes with Bluetooth connectivity, USB, and Aux. Currently, it comes with the Weblink smartphone mirroring app.

The steering wheel is simple looking but it does the job well

2021 Toyota Yaris: Engine and Performance

For the 2021 Philippine-spec Yaris will still use the same 1.5-liter and 1.3-liter inline-4 gasoline engines. The latter is paired solely to a continuously variable transmission, and it can make up to 106 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque. The smaller 1.3-liter powerplant can either have a CVT or a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. Being smaller, it makes less at 98 horsepower and 123 Nm of torque.

It's literally the same engine that the Vios uses

Like the current PH-spec Vios, the PH-spec Yaris uses a front-wheel-drive drivetrain, disc front brakes and drum rear brakes and the same MacPherson strut suspension for the front and torsion beam for the rear.

Our point is, if the Vios won’t get a next-generation update, then the XP150 Yaris won’t get new mechanical updates either.

>>> Related: This is the 2021 Toyota Yaris with the new Vios face

2021 Toyota Yaris: Safety

Currently, the Yaris comes standard with seven airbags, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, ISOFIX, and child-proof locks. Both variants also have a car alarm, but only the top-spec Yaris S comes with smart entry, speed-sensing door locks, and an engine immobilizer.

One of our wishes for the Yaris however, is for Toyota to give it some version of the Toyota Safety Sense. For those who aren’t aware, this suite is a collection of driver-assist features which includes lane keep assist, rear-cross traffic detection, etc. Do note however that giving this model this upgrade might drive its prices up drastically.

2021 Toyota Yaris: Final Thoughts

Since its introduction, the Yaris is known to be a reliable and practical hatchback that’s great for daily driving in the city. As such, it will certainly remain the same. However, the possibility that the Yaris will get the same cosmetic updates as the Vios is still there. So that’s one thing to hope for.

The side of the PH-spec Toyota Yaris

What about introducing the Yaris XP 210 locally? Well, that’s a very attractive notion since it now uses the TNGA GA-B platform, which was reported to be stiffer and sportier than the Toyota B platform the current XP150 Vios uses.

And lastly, we cannot help but mention the XP210-based Yaris Cross. It was unveiled earlier this year and is already being sold in Japan. Later on, Europe will also get this new model. How about the Philippines? Well, seeing this cute little crossover is a bit too optimistic. Do note also that it’s more possible that the equally compact Toyota Raize will be introduced here instead.

>>> Related: Toyota Vios vs Toyota Yaris: Practically the same car, different target market

We can't deny that the Toyota GR Yaris looks really cool

2021 Toyota Yaris: Expected Price

Being a carryover, we can expect the 2021 Toyota Yaris to have just about the same Php 900,000 to Php 1,060,005 price range. If cosmetic and new features were introduced though, we can expect a slight price bump.

For the latest automotive news, car reviews, and helpful car maintenance tips, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.