The fourth-generation Toyota Yaris takes many forms depending on where you live. A few parts of the world have access to the high-performance Gazoo Racing (GR) spicy derivative, which comes in a three- or five-door hatchback and high-riding Yaris Cross body styles. Additionally, the hatch can be purchased with a Mazda2 rebadge. A new sedan will be available in the future for emerging markets. This week in Thailand, the subcompact saloon made its debut.
The Yaris Ativ is a capable substitute for B-segment crossovers thanks to its abundance of features and impressively low price, which ranges from $15,300 to $19,500 (converted from Thai Baht) depending on the trim level. Even the entry-level Sport model comes standard with LED headlights, an eight-inch touchscreen, and 16-inch alloy wheels. When you upgrade to the Smart, Toyota adds a dashcam and rear USB ports, and the infotainment screen expands to nine inches.
The subcompact sedan’s Premium trim adds adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control, and rear AC vents. The top-tier Premium Luxury model includes a Pioneer audio system. Pre-collision warning and Front/Lane Departure Alert are included as standard equipment on the Toyota Yaris Ativ, with even more systems available on higher-end trims.
The top trim has ambient lighting with 64 colour options, and the infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The fabric seats that come standard can be upgraded to genuine or synthetic leather. There are several available exterior upgrades, including stripes and two different trunk lid spoilers.
The Yaris Ativ obviously wasn’t developed to take down the record for the fastest sedan around the Nürburgring. A CVT transmits the 1.2-liter, four-cylinder engine’s 94 hp (69 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) of torque at 4,400 rpm to the wheels. For some reason, you do get a Sport mode, but the all-around disc brakes are more crucial. The suspension system, which consists of a front MacPherson strut and a rear torsion beam, is predictably simple.
The Yaris Ativ is refreshingly honest in a sea of SUVs that are trying to be something they’re not and would make a strong Dacia Logan competitor in Europe. Over 35 countries will receive exports from the Toyota Gateway Plant in Thailand, where production will take place.
