2021 Toyota Yaris 1.5J Review

In Malaysia's B-Segment market, hatchbacks with a 1.5L engine have always been a popular choice for families and young professionals. These cars need to meet the economical demands of daily commuting while also being practical enough for occasional family outings. The 2021 Toyota Yaris 1.5J is a popular contender in this segment, boasting standout features such as 7 standard airbags, keyless entry, and Toyota's renowned reliability. In this test drive, we focus on its static performance, driving experience, and everyday practicality to see if it truly deserves the title of the "value-for-money benchmark" in its class.

From the exterior, the Yaris 1.5J adopts a youthful and sporty design. The front features a large lower grille, paired with fog lights on both sides, giving it a distinctive appearance. The streamlined side profile and waistline extending from the front fender to the rear end make the car look sleeker. The 15-inch tires, although not very large, are well-proportioned to the body and don’t appear undersized. At the rear, the LED taillights stand out with their horizontal light band design, making the car easily recognizable at night. Additionally, standard features like automatic headlights and power-folding side mirrors enhance daily usability.

Inside, the Yaris 1.5J focuses on practicality with its interior layout. The dashboard is made of hard plastic material, with a moderate feel to the touch, but the joints are well-aligned, reflecting the quality expected at this price point. The standard single-zone automatic air conditioning is easy to operate, with knobs and buttons offering clear resistance for effortless operation while driving. The multifunction steering wheel supports volume adjustment and phone calls, with well-laid-out buttons and a comfortable grip. The instrument cluster uses backlit analog dials; while it doesn't offer a fully digital display, the information shown is direct and easy to read, with the RPM, speed, and fuel level all clearly visible. The seats are manually adjustable and made of fabric material, providing decent support and being comfortable enough for extended periods. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split, allowing the trunk space to expand, which is adequate for storing strollers or suitcases. Notably, the car also comes with a 220V power outlet, which is particularly user-friendly for those who need to use external devices.

In terms of space, the Yaris 1.5J has a wheelbase of 2550mm, which is average in its class. The front row offers ample space, with a 175cm tall passenger having about one fist of headroom and legroom. The rear row provides similar average room; a passenger of the same height would have around two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. While not particularly spacious, it adequately meets the needs of everyday family use. For storage, the door pockets can fit two 500ml water bottles, and the central armrest box and glove box provide enough room for small items. The regular trunk capacity is 286L, and folding down the rear seats expands it further, making it suitable for short trips with luggage.

In terms of performance, the Yaris 1.5J is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that produces a maximum of 107PS and reaches its peak torque at 4200rpm. Paired with a CVT transmission, the power delivery is smooth and linear during daily driving. The vehicle feels sufficiently responsive in the initial acceleration phase, and since the transmission is quite seamless, there’s nearly no jerkiness during acceleration. Switching to sport mode sharpens the throttle response, and pressing the accelerator aggressively in this mode quickly raises the engine's RPM and delivers more immediate power, allowing it to meet the demands of urban overtaking with ease. However, on highways, when the speed exceeds 100km/h, the acceleration effort diminishes slightly, and additional distance may need to be considered when overtaking.

In terms of handling, the Yaris 1.5J's steering is precise with minimal play, making lane changes or U-turns during daily driving very agile. The front suspension is MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension is a torsion beam, tuned for comfort. When driving over speed bumps or rough roads, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations, ensuring passengers don't feel overly jolted. While cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, with no significant swaying, providing decent overall stability. The braking performance is average, with a moderate pedal travel and linear braking force, making it easy to control during daily driving.

As for fuel consumption, we drove 50km on urban roads and 50km on the highway. In urban conditions, the fuel consumption was about 7.5L/100km, while on the highway it was about 6.2L/100km. The combined fuel consumption was 7L/100km, which is almost consistent with the official figures. Its fuel economy performance is quite good. In terms of noise control, the cabin noise is minimal below 60km/h, mainly tire noise; once the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind noise becomes more noticeable but does not affect normal conversations inside the car.

Safety features are a significant highlight of the Yaris 1.5J. The 7 standard airbags are rarely seen in models of its class. Combined with features like vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, and rear parking sensors, its safety performance is outstanding. However, it should be noted that it does not come with a rearview camera, which might take some getting used to for new drivers.

Overall, the Yaris 1.5J's core strengths lie in its high safety features, good fuel economy, and strong practicality. Compared to the Honda City Hatchback 1.5S in the same class, the Yaris 1.5J offers more airbags and a more affordable price. Compared to the Proton Persona 1.6 Executive, it has better brand reliability and fuel efficiency. This car is suitable for families that prioritize safety and practicality, or for young commuters in need of a reliable vehicle. If you do not require too many flashy tech features and simply want a durable, safe, and adequately equipped vehicle for daily use, the Yaris 1.5J is a great choice.