2024 Toyota Yaris 1.5E Review

The B-Segment compact car market has always been a popular choice among local families and young people. This type of car emphasizes balance—it needs to be flexible for daily commuting while also not compromising too much on configuration and space. The 2024 Toyota Yaris 1.5E, as the main model after the facelift, directly elevates safety configurations to the forefront of its class and upgrades its intelligent system. Priced at RM 88,000, it fits within the budget range of most consumers. We received a test car this time to see if these on-paper advantages translate into real improvements in experience during actual use.

In terms of appearance, the 2024 Yaris 1.5E continues Toyota's recent youthful design approach. The trapezoidal front grille features black honeycomb trim, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, giving it high recognition overall. The side profile of the car is smooth, and the 16-inch wheel design is more refined than the previous version, with contour lines under the doors adding a sense of dimensionality. The rear design hasn't changed much, but the internal structure of the LED taillights has been adjusted, making their illuminated effect more prominent. It's worth mentioning that front and rear fog lights are standard, which are very practical during the rainy or foggy season.

Sitting inside, the first noticeable feature is the more simplified layout of the center console. The 9-inch touchscreen is perfectly sized, and its operating smoothness is significantly improved compared to the previous model. Although there are only four speakers, they are sufficient for daily music playback. In terms of materials, the top of the center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials, which feel nice to the touch. Silver trim accents prevent it from looking too cheap. In terms of configuration, keyless entry and start are standard, eliminating the hassle of searching for keys. The New Optitron instrument panel offers a clear display, and all information is easy to view at a glance. The front seats are manually adjustable with moderate support, ensuring comfort even during long durations. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split, and combined with the 286L trunk space, it’s quite feasible to load larger items occasionally. In terms of space, it meets the standards of the B-Segment category: a 175cm passenger sitting in the back has about a fist's worth of legroom, and headroom is not overly constrained. The rear seats are also equipped with air conditioning vents and power outlets, catering to the needs of rear passengers.

As for performance, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power output of 107PS and a peak torque of 140N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. During daily commuting, it accelerates quite effortlessly, and its gearbox exhibits excellent smoothness at low speeds, almost eliminating any sense of jerkiness. When switched to Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more responsive. While the power output is not overly aggressive when stepping on the throttle to overtake, it is sufficient for urban road conditions. During highway driving, the RPM is maintained at around 2000rpm, and noise control is well-handled, with wind and road noises not affecting conversations inside the car. Regarding the suspension, the car is equipped with a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam setup, tuned for comfort. It thoroughly absorbs bumps when crossing speed bumps, and body roll during cornering is within acceptable limits. The overall handling feels stable. We also tested fuel consumption, which is about 6.5L/100km under urban conditions and can drop to around 5.2L on highways, making it very economical for family users.

The safety configuration is a major highlight of the 2024 Yaris 1.5E, featuring seven airbags (including knee airbags and front and rear curtain airbags), lane departure warning, active braking, lane change assist, among others, all as standard. Such comprehensive safety features are rare in its class. The 360-degree panoramic view camera is very practical when parking, especially in narrow parking lots, helping to avoid scratches. Although the cruise control is a standard speed cruise system, it still helps reduce fatigue during highway driving.

Overall, the core strength of the 2024 Toyota Yaris 1.5E lies in its balance – enhanced safety features, adequate space, smooth performance, fuel efficiency, and a price tag of RM 88,000, which offers great value within its class. When compared to competitors, such as the Honda City 1.5 S, the Yaris offers more comprehensive safety features at a similar price. Compared to the Proton Persona, it has the advantage of brand reliability and better resale value.

This car is highly suitable for families prioritizing safety and practicality. It can meet the needs of daily commuting and short family trips on weekends. For young individuals who have just started working, its flexibility and low fuel consumption are also appealing. If your budget is around RM 90,000 and you are looking for a reliable and safe commuter car, the 2024 Yaris 1.5E is worth considering.