Toyota Yaris 2023 Review

Nowadays, the competition in Malaysia's B-segment sedan market is becoming increasingly intense. Consumers not only seek the economic benefits of daily commuting, but also value safety features and practicality in terms of space. Many models are focusing on these aspects. As the entry-level mainstay of the series, the 2023 Toyota Yaris 1.5E offers advanced configurations such as 7 airbags and a full suite of active safety systems at a price of less than RM90,000. This has attracted budget-conscious users who prioritize safety. We got our hands on the actual vehicle this time to see if its standout configurations, static experience, and dynamic performance can meet the daily needs of family users.

From the exterior, the 2023 Yaris 1.5E continues with the family's design style, leaning towards a youthful and dynamic look. The front features a large trapezoidal lower grille combined with sharp LED headlights on both sides, providing decent recognizability. The hood has two subtle contoured lines, adding a bit of muscular feel. The side profile is sleek, and the 16-inch wheel design is fairly standard, but paired with 195/50 R16 tires, the visual proportions appear balanced. At the rear, the LED taillight assembly adopts a horizontal design, seamlessly connecting with the lines of the rear bumper. A chrome strip at the bottom, though not very prominent, adds a touch of sophistication. Overall, the exterior design is not overly flamboyant, favoring a timeless appeal suitable for most family aesthetics.

Sitting inside the car, the interior features black as the main color tone, complemented by silver trim accents, giving a simple and practical style. The dashboard layout is clear, with a centrally mounted 9-inch touchscreen that operates fairly smoothly and supports the Sound Plus function. The 6-speaker sound quality is average for its segment. In terms of materials, the upper part of the dashboard is made of hard plastic but does not feel very rough to the touch. The inner sides of the door panels are wrapped in fabric, adding a bit of comfort. Regarding configuration, keyless entry, push-button start, and single-zone automatic air conditioning are all standard features, enhancing daily convenience. The instrument cluster is a traditional self-illuminated analog display, which provides clear information. Although it lacks the technological feel of a fully digital display, it is straightforward and easy to read.

In terms of space, the Yaris 1.5E has a wheelbase of 2550mm, which is standard for the B-segment. The front seats are manually adjustable and offer decent support. A passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the front has about one fist of headroom and legroom to spare. The rear seating space is average; a passenger of the same height sitting in the back has about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, which is adequate for daily family use. The rear is equipped with air conditioning vents and ISOFIX anchors, adding to its practicality. The trunk has a capacity of 286 liters, enough to fit two 20-inch suitcases. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding configuration, expanding the space to accommodate longer items such as strollers or foldable bicycles. As for storage spaces, the door pockets, center armrest box, and glove compartment are not very large but are sufficient for storing daily small items.

As for the dynamic driving performance, the Yaris 1.5E is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum output of 107 PS and a peak torque of 140 N·m (although the data is not directly listed in the spec sheet, these are common parameters for this engine). It is paired with a CVT gearbox. During initial acceleration, power delivery is smooth with no obvious jerks, making it suitable for urban commuting. Acceleration at low to medium speeds is responsive, and when overtaking, stepping on the accelerator deeply makes the gearbox simulate gear shifts, providing linear power delivery. However, acceleration in the high-speed range feels somewhat underwhelming, and achieving higher speeds requires earlier throttle inputs. The vehicle only has a standard driving mode, with no options for sport or eco modes, which feels somewhat limited.

In terms of handling, the steering feel is moderate, with minimal dead spots and decent directional accuracy. The front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out most minor vibrations on speed bumps or uneven roads. However, when encountering larger potholes, the vehicle body experiences noticeable jolts. Its cornering performance is average, with body roll kept within an acceptable range, making it suitable for daily smooth driving but not ideal for aggressive maneuvers. The braking system is stable, with moderate brake pedal travel and linear braking force, providing a confident experience for daily driving.

As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7L/100km. We drove 50km each on urban congested roads and highways, and the actual combined fuel consumption is approximately 7.5L/100km, which is close to the official figure. The fuel economy is commendable. In terms of noise control, engine noise and tire noise are not noticeable at low speeds. At high speeds, wind noise and tire noise increase but remain within an acceptable range for its class and do not interfere with normal conversations inside the car.

Safety features are a major highlight of the Yaris 1.5E. It comes standard with 7 airbags (including a knee airbag and front/rear curtain airbags), ABS, vehicle stability control, lane change assist, lane departure warning, active braking, and other active safety systems, surpassing many models in the same price range. However, it does not come with a reversing camera and only has rear parking sensors, which may require extra attention from novice drivers while parking.

Overall, the 2023 Toyota Yaris 1.5E's core strengths lie in its outstanding safety features, fuel economy, and practicality. Compared with competitors in the same class, such as the Honda City 1.5 S (with a similar price), the Yaris 1.5E offers richer safety features. Compared with the Proton Persona 1.6 Executive, it has better brand reliability and resale value. However, its rear space is slightly smaller than the City, and its performance is also slightly inferior.

This car is suitable for families with a budget of RM80,000 to RM90,000 who value safety, fuel economy, and practicality, especially families with children. The 7 airbags and full active safety systems provide more comprehensive protection. It can meet the needs of daily commutes and short family outings on weekends. However, if you frequently drive on long highways, the lack of power in the later acceleration stages may impact the driving experience.

In summary, the 2023 Toyota Yaris 1.5E is a well-rounded family sedan with no significant shortcomings. Its safety features are its biggest selling point, making it a suitable option for families seeking practicality, safety, and affordability. If you're on a tight budget but want a safe and reliable family car, the Yaris 1.5E is worth considering.