The Toyota Yaris G is a short and sweet little thing — a solid B-segment hatch from UMW Toyota Motor that manages to pack a lot of character into its compact frame. Much like the car itself, this quick review of the hatchback sibling to the last-generation Vios will be straightforward and to the point.
The driving experience is surprisingly refined, featuring a chassis that feels remarkably well put together and solid handling that inspires confidence. It excels as a quiet, comfortable daily driver thanks to its softly damped suspension and best-in-class NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels. Having owned and driven several Hondas, this is a particularly impressive feat.
Under the bonnet, the proven 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine remains frugal on petrol while providing adequate power, and the CVT does a commendable job of keeping the car zippy in city traffic.
From a practical standpoint, the Yaris G is an excellent city runabout for young couples or executives, offering nimbleness in tight spaces and an ease of parking that larger cars lack.
The Toyota brand brings the expected peace of mind regarding after-sales support, reliability, and resale value. Small but significant details elevate the ownership experience, such as the exceptionally quiet engine during idling, a super cold air-conditioning system that deserves a double thumbs-up, and excellent consistency in paint finishing and body gaps.
Even the door pockets are a highlight, offering generous space for large water bottles that rivals much more expensive European hatchbacks.
However, it’s not 100% perfect (no car is). On bright days, the meter cluster housing cover suffers from a weird sunlight reflection when the sun is directly overhead. Ergonomically, the lack of telescopic steering adjustment and seats that are slightly small with minimal thigh support may bother taller drivers.
While the engine is silent during casual cruising, it does produce a drumming noise when pushed above 4,500 rpm. The surround-view camera system is starting to show its age, feeling like it is due for a high-definition upgrade.
Overall, the Yaris G (priced from RM88,000) remains a well-sized and relevant upgrade for those moving up from a Perodua or Proton. Even in an era dominated by HEVs, EVs, and PHEVs, this simple, dependable car with just an internal combustion engine remains a fun and playful choice. Designed to get you from point A to point B without fail – every single time.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and are not necessarily shared by MotaAuto.com.
