Upcoming Toyota Yaris: Competitors it will face

The 2019 Toyota Yaris has already gained a lot of attention even before its launch. It is also doing great in the markets it has been launched. Based on its elder sibling, the Toyota Vios, the upcoming Yaris is expected to cause a stir in the hatchback segment in Malaysia.

We don’t have an exact date of its launch in the country, but earlier this month UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) confirmed that the Yaris will be launched by the end of Q2 of 2019. So, what are the competitors that the Yaris would face? Read on to find out.

Honda Jazz

Honda Jazz has been catering to the needs of its customers for many years now. However, soon after Toyota announced its plans to bring in the new Yaris in Malaysia, Honda launched the Jazz Mugen Limited Edition. Showcased first at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS), the limited edition model comes with a Mugen body kit that has a new and sportier front bumper with LED fog lamps and distinctive LED DRL design, side skirts, rear tailgate spoiler, tailgate garnish, and a rear under spoiler or diffuser with a revised bumper. Unlike the standard Jazz, the additional features of the Mugen model could be a good alternative to the Toyota Yaris, however, only 300 units have been made, so getting hands on one would be a bit difficult.

Honda Jazz price starts at RM 70,242 for the base model and the Honda Jazz specs tell that it is powered by a 1.5-litre engine that produces 118 hp and is mated to a CVT unit. The interior of the Jazz is pretty good. Some of its interesting features include touch controls for AC, comfortable seats, attractive and informative instrument cluster, etc. As far as the safety equipment is concerned, it comes with 6 airbags, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, and ABS with EBD and brake assist.

Peugeot 208

Peugeot 208 is one of the best-looking hatchbacks available in the market right now. However, it’s very underrated. Peugeot has done a great job in designing the 208. It features a set of aggressive and large headlamps and an elegant front grille. We also like the subtle indentation at the front of the hood that protects the brand’s logo. The bumper is quite sporty thanks to the sharp design near the fog lamps. Another interesting element of the 208 is its signature three strips LED tail lights. They look fantastic.

The interior of the Peugeot is as well put together as its exterior. Peugeot likes to call it the i-Cockpit perhaps because it sure looks like one. The silver touch on the steering wheel makes it very sporty. The instrument cluster looks very elegant and has a central screen which shows all the necessary information. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that gives you access to a wide range of functions. Peugeot 208 specs sheet includes a 1.2-litre engine which produces 110 hp and is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Peugeot 208 price starts at RM86,888.

Kia Rio

With only a single variant available, the Rio is a premium hatchback from Kia. Kia certainly knows how to make beautiful cars, and Rio is a perfect example. It features stylish bi-projector headlamps which look great. However, it’s the unique front grille that is the centre of attraction. It is elegant and beautiful at the same time. We also like the sporty front bumper. The side profile of the Rio is handled brilliantly by its proportionate body and striking alloy wheels.

Kia Rio specs sheet mentions a 1.4-litre DOHC D-CVVT engine that churns out 100 PS of max power at 6000 revs and 133 Nm of peak torque that kicks in at 4000 revs. It is mated to an automatic gearbox. The Kia Rio price is set at RM78,888, and it comes in 4 different colors - Signal Red, Clear White, Silky Silver, and Smoke Blue.

So, there you have it. These were some of the top competitors that the upcoming Toyota Yaris would need to face to get a good grip in the hatchback segment. Considering the growing popularity of the Yaris, we think it shouldn't be a problem for it to do so. What do you think about the Yaris and is there any other car that you’ve got in your mind which would turn out to be a capable contender in this race? Let us know in the comments.