The Japanese automaker has rolled out an update for its older and more affordable XP150 Yaris hatchback currently sold in emerging markets of Asia and South America. The car has little in common with the brand-new Toyota Yaris XP210 that utilizes the TNGA platform and sells in Europe and Japan.
The reveal of the refreshed 2021 Yaris hatchback and its sibling, the sedan called Yaris Attiv, took place in Thailand. The scope of updates is pretty limited: unlike 2017, when the model had most of its body kit redesigned, only bumpers get changed this time around. The front end loses its standalone DRLs – they have moved into the headlights – and while the lamps itself are halogens, LEDs are available at a premium.
The interior trim becomes darker, and the optional multimedia system gets a 6.7-inch display, voice support and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Higher trims now benefit from automatic emergency braking and lane control features.
Things stay stock under the hood. Changes were made there a year ago, landing the Yaris with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine rated at 92 hp (68 kW) capable of operating in Atkinson cycle and eligible for the Eco Car state subsidy program. The transmission is continuously variable, and the rear axle still makes do with drum brakes.
The Toyota Yaris Ativ sedan starts from the equivalent of U.S. $17,000 on the Thai market, whereas the hatchback goes for $17,500. Similar updates will arrive to other markets later on.
