Some 12-13 years ago, middle income Malaysian car buyers were not keen on hatchbacks and only sedans sold well. However, Honda kept their popular Jazz hatchback in showrooms and managed to get good sales. Then UMW Toyota decided to bring in the Thai built Yaris hatchback which was selling very well in Thailand. However, with local assembly this Yaris did not enjoy a competitive tax incentive to bring its price near the Jazz and so it sold in very few numbers compared to the Jazz.
Then in March 2014, UMW Toyota tried again with the next generation Yaris which arrived with an on-the road price of RM101,700.00. Equipped with a 1,329cc DOHC Dual VVT-i engine, this Yaris produced 98bhp @ 6000rpms and a decent 125Nm of torque @4000rpms with a 7-speed CVT gearbox working smoothly. It was priced too high above the next generation Jazz and so only a few units found owners.
Today, a 2006-2007 Toyota Yaris sells for between RM22,000 to RM25,000. With its 1497cc engine which is shared with the early Toyota Vios, the Yaris represents great value for a first time car buyer or a 2nd car for a middle class family on a tight budget. It came into Malaysia as a fully imported vehicle and that is why its initial new selling price of RM92,000 reduced its appeal in the market against the local assembled Honda Jazz which was almost RM18,000 cheaper to buy.
At todays selling price, the Yaris offers good value as it has the following:
- 2 x Airbags
- Immobilizer
- Rear Sensor
- Leather & 3-spoke sport Steering
- All round power windows
- EBD & BA (Electronic brake force distribution & Brake Assist)
- Side impact protection beam
- GOA-Certified body
- VVT-i (Variable Valve timing with intelligence) engine
