What do you get from the Toyota Yaris 1.5 S CVT?

One of the things I’ve always liked about the Yaris is its simplicity – from the design all the way to operation.

Facelifted late 2017, it finally adopts the “keen look” that’s been on the Altis and various other Toyota models for several years. As a hatchback, it exudes an energetic presence boosted by the unique grille design with a metallic strip descending down to the front bumper.

Like the previous-gen Yaris, the pillars are also blacked-out creating that ‘floating roof’ illusion but the implementation looks much better on this because the rear LED combination lamps are longer and slimmer, which wraps around the rear fenders much better.

It looks sleeker now because of that and immediately more modern. Slim and elongated halogen projector-type headlamps (with daytime running lamps) on top of that large blacked-out grille makes it look just a little Lexus-y, plus it almost makes it look like full model change.

Sporty as it is already, you’d be remiss not to swap the stock 15s with something larger just to complete the package.

The tail’s also been reshaped for better “bulge” while appearing more compact, which puts the rear badge higher and on a glossy surface right below the glass.

In the Yaris 1.5 S CVT (continuously variable transmission) is a 1.5L 2NR-FE gasoline engine with VVT-i, electronic fuel injection. It sends 105hp and 140Nm to a CVT transmission. It has a fuel tank capacity of 42 liters.

On the chassis is a MacPherson strut-type front suspension with stabilizer, a torsion beam-type rear suspension with stabilizer, ventilated front brakes, rear disk brakes, and 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/60 R15 tires.

It uses a rack-and-pinion steering system with tilt adjustment and electric power steering. Inside is a three-spoke leather steering wheel with audio controls and paddle shifter.

The body also comes with a sporty-type radiator grille with red accent, outside rearview mirrors with integrated turn signal lights, grip-type chrome outside door handles, LED (light emitting diode) with line guide rear combination lamps, front fog lamps, intermittent windshield wipers with time adjustment, black door belt molding, rear window defogger, rear roof shark fin antenna, and rear reflector.

Inside is a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display fabric seats, illuminated entry system, driver and passenger sliding, reclining seats but only the driver’s seat has vertical adjustment, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, three-piece rear headrests, an Optitron meter gauge with illumination control, a multi-information display, a digital clock, driver sun visor with mirror and ticket holder and a passenger sun visor with mirror, a rear console box with no lid, door trim, six cupholders, glove box, door pockets on the driver + passenger + rear doors, seatback pocket, front personal lamp, room lamp, front and rear one-touch up/down power windows with jam protection, power door locks, and a 326-liter luggage room.

Exclusive cabin features of the 1.5 S CVT are silver inside door handles, leather shift lever and knob, shift lock system, shift position indicator, a lamp-type Econo meter, a Push Start system, Eco drive mode, Sport drive mode, an automatic climate control system, power retractable and adjustable outside rearview mirror, six speakers, and a light control system with Follow-me-Home feature.

Safety features are driver + passenger + driver knee + side + curtain shield airbags, vehicle stability control, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, two three-point ELR (emergency locking retractor) seatbelts in front with pretensioner and force limiter, three three-point ELR seatbelts in the second row, adjustable seatbelt anchors, child protection locks, Isofix mounts, and an LED high mount stop lamp.

For security, the 1.5 S CVT comes with an alarm and immobilizer and smart entry with wireless and speed-sensing door locks.

It is available in seven colors: Citrus Mica Metallic, Freedom White, Thermalyte, Gray Metallic, Attitude Black, Red Mica Metallic, and Orange Metallic.

The Toyota Yaris 1.5 S CVT is priced at P1.065 million, the Yaris 1.3 E CVT comes in at P952,000, and the Yaris 1.3 E M/T goes for P900,000.

Photos by Eric Tipan and from Toyota Motor Philippines