Unlike the Vios, which is now entering the latest generation, the fate of the Yaris hatchback is not as fortunate as the sedan version. Although many predicted that there would be a new model shortly after the appearance of the Vios, in fact, the Toyota Yaris 2023 is rumored to be coming only as a facelift.
This was revealed in the news published by the Thai automotive portal Headlightmag, Wednesday (19/10/2022). Toyota will launch the Yaris facelift in early 2023 before the 2023 Bangkok Motor Show and will follow other countries in the ASEAN region.
The 2023 Toyota Yaris is also a Daihatsu design
Still from sources in the media, the Yaris facelift was developed by the Toyota Daihatsu Engineering Manufacturing (TDEM) team in Thailand with project code 046D. Involving team members from Toyota and Daihatsu, it looks like the 2023 Yaris will also use the TNGA-B platform like the All New Vios.
The main reason behind the development of the Yaris facelift stems from the not-so-good sales performance outside of Thailand. Although the Yaris is still one of the best-selling cars in Thailand, it is not profitable enough in a long-term investment.
These factors make Toyota prefer to extend the life of the Yaris, which has been launched since 2013, for several more years.
Prediction of the shape of the Toyota Yaris 2023
In the 2023 facelift version, Toyota will focus more on changes to its exterior appearance.
The design of the headlights will be made similar to that of the Toyota Corolla Hatchback, as well as the revised grille following the design lines of the lights. Meanwhile, the bumper holes will also be similar to the large Toyota Camry sedan.
Changes to the Yaris facelift can also be seen at the rear, especially the bumper design which will be different from the current model.
Use an engine equivalent to the All New Toyota Vios in Thailand
Entering the interior, it is said that there will be a change in the steering wheel design to that of the latest generation Vios, which is also used in the Toyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky.
Regarding the engine, the Yaris facelift will use a similar engine to the Vios or Yaris Ativ, namely the 3NR-VE 1,200 cc with 94 hp and 110 Nm of torque combined with a CVT transmission. This engine meets eco car regulatory standards and can be fueled with E20 ethanol.
