Could the 2027 Toyota Yaris arrive in Malaysia soon with Thailand's design?

The long-standing Toyota Yaris could be due for another update in Malaysia, over three years since this B-segment hatchback received its last update.

Thai-spec car shown

This time around, the update for the Yaris, if and when it arrives, is more comprehensive, debuting the more aggressive front fascia that’s currently on sale in Thailand.

Here, there’s a pair of angular LED projector headlights that replaces the old car’s LED reflector units. Speaking of the new headlights, there’s also a pair of smaller L-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) nestled at the bottom.

The inverted front grille is still there, though now it gets black trim on each end for an even larger gaping front-end. Ditto that for the honeycomb pattern, as they now appear larger than before.

Thai-spec car shown

Much of the chrome trim on the front-end has also been remove. Also removed, at least on the Thai-spec car, is the two front fog lights. It remains to be seen if the Malaysian-spec cars continue to offer the front fog lights.

Thai-spec car shown

On the Thai-spec car, the rear bumper has been tweaked to include faux outlets on each corner, as well as a mildly-restyled rear trim piece. The diffuser-like element continues to be offered on the Thai-spec car, though styling has been adjusted.

Thai-spec car shown

Despite these changes, we expect the Malaysian-spec Toyota Yaris to continue unchanged, especially in the powertrain and safety department. Motivation should come from the same tried-and-tested naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a CVT automatic.

At the time of writing, the current Toyota Yaris is priced at RM 88,000 for the 1.5E variant, while the 1.5G is priced at RM 91,600. Both prices are on-the-road, without insurance.