Owner Review: Great experience after endless modifications - My 2019 Toyota Yaris G spec

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Basic information

2019 Toyota Yaris G spec

Reason why I bought this car

I really like compact hatchback, there weren't many choices/options back in 2019. besides Mazda 2, volkswagen Polo, Myvi, Iriz, Picanto and the Honda Jazz. I think it's around early March or April. Toyota made an announcement to launch the Toyota Yaris. Well, the previous Yaris was CBU, so when they announced that they are going to locally assemble the new yaris here, I was kinda excited.

So I went ahead to the Toyota showroom and I immediately requested to test drive the new Yaris, it was really lovely. Good NVH and surprisingly good handling. yes the car is soft, but the handling is there, and the G spec car sound system is beyond what I expected. I can guarantee it's the best in this segment.

Car selection process

• I had a budget of: RM100K

• Models that I have considered include: I was planning to get a 2nd hand FC TCP. but this model was so popular during that period. Most of the good ones have been sold or taken.

The reason why I choose this car

And the reason I bought this car, it's because it's a Toyota! It's still using the previous 2NR-FE engine . I don't have to worry much about this car because the technology has been around for quite some time. I then proceed to purchase without a doubt! It's not the most spacious in this class, but it's enough.

And also, the interior of the car is ALL BLACK, only the yaris offered this all black interior, not the vios, not other brands. Besides,  I have done endless modifications to my car, it is really amazing.

User experience

• I have already done 44,619 km
• My average fuel consumption is 7~8 L/km 

I have driven my car stock for almost 1 year + before doning modifications to my car. Overall experience is good, very practical, comfortable, fun to drive little hatchback.Note that I drive my car like a maniac! I travel to gohtong jaya, ulu yam, titikong, and crazy mountain roads. I have pushed my car to the limit endless times, melted 3 sets of tires in 2 years! I don't care about speed, I care about handling and car feedback.

City drive is approx 7 L/100km

Highway cruising is approx 5.5 L/100km

Hardcore driving is approx 12~13L/100km

My car is on KKT ecu. So the fuel consumption might not be the same as the stock car. I service my car every 7000km. Because I’m considered an heavy user. I can go for touge 5 days a week before mco .

So far I’ve replaced my CVT oil and speak plug once and regular car service only. Nothing major with the car despite how I tortured it. I use fully synthetic oil only. (Amsoil, torque 5W 30) 

The ride is good, the car is well built. Not much squeaky noises. It’s very well equipped as well. Auto headlamps, 7 airbags, and the NVH is really good.

Pros & Cons

Pros of my car after modifications

• Super sharp handling
• Sharp gearbox response
• Planted on high speed
• Fuel consumption is not bad
• Good sound system
• Spacious & practical
• Toyota provides a FULL SIZE spare tyre!

Cons after modifications

• Lowered too much, not quite convenience in city
• Can be quite harsh on bumpy surface
• No telescopic steering

Ratings

Total Score: 5
Performance: 5
Quality & Features: 4
Space: 4
Ride Comfort: 3
Fuel Economy: 4
Price & Cost: 4

Summary

It's very personal, but I do not like fancy stickers and accessories in my car. I prefer a clean and sleek look. I care more about my car's handling, chassis.

After 1 year of stock, I decide to upgrade my Rim to Advanti Storm S1, and  paired with the Yokohama AD08R, and then install BC racing V1.

A Toyota Gazoo Racer wanted to let go his car parts, so I immediately purchased the TRD bars from him.  But I managed to get one at a good price from  him. My luck!

I then upgraded to a Monza carbon hood, lightweight and simple design. I wrapped my carbon hood black because I want my car to look clean.

SScus Viper 110 semi bucket seat, I like this seat because it's a semi bucket, but kinda like a full bucket, the seat is reclineable too. It's somewhere in between a semi and full bucket seat. And it's comfortable too!

BBK (big brake kit) was not my priority at first, because the stock G spec brake is wayyyy enough. But I couldn't resist myself so I went for it. No regrets!

External CU Piggyback..

because REMAP is not available  for the latest vios/yaris. And I can't wait for it! So I went for the KKT tiny ecu. I tuned my car at RS dyno tune. +10 HP and 8 Torque, result is quite good for a 1.5 NA car.

KKT ETC (Electronic Throttle Controller)

Sharpen my gearbox response and it changes how the car drives .The immediate response after installing the KKT ETC is unbelievable. The car feels very punchy as well, but does not sacrifice comfort!

Additional Information

The stock yaris is perfect for city/highway cruising, yes people have their opinion, some say it’s too soft, some say underpowered. But no doubt this is a car that can satisfy almost everybody. Size is perfect. Do you know that the rear headroom of the yaris is taller than the vios? Yes, not many people will talk about this. Because I'm 6ft 183cm. I can't keep my head straight back in the vios, but not an issue with the yaris.

Same segment comparison IMO- (price range 70-100k)

Honda Jazz – Car model is quite old,good and punchy iVtec engine. The car weighs less than 1100kg,fun to drive, very spacious interior. But the car front bonnet is too short, doesn’t have an aggressive look,don’t have a rear disc brake. NVH could be better. But lots of modifications are available for this car, because it’s a Honda. As long as you service your car on time, nothing will go wrong. Spare parts are everywhere, always standby for you.

Mazda 2 – Skyactiv engine is good, car is very well built too,feels solid and firm. Very fun to drive. The only car in this segment that can get great results after remap because the compression ratio is 14:1.  But interior space is too cramp. Even the front is congested, so you can imagine the rear. Practicality 3/10!  And CBU units cost over RM100k++++++ for flagship model. One of the main reasons why you don’t really see many on the road these days. Spare parts can be pricey!

Toyota Yaris – Fresh in the market, sharing the same platform as the vios, interior is all black, feels exceptionally sporty. Car is well built, has good speakers, and has 7 airbags! The engine is not the fastest, in fact it’s the slowest in this range. But it’s comfortable to drive in D mode, and fun to drive in manual mode. But the handling is really good, cars feel connected when driving. This car weighs more than the others, 1145KG to be exact. Toyota probably inserted quite a lot of soundproof material into the car. It's quiet! And it’s a Toyota, kinda bulletproof in every way.

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