When Toyota updated the Vios in Malaysia, many speculated that the Yaris would follow suit. However, to date, the Yaris remains on sale in its previous generation form. This has put the Yaris at a disadvantage, as newer competitors are entering the market and cutting into Toyota’s share. To boost Yaris sales, Toyota Malaysia has introduced a slightly updated version and given it some performance upgrades to make it more appealing to enthusiasts.
Dubbed the Toyota Yaris G Limited, this is essentially the GR Sport version of the Yaris. To avoid confusion with the full-blown GR Yaris, Toyota Malaysia stuck with the name “G Limited.” The G Limited is not just a name; Toyota will only be selling 600 units of this variant. In this review, I’ll take a closer look at the Toyota Yaris G Limited and see if it’s worth the extra cash compared to the regular Yaris G.
If you’re considering the Yaris based on looks alone, the G Limited might not be for you, as the regular G variant will likely suffice for most buyers. However, for those interested in the G Limited, you’re getting a more performance-focused Yaris that is also fully covered under Toyota’s warranty. From the exterior, the Yaris G Limited features a new front bumper carried over from the previous-generation Vios GR-S. However, this bumper is available across the updated Yaris variants. To differentiate the G Limited, it has a slightly sportier front lip, side skirts, and rear bumper. Of course, there’s also a more prominent rear spoiler to enhance its dynamic appearance when stationary. 
Additionally, the Yaris G Limited comes with a black roof, instantly giving this limited edition a more striking look compared to the regular variant. There’s also a “G Limited” badge on the tailgate, rather than the regular “G” lettering, further distinguishing it. However, the regular rims on this variant are a bit of a letdown. Given the sportier aesthetic, a set of more aggressive-looking rims would have been a nice touch. Toyota could have simply used the rims from the previous Vios GR-S for a more dynamic appearance.
The biggest enhancement to the Yaris G Limited is actually under the vehicle. Components designed to make the Yaris sportier and more responsive are what you’re paying extra for. A significant portion of the additional cost goes toward chassis strengthening. Toyota enlisted a specialist to create a full set of stabilizer bars installed throughout the car. Many of these bars are located under the vehicle, so without jacking it up, you’ll only see the strut bar under the hood. To give you a better idea, I actually jacked up the car to show the additional bars. 
Besides that, the Yaris G Limited comes with uprated dampers, significantly reducing body roll in corners and giving drivers more confidence during spirited driving. Toyota didn’t stop at handling improvements—the engine also received some minor upgrades for better airflow. The air filter is now an open-port design, allowing freer airflow into the engine. Additionally, there’s a throttle controller that sharpens the throttle response.
Inside, there are some updates to bring the Yaris more in line with modern expectations. The new 9-inch infotainment screen supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making connectivity more seamless. The infotainment system also includes a 360-degree camera for easier parking, though, in typical Toyota fashion, the camera’s resolution isn’t great. I wish Toyota had also included the sportier front seats from the Vios GR-S to better match the Yaris G Limited’s sporty vibe. 
Despite the performance upgrades, the Yaris doesn’t see much of a boost in raw performance figures. The engine still produces 105 hp and 140 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) sending power to the front wheels. Behind the wheel, I did notice that the engine feels more responsive compared to the regular Yaris. Throttle inputs are more immediate, making the car feel more eager to pick up speed. The open-port air filter helps the engine rev more freely, making it easier to hit the redline. The downside is the louder intake noise that comes with it during acceleration.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Yaris G Limited is its ride and handling. The suspension now has even less rebound, keeping the car more planted on uneven roads. This also increases stability in corners. The stiffer chassis gives the car a sportier feel, with noticeably less flex when driving over rough terrain. All these enhancements make the Yaris much more enjoyable in corners. However, I think the steering could benefit from a bit more directness, an issue Toyota has addressed in the latest Vios. Hopefully, the next Yaris will feature sharper steering. 
With a price tag of RM99,600, the Yaris G Limited is on the expensive side, especially with newer competitors in the market. Even within Toyota’s lineup, the new Vios is a strong contender in terms of appeal. However, if you specifically want a hatchback, the Yaris G Limited is still a solid choice. By purchasing it, you’re essentially getting a car with all the aftermarket parts already installed, and the best part is that they’re covered by Toyota’s warranty. These aren’t just cosmetic upgrades—the parts make the Yaris even more fun to drive. If you appreciate a sporty chassis, the Yaris G Limited should meet your expectations.
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