Verdict
The Seres 3 costs RM95,000 against the Toyota Yaris at RM88,000, but the RM7,000 gap buys a 53.6 kWh battery, 340 km claimed range and a 161 hp/300 Nm motor. It is also much roomier, with a 525-litre boot versus 286 litres. The Yaris counters with seven airbags, pre-collision braking, blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera, where the Seres has six airbags and no autonomous braking. At 1,140 kg, the Yaris is 510 kg lighter, and its annual road tax is RM90 versus RM120.
Pick the Seres 3 if you can charge an EV and want 340 km of electric range, a 525-litre boot and rear air-con vents.
Pick the Toyota Yaris if active safety matters more, as it gets seven airbags, pre-collision braking, blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera.
Key differences
- Powertrain: Seres 3 has a 161 hp/300 Nm electric motor; Toyota Yaris has a 105 hp/150 Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine.
- Energy storage: Seres 3 has a 53.6 kWh battery and 340 km range; Toyota Yaris has a 42-litre fuel tank.
- Boot space: Seres 3 provides 525 litres; Toyota Yaris provides 286 litres.
- Weight: Seres 3 weighs 1,650 kg; Toyota Yaris weighs 1,140 kg.
- Safety: Seres 3 has six airbags and no autonomous braking; Toyota Yaris has seven airbags and pre-collision braking.
- Dimensions: Seres 3 is 4,385 mm long with a 2,655 mm wheelbase; Toyota Yaris is 4,140 mm long with a 2,550 mm wheelbase.
3
- 340 km EV range from a 53.6 kWh battery
- 525-litre boot and rear air-con vents
- 161 hp and 300 Nm, plus powered front seats
- No autonomous braking or blind spot monitoring
- Six airbags versus the Yaris' seven
- 510 kg heavier than the Yaris
Yaris
- Seven airbags, pre-collision braking and blind spot monitoring
- 360-degree camera and full-size 16-inch alloy spare wheel
- 510 kg lighter, with lower RM90 annual road tax
- 286-litre boot is 239 litres smaller
- No rear air-con vents
- Manual front-seat adjustment instead of powered front seats
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM95,000 | RM88,000✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM90✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 105 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | — | 150 Nm at 4,200 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 72 mm × 91.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 161 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 300 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 53.6 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 340 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 60 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | CVT with 7 Speed Sports Sequential Shift |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,385 mm | 4,140 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 1,730 mm |
| Height | 1,650 mm | 1,475 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,655 mm | 2,550 mm |
| Weight | 1,650 kg | 1,140 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 42 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 525 litres✓ | 286 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 195/50R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 195/50R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full-size 16" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Chao Yang SU318a H/T | Toyo Proxes R50 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Two-tone Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Two-tone Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Outer Two Rear Seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-fold | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth and 6 Speakers | 9.0" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | — |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | — | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Manual Boot | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used 3 & Yaris for sale
3 vs Yaris FAQ
Is the Seres 3 or Toyota Yaris better?
The Seres 3 is better for EV running, boot capacity and rear-seat ventilation. The Toyota Yaris is the stronger safety-led choice, adding pre-collision braking, blind spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera and a seventh airbag.
What is the price difference?
The Seres 3 costs RM7,000 more than the Toyota Yaris. That extra outlay brings an electric motor, 53.6 kWh battery, 340 km range, a larger body and a 525-litre boot.
Which has more luggage space?
The Seres 3 has the larger boot by a clear margin: 525 litres versus 286 litres in the Toyota Yaris. That is a 239-litre advantage for the SUV.
