The B Segment Car that is striving to "moving forward" with times


Introduction

Toyota is a renown brand worldwide, however most people would not know that the name Vios is derived the Latin word “ Moving Forward”.

The Vios was introduced by Toyota to the world back in the year 2003 as an entry-level sedan. During that point of time it faced intense competition with its long term rival Honda, which introduced the City to the public during the same year as well. The City wins handsdown when compared to the City due to its stunning design as well as VTEC Engine which gives ideal performance while being economical at the same time.

The all-new Toyota Vios will be available in three key variants J, E and G priced from
RM 77,200. All variants will feature the carried-over powertrain consisting of the fuel-efficient 2NR-FE 1.5-litre engine paired with a CVT-type automatic that debuted in Malaysia in late 2016.

In the all-new Toyota Vios, standard features found in the entry-level J-variant include automatic air conditioning, ECO-Sport drive modes, seven airbags (inclusive of driver’s knee airbag), hill-start assist control, and integrated LED DRLs.

Specifications for the all-new Toyota Vios 1.5G

  • Price: RM 87,300 (OTR without insurance)
  • Engine: 2NR-FE, 1.5-litre, inline-four cylinder, Dual VVTI
  • Power: 107 PS @ 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 140 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
  • Transmission: CVT-type automatic, with manual-mode
  • Safety: Seven airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Panoramic View Camera (PVM)
  •  Origin: Locally-assembled in ASSB-Bukit Raja, Selangor
Exterior of the Vios

The all-new Toyota Vios has been revamped and is one stunning looking sedan. The front features the headlamps that is inspired from its older sibling the Corolla Altis.

Moving on to the rear of the Vios, more of the Baby Altis theme continues here at the back. As it features longer slimmer and sleeker tail lights units.

One of the major improvements found in the all new Vios is the follow-me-home function.This is a neat feature to have as it allows your headlights to stay on a few minutes longer upon exiting your car to give you a few seconds of lighting from the headlamps to give illumination to you while you make your way to your destination.


Interior of the Vios

Sitting inside the driver side of the Vios and you would be greeted by a better mix of materials has truly uplifted the ambience in the all-new Vios. One of the major highlights of the interior is the Optitron meters and piano-black panel on the centre console and shift lever surround, the interior is a huge step forward in feel and sight.

The Optitron meter not only provides clear continuous illumination, but it is also paired with the large 4.2-inch colour multi-information display (MID) that also includes a large digital speedometer.


One of the major downfall of the all new Vios is that the blower mode is still limited to the face and a mix of face and feet (two modes). That means the front demister is still absent, a generic disease that has been passed on to the Vios since non-feature that has plagued the Vios since the model debuted in back in the year 2003.

Rear passengers would likely to suffer under the scourching heat as the Vios does not come with rear cooling vents unlike the ones that is featured in the Honda City.

One of the pioneer strengths of the all new Vios is the incredibly low noise of the cabin. Even when travelling in highway speeds of up to 110km/h, it is quite suprising to know that the cabin of the Vios has little to no noise. This is all possible as Toyota has increased the tremendous amounts of damping sheets, noise suppressors, as well as a more rigid bodyshell to create the quietest cabin in the segment.

One of the major downfalls of the all new Vios is that it lacks width inside. This is noticeable when passengers were seated at the rear seats of the Vios. The passengers would notice that they are actually seated closer to each other in the Vios compared to the City which can be a squeeze especially when travelling long journeys in Malaysia.


Would it be able to handle the treacherous road of the Malaysia?

Admist the fact that the all new Vios retains is ageing engine and CVT-type automatic transmission, Toyota has instill a more responsive driver in the all new Vios.

When cruising on the highway, the CVT transmission now delivers a more responsive acceleration relative to the driver’s input. The engine revolution raises naturally in steps to mimic the forward shifting of a virtual seven-speed transmission.

In addition to the aforementioned quiet cabin levels, the suspension has been calibrated to deliver a very impressive ride quality.

In addition,the steering and supension has been improved tremondously as compared to the previous generation Vios. It nows offers a more refined ride adding on to a quite feel of the cabin even when travelling at highway speeds. The Vios manevours corners like a champ due to its lighter and more flexible suspension, it lets you have an idea of where you tires are pointed, which gives you more confidence and precision while driving.
Summary

It is a no brainer that the all new Vios is actually a major facelift of the previous generation Vios. As Toyota is renown for manufacturing realiable cars worldwide it’ is not surprising that the all new Vios is deem likeable in the eyes of most consumers in the market. However, as Toyota’s often offers various bodykits for the Vios such as the TRD edition found in the previous generation Vios which turns it into an amateur race car sends mixed signals to many which could lead to a downfall for the Vios in the long run.

However if your the type of buyer that is looking for a decent performance car that has good fuel economy, then it would be wise to opt for the all new Honda City Hybrid instead. As the all new Vios still retains the same old engine and chassis up to till today which is lightyears aways in terms of specifications comparing to its long term rival the Honda City.

If reliability is your main priority needed for a comfortable journey to commute for your day to day drive, then look no further as the all new Vios would be able to cater to your needs accordingly.

For Potential Consumer that are intrested in the Vios, below are the official price list from Toyota.


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