Presenting the all-new Toyota Vios (AC100), one of UMW Toyota Motor’s (UMWT) hottest B-segment sedan, now in its fourth-generation (2023).
Built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, it comes packing with many improvements, setting it miles apart from its predecessor.
Locally-assembled (CKD), the base-range Vios 1.5E is priced at MYR 89,600 and the top-range Vios 1.5G at MYR 95,500. Prices are on-the-road, without insurance.
Each unit comes with a five-year and unlimited mileage warranty, 24/7 Road Assist, and free three-year subscription to Toyota’s Vehicle Telematics System (VTS).
Five exterior colours are available. Silver Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Spicy Scarlet, Attitude Black and Platinum White Pearl.
Weighing in at 1,015 KG (Vios 1.5E), 1,035 KG (Vios 1.5G), the all-new Vios stands at 4,425 MM long, 1,740 MM wide, 1,480 MM tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,620 MM.
Exuding a new front end, it now looks more modern and less curvaceous compared to its predecessor.
It features a huge Piano Black (Vios 1.5G), Black (1.5E) grille, accented by a slit-like black bar stretching from edge to edge, right at the tip of the hood.
Elsewhere, it gets functional air curtains on the lower edges of the bumper, and a front lip that is part of an all-around aerokit body fitment.
The rear end’s design is now toned and athletic with elements matching the front. Sportily, it portrays sharp and straight contours.
Part of the aerokit fitment, it features a minimalistic lip spoiler and an all-black diffuser-like element.
Completing the layout, air-curtains are also present, along with a black trim placed across the middle of the tailgate.
The headlamps are very sharply-shaped, focused-looking and blend well with the L-shaped DRLs.
They are automatic LED units, with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Follow-Me-Home function.
Slim and angularly-shaped, the tail lamps complement the front headlamps nicely, and contribute a lot of aesthetic to the rear layout.
Both variants get LED combination units. The Vios 1.5G adds on sequential turn signals.
The side mirrors are power-adjustable and auto-foldable with signal lamps and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM).
Variant Vios 1.5E is installed with ventilated (front) and drum (rear) brakes, while Vios 1.5G gets ventilated (front) and solid disc (rear) brakes.
Gripping it to the tarmac is a set of 16-Inch alloys in 195/60 R16 rubbers (Vios 1.5E), and a set of 17-Inch in 205/50 R17 (Vios 1.5G).
Refreshed, the all-new Vios now features a straightforward and sleek dashboard, devoid of its predecessor’s intricate and complex shapes.
Premium, the all-black design sees soft-touch and hard-plastic materials, with certain pieces of the latter in gloss black and textured.
All the elements are placed logically and driver centric for a better driving experience. Overall, the craftsmanship is satisfactory.
The central housing panel is a good contrast that gives the interior a classy feel. It is finished with chrome plates to complete the polished look. In terms of equipment, the 7-inch display audio touch screen unit has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (E variant upwards). Air conditioning is an auto unit with digital displays across all variants.
Installed in variant Vios 1.5E is a 4.2-Inch TFT optitron instrument cluster with a Multi-Information Display.
Whereas, variant Vios 1.5G gets a seven-inch TFT digital instrument cluster with a Multi-Information Display (MID).
Both setups feature Toyota-specific animations, and multiple driving information.
Seats in the Vios 1.5G come in all-black leather upholstery, while the Vios 1.5E in fabric. For the rear, there is no foldable function, nor an armrest.
Considering it to be a compact sedan, space in the cabin is adequate with sufficient shoulder and legroom.
However, the headroom in the rear is a bit tight for tall people, notably due to its fastback silhouette.
Overall, the slightly enlarged cabin space is thanks to its newly increased dimensions of +5 MM (length), +10 MM (width) and +70 MM (wheelbase).
The three-spoke black with silver trim steering wheel comes in leather (Vios 1.5G), and in Urethane (Vios 1.5E).
It gets multi-switch functions (Audio, MID, Bluetooth, Drive mode - Vios 1.5G adds on ACC, LKA), tilt adjustment (Vios 1.5G adds on telescopic), paddle shifters (Vios 1.5G), and an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.
Sufficient storage areas are present, including side door pockets, backseat pockets, centre console compartments, coin pocket, folder holder, and a decent-sized glove box.
There are six cup holders. Two located in the front at both ends of the dashboard, two in the front side door pockets and two in the rear side door pockets.
It comes with three USB ports, one 12-V power socket and one wireless charger.
Thanks to improved sound insulation around the engine compartment and body panels, the new Vios has commendable cabin quietness.
Its large-entry tailgate provides up to 475-Litres of boot space, and lifting the boot tray and floor provides even more stowing space.
The all-new Vios features the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Variant Vios 1.5E gets Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) and Front Departure Alert (FDA). Variant Vios 1.5G adds on Lane Keeping Control (LKC), Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Others include, Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC), 3D Panoramic View Monitor (3D PVM) and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
Passive safety includes six airbags, three-point ELR seat belts (reminder, pretensioner, force limiter – front, rear) and ISOFIX, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Hill-Start Assist (HSA), Parking Clearance Sonar (two front, four rear), Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS), Vehicle Telematics System (VTS), immobiliser, Digital Video Recorder (DVR) (front), and Toyota Premium Security and Solar Film.
Three drive modes available. Normal, Eco and Power.
It is installed with a nine-Inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity and Bluetooth.
The Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite of ADAS, along with the accompanying systems will make the day-to-day driving experience more relaxing, and most importantly, safer.
Variant Vios 1.5E features a four-speaker setup, while Vios 1.5G a six-speaker setup.
The all-new Vios harbours a 2NR-VE, 1.5-Litre In-line, four-cylinder 16-valve, DOHC with Dual VVT-i petrol engine, producing 105 HP at 6,000 RPM and 138 NM at 4,200 RPM.
It gets a seven-speed CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic transmission (paddle shifters).
Power is sent to the front wheels, Front Wheel Drive (FWD).
Top speed reaches 180 KM/H.
It has a fuel tank capacity of 40-Litres, and delivers a fuel consumption of 5.2-Litres for every 100 KM.
The all-new Vios comes with Smart Entry and Start system, auto headlamps, rain sensing wipers, steering wheel (multi-switches, tilt and telescopic, paddle shifters), wireless charger, parking sensors, illumination entry system (64-colour ambient light), day-and-night interior rear-view mirror, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold, Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS), and Vehicle Telematics System (VTS), acoustic windshield glass, and foot rests.
The drive is more composed and assured with quick directional changes, as the electrically assisted steering is focused more on light and easy manoeuvrability.
Punchy but not too much, the drive is also agile and has a solid braking feel, regardless of the speed.
Other than that, the seats are supportive and well-bolstered, offering adequate comfort but not for long journeys.
Ride comfort is good even on rough tarmac, handling is commendable for a B-segment sedan, yet can be sporty on more technical roads. As for the GR-S variant, the sports tuned suspension offers superb handling and enhanced stability on straights and around corners.
Improved over its predecessor, it has good sound insulation, covering the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) aspects well.
This is courtesy of the newly equipped acoustic glass (front windscreen, side windows), and foam inserts in the chassis.
The all-new Toyota Vios is a major leap forward in many aspects, providing a comprehensive list of equipment inside and out.
Its design appeal notably, is also a step up from the past generations. Projecting a more edgy look, rather than the slouchy and passive demeanour it used to have.
Overall, the all-new Toyota Vios is satisfactory. An adequately built B-segment sedan, especially with all the bells and whistles it comes with.