On the 20th of January 2023, UMW Toyota Malaysia finally reveal the newest iteration of the Toyota Vios. The latest Vios model will be constructed on a completely fresh chassis and will feature a revamped exterior and interior design. Moreover, the vehicle will boast state-of-the-art technology and features, ensuring that customers receive exceptional value and a secure driving experience.
For the exterior, the updated Vios boasts a sportier appearance on the outside, with a longer nose and fastback shape contributing to the overall look. The vehicle now has a 70mm extended wheelbase and 17-inch rims that complement the sedan’s refreshed aesthetic. The new design exudes an upmarket vibe, likely due to Toyota designers borrowing elements from larger Toyota models, like the Corolla Altis and Camry.
Under the hood, the Toyota Vios will be equipped with a resilient 1.5L DOHC Dual VVT-I engine, which is coupled with a fresh 7-speed CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic. This powertrain can generate a maximum output of 106PS and 138Nm of peak torque. In comparison to its predecessor, the new engine has a slightly lower output by 3PS and 2Nm, which is intended to enhance its fuel efficiency.
Even so, the latest Vios model exhibits a stronger performance than its predecessor, owing to its reduced weight by 110kg compared to the previous generation. To provide some context, the current generation Myvi is merely 10kg lighter than the Vios sedan. With the capacity to accelerate smoothly, the Vios proves to be a stable ride even when driving at 160km/h.
The latest chassis of the Vios has two advantages. Firstly, it has reduced the weight of the car, while secondly, it has increased the rigidity of the chassis. These developments have resulted in improved handling of the car. The stiffer body of the vehicle has significantly reduced the chassis flex, thereby giving the driver more confidence to maneuver the car through corners. The suspension has been tuned to be softer, ensuring that all passengers are comfortable during the ride. Despite this, the Vios still maintains a controllable body roll on twisty roads.
For this latest generation Vios, it has undergone significant upgrades with the introduction of a new platform, resulting in improvements to steering directness and overall handling. The steering now provides a more direct feel, allowing drivers to better understand the available grip of the front wheels, thus enabling them to push the car through corners with greater confidence. Furthermore, the Vios’ lighter body makes it more agile and responsive, allowing it to change direction with ease. The brakes have also been enhanced, benefiting from the reduced weight and providing drivers with increased confidence to brake later when entering corners, resulting in a shorter stopping distance.
Inside the new Vios, it comes with an all new interior. Toyota has adorned the Vios’s dashboard with leather and added real stitching, giving it a more luxurious feel than its predecessor. These modifications have also imparted a fresh look to the interior. However, a significant number of features in the new Vios have been sourced from the Veloz’s parts bin, including the instrument cluster and climate controls, which are identical.
Regarding the infotainment screen, the system in the Vios has been upgraded from the Veloz. While the Vios system appears similar to the Veloz’s, the Vios infotainment screen provides a smoother user experience. Additionally, the Vios infotainment system includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a stronger connection compared to the Veloz. Furthermore, the 360-degree camera is now a high-definition unit, providing a clearer view of the vehicle’s surroundings compared to the Veloz.
In the driver seat, the driver’s position is more focused on driving in the new Vios. This is because the steering can now be adjusted for reach, making the driver feel less elevated. The driving experience is further enhanced by the tall center armrest and gear lever. The steering wheel comes with paddle shifters to allow the driver to change gears without removing their hands from the wheel. Moreover, the new Vios includes an electronic parking brake, which adds to the premium feel of the cabin.
As for the back seats, the latest Vios boasts improved comfort levels for rear passengers. Thanks to its 70mm longer wheelbase, rear passengers enjoy increased legroom, although headroom is slightly reduced due to the sloping roofline. Although this does not affect me, some individuals have reported that sitting upright causes their heads to touch the roof. Additionally, while the latest Vios does not feature folding seats, it does offer a spacious 475L boot for transporting belongings.
In terms of safety and driver assistance systems, the new Vios will be equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, a range of advanced safety and driver assistance systems that prioritize the well-being of both drivers and passengers. Among these systems are Pre-Collision Warning (PCW), Pre-Collision Braking (PCB), Pre-Collision Braking Assist (PCBA), Adaptive Control Cruise (ACC) with Full Speed Range, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) with Steering Assist, Lane Keeping Control (LKC), Front Departure Alert, Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Pedal Misoperation Control (Front).
UMW Toyota Motor’s manufacturing facility will be responsible for assembling the all-new Toyota Vios, which will come in two variants: the advanced 1.5 G (AT) and the value-packed 1.5 E (AT). The vehicle will be available in five different colors – Silver Metallic, Nebula Blue, Attitude Black, Platinum White Pearl, and the brand new Spicy Scarlet. With a 5-year warranty and unlimited mileage, buyers of the all-new Vios can enjoy 24SEVEN Road Assist and a complimentary three-year subscription to the Toyota Vehicle Telematics System, which tracks the car’s whereabouts at all times.
In terms of pricing, the all new Toyota Vios is priced at RM 89,600 for the E Spec, and RM 95,500 for the G Spec. To find out more about the Toyota Vios, you can contact Toyota via their toll-free number for more information or further assistance by dialing 1-800-8-TOYOTA (1800-8-869682).