After a decade on the same platform, Toyota has finally released the new generation Toyota Vios. The latest Vios sheds its old chassis and embraces a brand-new platform, resulting in a lighter yet sturdier car. Toyota has also promised that this new model will offer a more premium driving experience compared to its predecessor. This time round, I’ll take a closer look at the all-new Vios to see if it lives up to these claims.

At first glance, this iteration of the Vios is arguably the most visually appealing so far. Despite appearing longer than the previous model, Toyota has skillfully concealed its length with a fastback-like styling. This design choice gives the new Vios a more mature appearance without sacrificing its appeal to younger car buyers. To enhance the sporty aesthetic, Toyota has equipped the Vios with a standard body kit, complete with a sleek black lip spoiler that enhances its overall look. Additionally, various panels on the vehicle are accentuated with black coloring, creating an eye-catching contrast.

The front of the Vios features a large grille reminiscent of the latest generation Camry, accompanied by a set of full LED headlights that complement the vehicle’s design. The rear of the car boasts full LED tail lights with sequential turn signals. A black-colored panel positioned between the taillights adds a touch of sophistication. The latest Vios also comes with upsized 17-inch rims, wrapped in 205/50 R17 Continental Premium Contact Tyres straight from the factory, providing a pleasing visual appeal.

Upon entering the vehicle, it becomes evident that the new Vios offers a more premium experience compared to its predecessor. While Toyota has incorporated shared components from the Daihatsu parts bin to maintain a competitive price point, the overall feel exudes a sense of refinement. The instrument cluster features a familiar digital meter found in the Veloz, and the infotainment screen bears a striking resemblance to the one found in that model as well. However, Toyota has upgraded the processor for the Vios’ infotainment screen, resulting in smoother and snappier performance compared to the Veloz.

One notable peculiarity regarding the infotainment screen is its positioning. When viewed head-on, the screen appears to lean toward the passenger side rather than the driver’s side. Within the infotainment system, the Vios includes a high-definition 360-degree camera, which surpasses the quality of the camera in the Veloz. The dashboard features a rather average ambient light in the center, seemingly more for marketing purposes than enhancing the cabin’s ambiance. Toyota could have improved this aspect, as the Veloz boasts a more visually appealing ambient light, albeit in a single blue color.

Thanks to its brand-new chassis, the new Vios offers an improved seating position. Although the car remains somewhat tall for personal preferences, the addition of reach adjustment for the steering column enhances the overall seating experience. Personally, I would prefer lower seats to create a more cocoon-like feel for the driver. Nevertheless, the tall center console contributes to improved ergonomics compared to the previous generation Vios. While the driver’s seat is comfortable for city driving, it lacks adequate side support for spirited driving, failing to keep the driver securely in place during more dynamic maneuvers.

Moving to the rear seats, passengers can expect a comfortable experience. There is a satisfactory amount of legroom, and even with a height of 173cm, headroom is sufficient. The seat back angle is set at an optimal position, offering a reclined and comfortable seating posture. Rear passengers also benefit from a pair of AC vents located behind the center console, enhancing their overall comfort. The new Vios comes with a reasonably sized boot, measuring at 475 liters. Toyota, however, has eliminated the folding seat function in this iteration to reduce weight, resulting in a fixed-sized boot. However, if there is sufficient demand, Toyota may consider reintroducing the folding seat function.

Under the hood, the Vios is equipped with the same engine found in the Veloz: a 1.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinde r engine. This engine is paired with a brand-new continuously variable transmission (CVT) that delivers power to the front wheels. The powertrain generates 106 PS at 6,000rpm and a peak torque of 138 Nm at 4,200rpm. Toyota has not provided a figure for the 0-100km/h acceleration, but the Vios boasts a top speed of 180 km/h.

Although this powertrain offers slightly less power than its predecessor, the lighter weight of the vehicle compensates for any perceived decrease in performance. In regular city driving, the engine provides sufficient power to keep pace with traffic. While it may not offer an exhilarating acceleration, the Vios effortlessly leaves other cars behind when accelerating from a standstill. However, on uphill climbs, the engine may struggle due to the limited torque, requiring frequent gear changes from the CVT, akin to the Veloz. The noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels of the engine are on par with expectations for this price range, ensuring a comfortable driving experience in urban settings.

The most significant highlight of the new Vios, as emphasized by Toyota, is its new chassis, which improves efficiency and handling capabilities. While the handling of this new model surpasses that of its predecessor, it falls short of the standards set by Toyota’s TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) models. The new Vios features a sharper steering wheel, providing a better sense of the front wheel’s position while driving. However, the steering wheel feels lighter, which somewhat compromises driver confidence, making it challenging to gauge the grip on the front wheels.

In terms of ride quality, the Vios proves capable on Malaysian roads. It offers improved compliance compared to the previous Vios model, but it doesn’t quite match the performance of TNGA cars. However, considering its price point, the Vios still performs admirably. As Toyota positions itself as a brand known for comfort, some body roll can be expected from the Vios. The vehicle comes equipped with a set of brake discs on all wheels, which effectively slow down the car. However, improved brakes would undoubtedly be a welcome addition.

Toyota has also upgraded the safety and driver assistance systems in this latest generation Vios. The new model comes loaded with all the necessary safety features and driver assistance systems expected in a modern vehicle. Safety features include 6 airbags, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control System (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Hill-Start Assist (HSA). Driver assistance systems consist of the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Lane Keeping Control (LKC), Auto High Beam (AHB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front Departure Alert (FDA), Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Priced at RM 95,500, the new Vios represents a significant improvement over its predecessor. By leveraging shared components with Daihatsu, Toyota has managed to maintain an affordable price for Malaysian consumers. If you seek a reliable vehicle to get you from point A to point B, the Vios won’t disappoint. Additionally, with its lighter weight, you can enjoy improved road handling and fuel efficiency. Toyota’s commitment to making their cars lighter is commendable and greatly appreciated by car enthusiasts.