Launched back in March 2023, the fourth-generation Toyota Vios is a fairly capable B-segment sedan in its own right.
There are several things that I like about the Vios, but like many other cars that I have had the opportunity to test drive, it also has some weak points which hopefully can be addressed in the future.
So, without further ado, here are five things I don’t particularly like about the Vios:
Limited rear passenger headroom
Honestly, I’m not what you would call a tall person, but during the Vios media drive in Langkawi last year, I found that the rear passenger headroom for rear passengers was rather limited. This is due to the fastback-style sloping roofline. It seems that in the pursuit of style, some comfort had to be sacrificed.
No rear folding seats
It’s quite unusual for a new car to have non-foldable rear seats, but according to Toyota engineers, this feature was omitted in the Vios because market research showed that users rarely use this function. Not only that, the 475-litre capacity is also considered large enough. Bad news for frequenters of Ikea, I guess.
No spare tyre
One of the most talked subjects during the Vios launch was the absence of a spare tyre. I was told that this important feature was sacrificed to reduce weight (they managed to shave off 110 kg, fair enough) and save some space. Users do get a tyre repair kit, though.
Underpowered engine
Although the Vios’ 2NR-VE 1.5-liter four-cylinder Dual VVTi engine is found to be very smooth in most driving situations, it falls short compared to its closest competitor, the Honda City, in terms of output.
The City has 119 hp and 145 Nm, which is 15 hp and 7 Nm higher than the Vios. In fact, the 2NR-VE engine is actually less powerful compared to the previous 2NR-FE engine.
Overloaded with features
There are simply too many features in the Vios. In terms of driver convenience, there’s a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charger, a push-start system and many more.
When it comes to safety, the Vios is riddled with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features such as Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Departure Warning, and Front Departure Alert, to name a few.
If you have been following the developments in the automotive industry, you will notice that Toyota does not believe that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or EVs are the sole solution to carbon neutrality.
Instead, they are confident that there are several other ways to achieve it. Thus, Toyota is presenting Beyond Zero, an initiative of the brand towards Carbon Neutrality by 2050.
The event, which runs from February 20th to 28th and held at the Malaysia Technology Park, showcases a transformation initiative that demonstrates the brand’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
The Beyond Zero event was symbolically launched to showcase a diverse approach with various electrification technologies, including Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs).
Among the BEV models presented are bZ4X, Hilux BEV REVO-e, and C+pod. For FCEVs, the models featured include Mirai, GranAce FCEV, and Hilux FCEV.
The Beyond Zero event is open to various guests to learn about sustainability initiatives and new technologies, and to test drive specific vehicles from February 20th to 28th, 2024.
The Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, who officiated the event, praised UMW Toyota (UMWT) for the company’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental conservation.
“Recognizing the importance of Malaysia’s transition to sustainable energy, we are driven by global commitments and the potential for economic diversification and energy security,” he said.
“Malaysia, recognized as the best country in Southeast Asia in the 2023 Energy Transition Index by the World Economic Forum, is on the right track to become a regional leader in energy transition.”
“Toyota’s innovative efforts in clean energy, through its diverse approach, are indeed aligned with our nation’s goals.”
The President of UMWT, Datuk Ravindran K. said, “We acknowledge the existence of various challenges and opportunities nationwide in our efforts to pursue a multi-pathway approach and implement appropriate life cycle actions in line with each national interest and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the country.”
“Recognizing the unique landscape of the Malaysian automotive industry, as well as its position as a major producer of electrical and electronic products in Southeast Asia, it is important for us to position ourselves appropriately in this journey.”
DAIHATSU Motor Co. Ltd, which has been embroiled in a safety test scandal since last year, has announced a new structure that will take over the company’s leadership effective March 1.
The new leadership structure will see Daihatsu’s current chairman, Sunao Matsubayashi, and its current president, Soichiro Okudaira, stepping down from their positions.
Matsubayashi will be replaced by Masahiro Inoue, who is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation in Latin America and the Caribbean, while Okudaira’s position will be taken over by Masanori Kuwata, the head of the Lexus International Co’s electrification promotion project.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Officer of Toyota Customer First Promotion, Keiko Yanagi, will replace Masahiro Yamamoto as a non-resident director of Daihatsu.
In a joint statement, Daihatsu and Toyota stated that they will implement comprehensive measures to prevent such manipulation from recurring and strive towards Daihatsu’s recovery.
“We would like to again offer our deepest apologies to our customers, suppliers, dealers, the communities in which our plants are located, and our many other stakeholders for the inconvenience and concern caused by the recent issue of certification irregularities.
“Although all plants of Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (Daihatsu) in Japan suspended operations following our announcements made on December 20, we were able to resume production and shipments of some vehicles as of yesterday,” the company said.
The Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V, which was launched in Europe last December, has now been introduced in Australia through a facelifted version of the pickup truck.
Similar to the European model, the facelifted Hilux for Down Under combines the existing 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with mild hybrid technology consisting of a motor generator, 48-volt battery, and DC/DC converter.
According to Toyota, the technology provides the Hilux with a Stop/Start system, helps the engine run smoother and improves fuel efficiency by approximately 6% to 10%, depending on variant.
For the Australian market, the 48V mild hybrid technology is equipped as standard in the 4X4 Rogue and SR5 double cab automatic variants, and optionally available on the 4X4 SR double cab.
In addition, all mild hybrid variants are made more capable off-road with the standard fitment of the Multi-Terrain Select system, which offers six driving modes.
However, unlike in Europe, the facelifted Hilux in Australia has been given a fresher look. The octagonal grille has been redesigned, while the front bumper now appears more prominent thanks to a trapezoid-shaped air intake and new fog lamp housings.
Some variants also feature a tough-looking black honeycomb mesh grille and a tailgate damper.
In terms of features, all SR double cab automatic variants now come with six parking sensors (two in the front, four in the rear), while the SR5, Rogue, and GR Sport variants receive a wireless charging pad and two USB-C ports.
The facelifted Hilux will arrive in Toyota showrooms across Australia starting this March, with prices ranging from AUD54,130 to AUD71,530 (RM167,800 to RM221,739) for the mild hybrid variants.
The world’s largest car manufacturer, Toyota, is determined not to concede in the internal combustion engine race. The company aims to uphold this commitment, driven by the direction of its chairman and car enthusiast, Akio Toyoda.
He is adamant about safeguarding millions of jobs in Japan while simultaneously offering choices to future car buyers.
“To those who have been producing engines from the past until now, let’s continue to develop engines,” Toyoda stated during the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 (TAS2024) event.
“As car enthusiasts, we are tasked with shaping the future. My desire to enjoy cars leads me to want to explore various technologies. This is something I take seriously,” he added.
Highlighting that over 5.5 million workers are involved in engine manufacturing in Japan, Toyoda emphasized the importance of retaining these jobs.
He outlined Toyota’s multifaceted plan for future mobility, stating, “The approach to carbon neutrality depends on the country and region. However, shouldn’t we consider the desires for cars that we need?”
Toyoda noted that outside of the country, Toyota has numerous colleagues with similar interests and desires. He expressed that Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are not the sole means to achieve carbon neutrality, as Toyota has been developing hydrogen technology for the past three years.
“Last year, we tested liquid hydrogen and drove it at Le Mans. There is still work to be done in engine technology to achieve carbon neutrality. So, let’s refine engine technology. Let’s start that project,” Toyoda concluded.
You may have read the report before this that the Toyota GR Yaris will be offered with an 8-speed automatic gearbox option.
Now it’s official, as it was launched by Toyota at the ongoing Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) event. Toyota has dubbed this gearbox the Direct Automatic Transmission.
Founded on a torque-converter unit, it has been tuned for quicker gear changes, and even features a mode for track use. In addition, the 2024 GR Yaris has undergone changes in several other areas.
The Circuit package will bring improved cooling system with an additional radiator, intercooler sprayers, and a redesigned intake system.
The automatic version also comes with a specific cooler for the gearbox. Both coolers can be seen from the side air vents. Interestingly, the automatic version only adds around 18kg in weight.
Chassis rigidity has been increased, and the suspension has been further enhanced to accommodate more power from the engine. It’s not just a regular tune-up, but a “strengthened” one.
There are new materials for the exhaust valve, higher pressure for direct fuel injection, a new air pressure sensor, and lighter wheels.
Finally, the GR Yaris has been given a facelift both externally and internally. The front bumper is more aggressive, while the cabin space is more driver-focused. The new 12.3-inch screen is from the GR Corolla.
Previously, the GR Yaris was among several vehicles offered with a manual gearbox option only, alongside the Honda Civic Type R. With the addition of an automatic option, does it make the GR Yaris less ‘hardcore’?
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that it successfully sold 10,402 vehicles in December 2023.Of the monthly sales figure, 10,079 units were Toyota vehicles, while 323 units were Lexus vehicles.
With this tally, UMWT’s total year-to-date sales as of December 2023 stands at 108,107 units, an increase of 7% than the 101,035 units posted in 2022.
The company also said it recorded 1,342,130 returning customers for aftersales services in 2023, showcasing a commitment to customer satisfaction and efficiency in automotive care.
“With heartfelt gratitude to all our customers for their unwavering support, this year-end, UMWT renews our commitment to ‘Move Your World.” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMWT.
“We persist in our efforts to offer an enriched mobility experience through our Toyota cars and extend access to ownership for potential customers.
“Our commitment to achieving excellence and fostering innovation in the automotive industry remains unwavering, ensuring the best offerings for our drivers and stakeholders,” he added.
Ravindran further stated that UMWT plans to introduce more models, particularly with an emphasis on xEV technologies. This is to strengthen its commitment to support Malaysia’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
A car often undergoes subtle unadvertised changes throughout its sale period. Manufacturers may alter fastening shapes, improve potentially damaged components, or seek ways to reduce costs.
For the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla, there are few changes, including new bolts, a pair of air ducts, and four pieces of aluminum tape for improved aerodynamics.
We are particularly interested in the latter, the aluminum tape. How can such a simple, light, and inexpensive item have an impact on aerodynamics?
In a video released by Ken Gushi, showcasing the installation of 2024 components on his 2023 GR Corolla, the adhesive tape is seen as a curious upgrade for him as well.
The tape comes in the 2024 upgrade package alongside new rear subframe bolts, new steering bolts, air ducts, and the aforementioned tape. One might expect the tape to help seal air gaps or reinforce flexible parts, but instead, it controls electrostatic discharge.
This concept has since been patented by Toyota. The car generates positive charges while driving, and the surrounding air is also charged. When two positively charged objects touch, the air around them is disturbed.
According to Car Watch, this idea has been around since the mid-2010s and was initially tested on the Toyota 86. During the development of the 86 facelift model, Toyota engineers identified inconsistent behaviors among test car units, especially when the front bumper material was changed from prototype specifications to production specifications.
This led to the study of electrostatic discharge and the discovery that aluminum tape solved this issue and seemingly improved aerodynamics like magic
IN light of recent developments surrounding the safety test at Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd (DMC), UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has released a statement ensuring customers and the public that it is committed to transparency and accountability.
This follows the statement released by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) highligthing a procedural irregularity in in the testing of models by DMC, impacting three models distributed by UMWT in Malaysia.
President of UMW Toyota Motor, Datuk Ravindran K. said, “We emphasise our dedication to maintaing the highest standards and quality in our vehicles. Rest assured, we are actively working to ensure that all our vehicles in Malaysia strictly adhere to the relevant regulations and rules.”
Ravindran stated that UMWT is also working closely with regulatory authorities to promptly and transparently address this matter, maintaining its commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles to the Malaysian market.
“We understand the importance of trust, and we we want to reinforce the confidence our customers place in us. Our dedication to customer satisfaction has always been and remains our top priority,” he added.
In a statement issued on December 20th, TMC stated that an investigation conducted by an independent third-party committee found new irregularities in 174 items within 25 test categories. This is in addition to the door lining irregularity in April and the side collision test irregularity in May.
These encompassed a total of 64 models and three engines of vehicles (total of models currently being produced, developed, or ceased in production), including 22 models and one engine being sold by Toyota. The affected Toyota models sold in Malaysia are the Rush, Veloz, and Yaris/Vios.
In light of this, TMC and DMC have temporarily suspended shipments of all affected models both in Japan and overseas.
NEWLY joining the Idemitsu Super Endurance 600 Southeast Asia Trophy race, the Wing Hin Motorsports team from Malaysia emerged as champions in their class.
In the race at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand, all three cars successfully completed the race, which featured a total of 64 cars.
The Toyota Vios #483, driven by Boy Wong and Dannies Ng, won the D4 Class and finished in 9th place overall.
The Toyota Yaris #338, driven by Naquib Azlan and Mitchell Cheah, finished in third place in the D3 Class, while the Toyota Yaris #339, driven by Amer Harris and Nabil Azlan, finished seventh in the D3 Class.
This victory in the race also marked the third success for Wing Hin Motorsports in Thailand this year. Previously, they clinched the D5 Class title at the Idemitsu Super Endurance 400 Minutes (September) and the Idemitsu Super Turbo Championship Junior.
“This weekend’s race saw us competing in the D4 Class for our engine segment as well as the D3 Class for the overall race and we extremely ecstatic with the results albeit so many uncertainties and nerve-racking moments on the track,” said the principal of the Wing Hin Motorsports team, William Loh.
“Ending the year with a Class win, and to have all three cars finishing in the top 20 is nevertheless a great way to end the racing season. We will definitely be back, and even stronger,” he added.
THE Toyota Crown Sport, which is one of the four models in the Crown lineup, is now available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain in its home market, where it is priced from 7.65 million yen (RM248,030).
Similar to the hybrid version, the aforementioned powertrain employs the A25A-FXS 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine, but in this version, the engine is assisted by a pair of electric motors.
On its own, the engine develops 177 PS and 219 Nm of torque, while the front and rear electric motors generate 182 PS/270 Nm and 54 PS/121 Nm, respectively.
The ICE-electric motor combo provides the Crown Sport PHEV with an E-Four all-wheel drive system and a healthy total system output of 306 PS.
With a 51-Ah lithium-ion battery, the SUV is capable of traveling up to 90 km without using a drop of fuel.
Not only that, it is also said to offer a fuel consumption rate of about 20.3 km/l and with a 55-litre fuel tank, it boasts a total cruising range of more than 1,200 km on a full tank.
According to Toyota, the Crown Sport PHEV supports both standard and rapid charging, with the latter enabling a charge to 80% power in 38 minutes.
The exterior may appear to be unchanged from the hybrid version, but underneath the gorgeous sheetmetal lies an additional braces to the floor tunnel to ensure an optimal balance of body rigidity.
Furthermore, the damping characteristics of the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system have been retuned for smoother and more stable ride.
The Crown Sport PHEV comes standard with 21-inch aluminum rims, 20-inch ventilated disc brakes with red calipers on all four corners, black and red interior colour scheme, paddle shifters and sports seats.
Other features include the Vehicle to Home (V2H) that can provide enough electricity for about 6.5 days of use in emergency situations, and My Room Mode, which allows users to enjoy air conditioning and audio systems from an external power source.
FOLLOWING the announcement by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (DMC) today regarding the suspension of its models due to “procedural irregularities,” Perodua has also issued a response in relation to the independent audit committee report.
The “procedural irregularities” were conducted by DMC during vehicle safety tests on several original equipment manufacturers (OEM), which were announced early this morning.
The independent audit committee report, as announced by DMC, stated: “The inspection and tests confirm that all 174 irregularities identified by the independent audit committee meet the standards set by laws and regulations.”
Perodua is conducting a detailed assessment of the issue and is in discussions with the Malaysian authorities regarding the impact of these developments on its vehicles.
On April 28, 2023, DMC announced the occurrence of “procedural irregularities” during safety tests on vehicles in Japan. Following this announcement, DMC established an independent audit committee comprising legal and technical personnel.
“We apologize to our valued customers and the public for the concerns arising from this announcement,” stated today’s release by Perodua.
“Our intention is to provide assurance to our valued customers.
“We will share the results of these discussions with all our customers in the near future.”
FROM mid-2024 onwards, the European-market Toyota Hilux will be offered with a new mild-hybrid powertrain that which offers improved driving performance and enhanced comfort in both urban and off-road environments.
Marketed as the Hilux Hybrid 48V, it features the familiar 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that provides an additional power of 16 PS and 65 Nm to help with the acceleration and fuel efficiency.
The aforementioned engine puts out 204 PS at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm, just like in the Hilux Rogue.
According to Toyota, the engine drives a compact generator using a belt drive system, which in turn charges a 48-volt lithium battery, which is small enough to be installed under the rear seats and weighs just 7.6 kg.
Like Toyota’s full hybrid electric systems, the battery is charged during deceleration. Once charged, the battery sends the output through the motor generator to the engine to enhance acceleration, power and efficiency.
The motor generator has been designed to withstand the harsher working environments, while the engine gets a new two-arm belt tensioner and stronger belt material to adapt to the hybrid system.
With an enhanced start-stop system, the powertrain helps improve the Hilux’s fuel efficiency by up to 5% compared to the conventional non-electrified diesel powertrain.
Electrification aside, the Hilux Hybrid 48V retains its towing and payload capacity at 3,500 kg and 1,000 kg, respectively.
Its off-road credentials also remain intact with a ground clearance of 310 mm, an approach angle of 29 degrees, and a departure angle of 26 degrees. It can drive through water up to 700 mm deep thanks to waterproofing of the battery and DC-DC converter.
Safety-wise, there’s the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense comprising enhanced features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Adaptive High Beam (AHB).
TOYOTA will introduce a simulated (virtual) manual gearbox for its electric vehicles (EVs). However, it appears it will be quite fun, as it will not be limited to just six or seven speeds.
In a patent application published a few days ago, it shows that there is no limit to how many gears the transmission can have. Images published with the technical document show it could have up to 14 gears. But how does it work? Toyota has also provided an explanation.
The patent reveals many details about this system. In simple terms, drivers will be able to select how many gear ratios they want.
“The number of virtual gear stages may be six or more, or less than six,” the document states. “Drivers will be able to select the desired form according to their preferences.”
However, Toyota does not explain any electro-mechanical system that will make up the physical gear setup. Instead, there will be a fixed number of gears, possibly six, but Toyota uses four as an example. Gears are selected as with a regular manual, although the gear button will return to its original position after use.
When the driver shifts gears, the virtual pathway shape changes to the next ratio. So if there is a pattern of six gears and the sixth gear is selected, a display will change the ratio to allow the driver to shift to gear seven and beyond, or down to gear five in the same set.
Confusing? In fact, this arrangement is similar to the manual gear setup of a truck trailer, so off-road enthusiasts will likely understand easily.
In any case, there must be a reason why car makers do not offer manual gears with too many gear ratios. A 14-speed gearbox is not practical with an internal combustion engine.
But for EVs, it’s a different story. Toyota believes there’s no harm in offering more options to buyers.
TOYOTA has clinched the title of the most valuable automotive brand in the world for 2023, for the second consecutive year. This was announced in a report by Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2023.
The Japanese manufacturer secured the sixth position out of the overall 100 global brands. Only three automotive brands made it to the top 10, with Mercedes-Benz and BMW being the other two.
Outside the top 10 positions, other automotive brands listed include Tesla, Honda, Hyundai, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Ford, Nissan, Ferrari, and Kia. Overall, 13 automotive brands made it to the list in 2023, down from 15 brands in 2022.
According to Interbrand, each brand is evaluated based on three main factors: the financial performance of their products or services, their role in purchase decisions, and the strength of the brand in fostering customer loyalty.
With a brand value of USD 64.5 billion (RM 301.4 billion), Toyota maintains its position at the top of the automotive segment. Following closely is Mercedes-Benz with a value of USD 61.4 billion (equivalent to RM 286.92 billion).
Meanwhile, BMW’s brand value of USD 51.2 billion (RM 239.26 billion) is sufficient to place it in third position, surpassing Tesla, which has a value of USD 49.9 billion (RM 233.18 billion).
Honda maintains its fifth position, followed by Hyundai and Audi. Porsche, another German brand, has improved its brand value, surpassing Volkswagen and Ford to claim the eighth position.
THE segment-B sedan category is quite critical in our country as these cars are considered affordable and serve as the main vehicles for many families. Therefore, it is important for manufacturers to be sensitive to users because even a small ‘deviation’ could invite criticism. However, by adding premium or new features to this segment, manufacturers can receive high praise for several weeks after the launch news is still hot.
The 2023 Toyota Vios, launched last March, represents an entirely new generation with a completely new interior and exterior. We will discuss its performance later.
Three major issues
However, if you are looking into or researching cars in this segment, you would know that the new Toyota Vios has two major issues – the rear seats cannot be folded, and there is no spare tire.
Why? Well, regarding the non-folding rear seats, the Toyota Vios development team shared with the media that according to their market research, most users do not use this function. MOST. Are you among this group, or are you a minority who will complain? So, they did not include this function, and as a result, the car is 10kg lighter due to the absence of a folding mechanism.
For the lack of a spare tire, they stated that it is to provide more storage space. If you look under the boot floor, there is Styrofoam storage space for small items. The absence of a spare tire also further reduces the car’s weight.
Overall, this new generation Vios is about 110kg lighter than the previous model. This time, the 1.5 G variant weighs only 1,035kg.
In fact, there is a third issue, which is the lower engine power. Compared to the previous Vios, which had 105hp and 140Nm from the 1.5-liter 2NR-FE engine, the new Vios is powered by the 2NR-VE engine with an output of 104hp and 138Nm of torque.
These figures decreased by 1hp and 2Nm, but in all honesty, you won’t feel the difference. But considering the lighter weight as mentioned earlier, the new Vios actually has a better power-to-weight ratio than before.
So, overall and theoretically, the new Vios is definitely more fuel-efficient. According to Toyota, the Vios has a fuel efficiency of up to 5.2 liters per 100km or 19.2km per liter.
Regarding major issues like non-folding rear seats and the lack of a spare tire, we should look at it this way: Toyota may be in a dilemma choosing between facing criticism from many people for not having a spare tire, or a few people complaining about the non-folding rear seats. We also believe fuel efficiency is more important for cars like this. So, let’s move on to the next topic.
Becoming more upmarket
One crucial aspect for Segmen-B sedan cars is style and appearance. In this regard, the new Toyota Vios does not disappoint. Its overall look can be described as more ‘upmarket.’ The front end now resembles larger Toyota sedans (such as the Toyota Corolla), featuring larger 17-inch rims (in the G variant) and a rear roof design akin to a fastback, which is currently on-trend.
The front appearance with its slanted LED headlights is still challenging for the writer to grasp, but, importantly, it gives a fresh image, markedly different from before. The larger rims not only complement the overall shape but also have a positive impact on handling.
This upmarket feel extends to the interior, where the Vios dashboard now looks modern and not cheap. If it used to be filled with hard gray plastic, the 2023 Vios now boasts softer touches, different color tones, and textures.
Simultaneously, the button and switch layout is still neat, easily accessible, and more pleasant to the touch. Additionally, the instrument display is now fully digital, with electronic parking brakes coming standard.
An interesting touch for the writer is the positioning of the window switch surfaces on the left and right door panels. They are glossy black, like most cars, but instead of being plain, they feature a diamond texture and a slightly recessed surface.
This is an easy and cost-effective solution, yet effective in adding a sense of premium and sophistication to the Vios. This is important because many buyers of cars in this category are upgrading from budget cars.
Have you been driving the Myvi since you started working, and now with a family and a promotion, you’re upgrading to the Vios? A common scenario, isn’t it?
Oh, we know that because the Vios is built on the DNGA platform (Daihatsu New Global Architecture), it shares the dashboard with models like the Axia and Alza. So, one way to position the Vios in a higher tier is the inclusion of wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay integration.
Solid look, solid driving?
For driving dynamics, perhaps not many Vios buyers emphasize this aspect, even though UMW Toyota has used this car for the Vios Challenge event for several years.
Nonetheless, the fact is that this all-new Toyota Vios has seen an improvement in terms of driving dynamics, whether you need it or not. The first thing the writer noticed is the more precise and responsive steering with increased feedback.
It doesn’t feel unnecessarily heavy, but just enough for a natural feel. This makes the new Vios more enjoyable to drive, whether cruising slowly in the city or taking corners at triple-digit speeds.
The 205/50 tire profile and 17-inch rims also contribute to a better steering feel; it’s not just for looks. However, it’s worth noting that the cost of replacing tires will increase, so this is something to keep in mind. Approximately RM380 to RM400 for one tire of this size.
For a delightful driving experience, some investment is necessary, right? Most importantly, this ‘delightfulness’ comes from the factory’s R&D, not just a gimmick by the car enthusiasts.
The chassis is now more robust and stable, thanks to the use of DNGA. When taking S corners while descending from Genting Highlands, the suspension and tires work more consistently and clearly, a result of the sturdy chassis.
The writer honestly no longer enjoys ‘testing’ cars in Genting because there are too many wannabe ‘racers’ there now, but happened to have work there, so took the opportunity to drive the Vios.
Sufficient power? 104hp and 138Nm of torque is more than enough even when driving up to the peak of Genting Highlands. The new D-CVT gearbox with a combination of physical gears and a belt assists in efficiently transmitting the overall power to the front wheels. You feel the full force of the 104hp without any power wastage.
The engine noise will enter the cabin when revved beyond 4,000rpm, which is normal. But when the rpm stabilizes and you’re cruising at a constant speed, the Vios is fairly quiet and comfortable to drive for long distances.
Even when pushed, we will begin to reach the limits of the engine, tires, and gearbox. The tires supplied are Continental PremiumContact 7, not performance tires, so they start to struggle when you’re not smooth enough with steering inputs. This doesn’t mean the tires are not good; they are perfect for daily use in the Vios.
The engine and gearbox also work hard to keep up with the writer’s accelerations and climbs, then brake into corners, then accelerate again. The TCU (Transmission Control Unit) tries to provide the best gear ratios according to speed, rpm, and right foot input. But there are no issues with the chassis.
Additional information: Toyota already has a unit for the use of the Vios Challenge based on this new platform. Surely, it uses semi-slick tires and a manual transmission, so maybe next season we will be able to see how the performance of this new generation Vios holds up in actual races.
Not races at the Genting International Circuit, of course. Always drive carefully on public roads!
Safety features are not forgotten; the Vios now comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which includes systems like Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Warning, and Front Departure Alert. The G variant also includes Lane Keeping Control, Auto High Beam, and Adaptive Cruise Control. For the writer, the G variant is the way to go as these three features are highly useful for everyday driving. Additionally, the price difference in monthly installments isn’t significant.
In conclusion, the 2023 Toyota Vios is indeed a significant shift in all aspects compared to the car it replaces. It is now more modern and dynamic to drive, and most importantly, it makes you feel it offers better value for money.
