Toyota tags this face lifted Vios as ‘desirable’ but we think a better tag should be ‘desirably reliable’ as there is little that can go wrong with this simple mid segment product that comes with a tried and tested engine and gearbox. It is clear buyers will be getting a car that’s at or near the top of its segment. The Vios J has puts a strong case forward on safety, value-for-money and space on the inside as well as the boot. The interior quality remains, as has overall attention to detail (fit and finish). The layout of the instrument binnacle and dash controls is clean and simple.
The Vios J’s road manners will appeal to keener drivers and also for those shopping purely for transport. The Vios J has a firm, sporty ride and is quite capable in corners, but is far from class leader in refinement and ride quality. The Vios J’s steering is light, and the driving position acceptable to most sizes. The addition of seat height adjustment for the driver should overcome the lack of steering reach adjustment in finding a comfortable driving position for most people.
Engine performance has clearly been tailored to return good fuel economy. All Vios J’s come with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, which is segment competitive ballpark for adequate and overall output. Toyota claims fuel economy improvements with the latest generation engine management, making it one of the thriftiest in its class as we found in last year’s Asian Auto Fuel Efficiency test.
Our first two days of driving involved predominantly city roads, which is where most owners will spend most of their time. The manual 5-speed was perky and able to cope with most conditions with remarkable vigour. The engine is workman-like but not strong, and can run out of puff up hills where the welcomed manual gearbox is used to perk up torque for the climb.
The transmission shifts are impressively smooth, changing gears with a light clutch. In a market waiting for fuel subsidies to be removed, the availability of a frugal manual driven Toyota family sedan is welcomed as very few other brands have thought about introducing and selling a manual family sedan.
Toyota Vios J Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC VVT-i petrol Displacement: 1497cc Max power: 109bhp @ 6000rpm
Max torque: 141Nm @ 4200rpm
0-100km/h: NA
Top Speed: 175 km/h as tested Transmission: 5-Speed manual
Price: RM70,783.00
