The Toyota Vios has been updated with a new engine, transmission, safety features and much, much more. It may not be a facelift, but this revision to Toyota’s best selling model in Malaysia gives it a competitive edge that consumers just won’t be able to ignore.
At the heart of this revision is the inclusion of Toyota’s new 2NR-FE engine. This is a 1.5-litre DOHC power plant with 16 valves and Dual VVT-i. The outdated 4-speed automatic has been completely replaced with a more modern CVT.
We were lucky enough to test drive the car today, but before we give you our report, we ought to state a few things. Firstly, there are now 6 variants of the Vios, up from 5.
The 2 base variants are the 1.5J with either the older 5-apeed manual or the new CVT (which has a 7-speed sequential mode). These are priced at RM76,500 and RM79,800 respectively (OTR with GST and Insurance included).
All other variants come standard with the same powertrain as the 1.5J Automatic. Also, every Vios equipped with the CVT Automatic comes with an Eco Indicator.
The 1.5E, priced at RM83,900 adds front fog lamps, retractable wing mirrors with integrated turn signals, 60:40 split folding rear seats, a rear armrest with cup holders, a scuff plate and a fully featured 6.8” infotainment unit.
For RM89,800, the 1.5G adds solid rear disc brakes, projector halogen headlights, acoustic windscreen glass, a chrome front grille, perforated black combination leather seats, a multi info display, a leather wrapped steering wheel, steering mounted audio controls, and 6 speakers (instead of the usual 4).
An all-new variant, the GX has been added as well. This version has an aerokit, smoked projector headlamps, a darker front grille, as well as black & saddle tan perforated leather seats.
The TRD Sportivo package comes with its own bespoke aerokit, a blacked-out front grille, TRD Sportivo perforated combination leather seats, and red stitching around the leather steering wheel. These will cost you RM92,800 and RM96,400 respectively.
We had the chance to compare the outgoing single VVT-i, 4-speed automatic with this new CVT. What we found was that the new powertrain was able to deliver the same amount of power much more smoothly. No matter the speed, the CVT just knew how to extract power.
The Vios also comes with Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS, EBD and Brake Assist as standard. This makes the base model Vios the cheapest Japanese sedan to feature the all-important ESC, which is arguably more important than additional airbags.
The new Vios should be in showrooms soon, but you can book one today.
