UMW Toyota has just announced on social media the ‘open for booking’ for the all new much anticipated Toyota Vios 2023 sedan.
Already launched and selling well in Thailand (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE), this latest version of Toyota’s bread and butter ASEAN model has never disappointed owners and even the used car market with its strong resale values and good reliability.
Meanwhile, the rivals for this segment has had strong sales with their latest models. We are talking about the Honda City and the Nissan Almera which have already been on sale for 2 years.
With the all new 2023 model Toyota Vios, UMW Toyota is offering the tried and tested 1.5L engine which delivers 105hp (previous Vios output was at 107hp) and 140Nm of torque.
The possibility of the newer 1.2L Toyota engine arriving is still in question even though its being offered in Thailand. The segment buyers will probably ask why and end of happily taking home the reliable and simple 1.5L variant.
This new Vios is built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), which also underpins the best selling compact MPV, the Toyota Veloz.
Compared to the outgoing third generation Vios, this new Vios is 5mm longer with a 70mm longer wheelbase, 10mm wider and 5mm taller than before.
Meanwhile, the gearbox appears to be a new Super CVT-i unit with sequential shift. The powertrain still has the same Eco/Normal/Sport drive mode select and all-around disc brake setup.
In terms of cabin features and equipment, this all new Vios is right up against the segment rivals. The infotainment screen is 9-inch across and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There is a 7-inch drivers digital meter (pictured above), automatic air conditioner controls with a new ‘upmarket’ knob. The air conditioner system has been fitted with a PM2.5 filter and it can detect the presence of PM2.5 particles in the cabin.
There are also rear A/C vents for the first time on the Vios. An electric parking brake and auto-brake Hold make their debut on the Vios as well.
Interestingly, some of the nice touches are the 4 USB sockets around the cabin, the 12V device sockets in front, the push start button for the engine, and the soft-touch leather steering wheel with grey stitching.
Toyota Safety Sense returns on this new Vios with the following features:
- Automatic High Beams
- Lane Departure Alert
- Pre-Collision System
- Pedal Misoperation Control
- Front Departure Alert
- All-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control
Other familiar safety features include:
- ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
- VSC (Vehicle-Stability Control)
- EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
- BA (Brake Assist)
- Panoramic View Monitor
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- 2 position distance warning at front and 4 positions at the rear
- Hill-start Assist Control
- Seatbelt warning for passenger rear seats
- Follow-Me-Home
- Remote key with Immobilizer and TDS
- Speed Auto Lock
- Front DVR
- 6 SRS airbags
- Emergency tyre repair kit
