Toyota Vitz Pros & Cons What we like Extremely Durable Quick Resale Build Quality is great What we don't like Overpriced as of today Known Engine Noise Issue Not so great fuel average 1.0 L Variants are underpowered Toyota Vitz Overview Toyota Vitz is a line of subcompact hatchbacks produced by the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota. EXPLORE Corolla Hatchback Life is Waiting. Edgy. Dynamic. Athletic. Introducing the 2023 Corolla Hatchback. An exhilarating drive, surprising fuel-efficient performance, hatchback functionality and next generation connectivity make the Corolla Hatchback a game changer. Life's waiting, get to it in the 2023 Corolla Hatchback! 22 March 2015 9 August 2019 admin. TOYOTA VIOS 1.5 CC. 0.00 ฿ TOYOTA VIOS 1.5 CC quantity. Add to cart. Category: Cars. Reviews (0) Reviews There are no reviews yet. Be the first to review "TOYOTA VIOS 1.5 CC" Cancel reply. You have to agree to the comment policy. Answer (1 of 16): Yaris is DOA ( dead on arrival ) product in india. This is a poor man's corolla, Rich man's etios . However, the build quality is top notch like a typical European ( none of the other C,C+ segment sedans have this good ) Good things of this product : 1. typical european build The Toyota Vios needs no introduction. Before the pandemic hit, 33,181 units of the Vios were sold in the Philippines in 2019. If the Vios were its own brand, it would be the fifth-largest automaker in the Philippines (when using 2019 sales figures). Clearly, if there's one thing that the Vios lacks, it would be distinction. noVxejm. 2019 Toyota Vios prices and specs Gallery To begin with, a full disclosure – my daily is a 2014 third generation pre-facelift Toyota Vios and some bias may be involved in this review, but not in the way that you think, it's actually against the Toyota Vios. Personally, the Toyota Vios has never been appealing because to me, it is merely a means to avoid our national brands. And when my family decided to get one back in 2014, needless to say I wasn't particularly thrilled by the news. 2014 third generation Toyota Vios But personal preferences aside, the reasoning behind getting a Toyota Vios was and still is perfectly understandable. It's comfortable, relatively cheap to maintain and most importantly, reliable. There's also resale value but its importance could spark a whole debate. The Toyota Vios' merits are difficult to argue against, but the biggest issue of the pre-facelift Vios is the equipment level. There were only 2 airbags, no stability or traction control, not even in the range-topping variant. Honda City vs Toyota Vios, it's clear why the Honda City overtook the Vios as the B-segment sedan leader. Thankfully, Toyota is well aware of it and introduced the 2019 Toyota Vios. Not an all-new model, but a heavily revised version of the third generation Vios. This major facelift saw a boost in equipment level; airbag count is now at 7 with traction and stability control standard across the range, plus blind spot detection with rear-cross traffic alert on selected variants. The Toyota Vios went from one of the most scarcely equipped cars in its segment to, presently, the most well-equipped one. Credits where it's due, good on you Toyota. Exterior Looks are of course subjective, and some bias is probably at play here but from the front, I prefer the pre-facelift model. The current one looks rather fussy with too much going on. I do like the skirts on the bumpers and sides however, they make the car look like it's sitting lower. Depending on the colour option, the red highlights may or may not tickle your fancy. The ducktail spoiler is a nice touch too. It looks well-proportioned from the sides and although the wheels appear a little small, they are actually 16-inch wrapped with 195/50 section tyres, one size up from before. Over to the rear, I think Toyota has nailed it with this one. It now seems wider thanks to broader tail lamps that stretch to the sides. And yes, from the rear, I prefer this over the previous model. Now to more objective matters, paint and built quality. Paint thickness averaged in the 90s of micrometers while panel gaps deviated by no more than millimeter from either side. Interior The interior gets a makeover in this facelift. Its basic layout is largely similar, the infotainment system sits on top of the air-conditioning vents, silver bits here and there, faux stitching, and even the driving position feels similar. Which brings me on to one of the very few gripes I have with this car – it still lacks telescopic adjustment on the steering wheel. For years I have been moaning about how I couldn't find an ideal driving position in the previous model because the steering wheel is unable to reach closer to me. It's the same with this one, I would either have to set the backrest to a very upright position or move the seat closer to the wheel, or both. Though individuals with a smaller build or those who are used to driving with their arms stretched might not face this issue. Seeing how this is not a complete model change, another issue carried over is space at the rear. Kneeroom is fairly decent for a car of this size but headroom is quite limited. Sitting up straight, my head touches the headliner and I am 177 cm tall. Six footers will have to slouch in the rear bench. The Honda City offers just a tad more headroom. And that's about all the negatives I have for this car. Storage spaces have slightly improved; the space north of the gear lever is better utilized now, with 2 cupholders but they did remove the rather clever ones that pop out from the dashboard in the previous model. There's also a drawer on the driver's side beneath the switches to store your cards and whatnot. The new Optitron instrument cluster looks great with clear and easy to read fonts, and a multi-info display that puts on a nice startup animation each time. Air-conditioning is now automatic with digital display. Still no rear air vents but it should be said that the air-conditioning, set at 24 degrees, is able to sufficiently cool the cabin on a hot day. And this isn't the salesman in me speaking, really. Boot space is at 506 litres. Large, but not quite as large as Honda City's 536 litres. Material quality is par for the money but build quality is rather good. The interior is well put together without any inconsistent gaps or rattling and squeaking noises. Moving on to the infotainment system, no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility here, only smartphone mirroring. But what stood out here is the audio from the six-speaker set-up. The sound is rich with meaty low-end and mids with decent imaging from the repositioned tweeters. Highs or treble is a little reserved when all sound effects are disabled and the equalizer flattened, but slight tweaks on the equalizer will easily add sparkle. And that's all it needs to get a well-balanced sound, just avoid those artificial sound effects. Driving Performance The 2019 Toyota Vios feels less light-footed than before or even the Honda City for that matter. It doesn't leap off the line as eagerly, which lends itself to a more mature behaviour. As much as I would like to bad-mouth the CVT, it actually suits the car's behaviour. Power delivery is linear with broad spread of torque. Couple that with the retuned suspension and improved sound insulation, the CVT enhances the smooth riding nature. Compared to the my own daily, the 2014 pre-facelift model, throttle response is now keener with less delay in normal mode. Brakes are better calibrated, now more progressive and easier to modulate without sacrificing the strong bite and confidence inspiring stopping power. Left 0-100 km/h is completed in 0-100-0 km/h in Right Braking distance from 100-0 km/h is 45m The steering still doesn't provide much feedback, which is expected of all new cars but it feels stiffer and the weight is spot on. There is also slightly less vagueness on center, making it less of a guesswork to tell which way the wheels are pointing on the highways. And what a highway cruiser this is. On top of the well-insulated cabin, the CVT allows the engine to relax at just 1,900 rpm at 110 km/h. Although it should be noted that even a slight incline would send the revs climbing as the engine lacks the torque at lower rpm to sustain higher speeds. Initially, the soft suspension wouldn't boost confidence in the corners. But have faith in it, trust that it will go whichever direction you point it to and stay on track. It is also very forgiving in which it takes a lot to unsettle the car. So its handling is best described as competent and safe. However, there is only one issue disrupting the pleasant driving experience – the beeping sound from the blind spot monitor when the indicator is engaged. It cannot be disabled and may even startle drivers unfamiliar with the car. Funnily, the Toyota Yaris doesn't suffer from this issue. Ride Comfort This is where the 2019 Toyota Vios outshines all its rivals. As mentioned previously, the suspension is retuned for a softer and suppler ride along with a more rigid body. And boy does it work wonders on the ride quality. Even on larger 16-inch wheels, it is more composed going over rough patches and rarely gets crashy. At higher speeds, the soft suspension may feel a little floaty to some, as it would oscillate once or twice after bumps or undulations, but the comfort it provides cannot be disputed. The seats look and feel the same as before, which in this case is not a problem because it's comfortable and supportive. The side bolsters hug you in place and the seat sculpture doesn't give backaches on long journeys, to me at least. Sound insulation is class-leading, the previous model wasn't exactly noisy but there is always room for improvement. Engine noise is far better suppressed and only gets vocal when pushed hard, and even then, it's quieter than before. Tyre noise is also less intrusive which has strangely amplified the wind noise. At 110 km/h, slight ruffling noises can be heard from the side windows whereas in the previous model, it would be disguised by the engine and tyre noise. Sound dampening material white stuff on the wheel arches The sound level meter recorded an average of 69 dB at 110 km/h. Although the traffic conditions were quite busy and road surface was on the coarser side. Fuel Consumption Distance travelled is km and amount refuelled is litres Based on the calculation between distance travelled and amount of fuel filled up, the Toyota Vios returned litre/100 km. However, the trip computer indicated an average of km/litre which is about litre/100 km. Find out how it compares to the pre-facelift model here. Conclusion The 2019 Toyota Vios does everything its predecessors were known for and does it even better. It's exceptionally comfortable, returns great fuel economy, and is finally well-equipped. Honda City vs Toyota Vios, the Vios comes up short on interior space, telescopic adjustment on the steering wheel and full LED headlamps on the range-topping V variant. But the Vios is better equipped in terms of safety features, has a quieter cabin and rides better, never mind the all-round disc brakes. If you ask me, and as much as I've never been a fan, the Toyota Vios wins this round. It's an improvement over the pre-facelift model from just about every aspect, which makes me like mine even lesser now. Would I trade my current daily for the new Toyota Vios? In all honesty, no. But only because I am looking forward to what comes next. Perhaps a TGNA based Vios like the globally revealed Yaris. Can't wait. Updated Nov 22, 2022 User's The latest generation of Vios is now available and features significant improvements over the prior version. In this review... Introduction Exterior Interior Engine & Performance Safety & Security Price list Specifications Conclusion 1. Toyota Vios 2019 Philippines review Introduction If there’s a car that is considered best-selling and the most popular sub-compact available, that’s the Vios. But, the newest version is stunning as the everyday Joe’s car that will be the go-to sub-compact for everyone. Now, we’ve had the gripes and complaints; but the new Vios will make a believer out of anyone who has considered it as a so-so car! To see is to believe and to behold its new specs that make the older model nothing but yesterday’s news. The new Vios is the go-to sub-compact for everyone Think of it; as the all-new and revamped Toyota Vios 2019 Philippines that proves Toyota can create a car that is all-around value, and more! Take a squinty look; and the Vios 2019 emulates the Yaris hatchbacks lines, with an aggressive and dynamic look for a good looking sub-compact. If the looks won’t get you; then consider the powertrain choices like a 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i and a 4-cylinder Dual VVT-I as options. There’s more and add up drive train top choices which are a 5-speed MT and a CVT continuously variable transmission with a 7-speed manual select, that’ used in premium options as well. Did this catch interest? Then consider getting options that have upgraded sporty style with both G and E models, body kit equipped and with Spoiler. All these come with Vios prime models. So, let’s look through our Toyota Vios review Philippines on to decide which are great options to consider! 2. Toyota Vios 2019 Exterior Give it a glance, and you’ll know that this is the 2019 Toyota Vios, that is quite distinct from the previous version. This new design differentiates itself with several apt adjectives; they are dynamic sharp with the lines of the body running to the back in one clean line. If a car is synonymous to a look, then a Vios will be unforgettable with a grille that is oriented in horizontal style. Notice the large black expanse; that is part of the front-bumper skirt that is functional and not only pure eye-candy! Take a gander at the LED daytime running lights, bright halogen projector lamps, with the fogs lamp that provide extra illumination. It’s note-worthy to mention that Toyota went all out to give premium variants bumper skirts that only made it, look more premium! The new sedan features bright halogen projector lamps, with the fogs lamp that provide extra illumination The overall Toyota Vios exterior design features a distinct unifying shape from the windows to all exterior parts, to make it look fierce and commanding despite its size. When it comes to size; the new Vios is a definite bump up in length and width but has the same height. The new Vios does have significant physical changes not just cosmetic. To sum it up, the Vios will make believers in its capacity to have features that just, aren’t mere cosmetic changes. Toyota has upped the ante and proves that each successive Vios model is worth it and should be a top contender in the sub-compact market! As one of the most improved sub-compacts of 2018-2019. YOU MAY WANT TO READ Toyota Camry Model Price Philippines ₱ 2,402,000 - ₱ 2,417,000 3. Toyota Vios 2019 Interior & Comfort features Now, the new Vios has made vast improvements from the previous model; and it looks a world apart. If the older Toyota Vios was on the practical side, not this one because of the interior appointments that stand out! Simplicity is not a proper term but describes the subtle layout of all the interior features. Ergonomically and stylistically it may not be premium, but it does hit the middle ground with the dark interior with accents to make it look good! The Optitron meter gauge is set in black and white for stylistic contrast Getting to the meat of things; the Optitron meter gauge is set in black and white for stylistic contrast. It gives the driver all the info at a glance for the better driving input! In front is the leather spoked steering wheel that is equipped with audio controls to keep hands, on the wheel at all times. If that isn’t enough to make anyone jump in and drive away, there’s a paddle shifter and with Eco and Sports modes as extra settings. That’s not it and the new Toyota Vios 2019; has more for the buck too! Get a head-unit touchscreen with infotainment system to entertain with Bluetooth, web link, and USB connectivity. But there’s the piece de resistance that the older version hasn’t; like Push Start and Smart Entry Systems that comes with the Newer Vios for better comfort and convenience. Toyota has given the latest Vios with dark interior to make it look good Other comfort features that make it a prime sub-compact is the Automatic AC, to keep cool in traffic. All doors are equipped with a wireless door lock that has Speed-Sensing functions as well. Inside the Toyota Vios interior, at least five adults of regular height can fit and trunk could fit five decently sized bags with ease! This what value for money sub-compact like the new Vios offers, and it’s a real steal by the way. No regrets and should be the most favor option by many! >>> Click to widen your car search to other brands and models 4. Toyota Vios 2019 Philippines review Engine & Performance What makes the Vios 2019 tick is right under the hood, and the powertrain exceeds the capacity of the former model. Take note there will be slight bumps in engine and performance but an improved engine, does gives it a sweet spot. These powertrains come in to engines as options, equipped with Dual VVT-I conjoined to a Continuously Variable Transmission CVT or five-speed MT that move them along. When it comes to fuel efficiency, they are top-notch with ease of maintenance and cheap spare parts too! The powertrains come in to engines as options Overall displacement is 1329 cc or higher; with a horsepower of 98 to 106 Hp and has a torque of 123 to 140 Nm. They are the ranges of the to powertrains, with front-wheel-drive as well. Not to forget the suspension system that has MacPherson Strut Type with Coil Spring in the front, and Torsion Beam in the rear for smooth dampening action. When it comes to brakes; the front is a ventilated disc and with drum brakes for the rear for better safety. All these options lie under the hood for power and performance, but the smaller will fall behind the better-equipped If anyone says that the all new Vios 2019 is not that hot, show them the specs and make them weep! 5. 2019 Toyota Vios Philippines Safety & Security If safety and security was an issue with the previous model, then the new Toyota Vios 2019 is lightyears better in this respect. Now, Toyota has made a safe and quality sub-compact car that has a five-star ranking from ASEAN New Car Assessment Program NCAP because of the addition of airbags and Vehicle Stability Control VSC with Hill Start Assist HSA. The new Toyota Vios 2019 is lightyears better in the respect of safety and security Implementation of improved safety protocols includes the following safety features that protect both adult and children passengers. Take note that the older Vios was very compromised and isn’t an ideal car for children, due to the lack of relevant safety equipment. Airbags- dual, side, curtain 3-pt. ELR seatbelts Crash sensor Anti-lock brakes, Electronic brake assist, Brake assist Vehicle Stability Control VSC, Hill Start Assist HSA All these safety features are standard for all five-star ranked cars and should be standardized even for sub-compacts like the Vios 2019. All these add up to an excellent and safe car with value for money. Anyway, reliability and durability have always been what people think of when it comes to Toyota models. 6. Toyota Vios 2019 Philippines Price The Vios 2019 is one of the best sub-compacts with specifications and features that are competitive for this segment. Prices for all options will vary depending on the engine package. Please contact your nearest Toyota Philippines dealerships for more info in terms of the Vios price and what Toyota Vios 2019 colors are available for choosing. Prices may vary according to colors preferred! Overall, the Toyota Vios has many variants for any price-point! >>> Cheaper options for the Toyota Vios for sale can be found here Toyota Vios 2019 price Philippines Model Displacement Color option SRP Toyota Vios Prime CVT G White Pearl P1,110,000 Toyota Vios G CVT White Pearl P1,055,000 Toyota Vios G MT White Pearl P996,000 Toyota Vios G Prime CVT - P1,095,000 Toyota Vios G CVT - P1,040,00 Toyota Vios MT - P981,000 Toyota Vios E Prime CVT - P933,000 Toyota Vios E Prime MT - P833,000 Toyota Vios E CVT - P878,000 Toyota Vios E MT - P828,000 Toyota Vios J MT - P685,000 Toyota Vios Base MT - P659,000 * Latest pricing changes will be updated in our Toyota Vios Philippines guide 7. Toyota Vios 2019 Specs To top everything off in this Toyota Vios Philippines review; here is the spec table of all performance and features. Toyota Vios 2019 Philippines specs Engine & Performance Engine L Dual VVT-i Engine, In-Line 4-Cylinder 16 Valve Displacement liters 1329 - 1496 cc. Horsepower 98-106 Hp Torque 123-140 Nm Power train CVT /5-Spd MT Drive train Front Wheel Drive Fuel Gasoline Suspension Front MacPherson Strut Type with Coil Spring Back Torsion Beam Brake Front Ventilated Discs Back Drums Tire size R14 Dimensions Length 4,425mm Width 1,730mm Height 1,475mm Wheel base 2,550mm Safety and security Dual Airbags Yes Side Airbags Yes Curtain Airbags Yes 3-pt. ELR Seatbelts Yes Load Limiter - Pretensioner - Vehicle Stability Control Yes Hill Start Assist Yes ABS Yes EBD Yes BA Yes Crash sensor yes Interior and Comfort features Automatic AC Yes Head unit Yes Bluetooth Yes Weblink Yes USB connectivity Yes Push Start Yes Smart Entry systems Yes Steering wheel controls Yes Paddle shifter Yes Audio controls Yes Wireless door lock Yes Speed sensing locks Yes Exterior features Headlamps Halogen projector Daylight running lights LEDs Fog lamp Yes Third brake light Yes 8. Toyota Vios 2019 Philippines review Conclusion The all new Vios 2019 isn’t just an update over the older model but a sub-compact that has grown up in features and performance. If there were issues in prior generations of the Vios; this hasn’t and has an integrated CVT included. The latest generation of Vios features significant improvements over the prior version As an option, the 2019 Toyota Vios has defied most expectation and will give other sub-compacts a run for their money! Refer to our Toyota Vios 2019 for sale section to get this sub-compact today! Recommended articles Toyota Vios Common problems & Solutions Nov 18, 2022 5 reason why Toyota Vios is one of the best-selling car in the Philippines Mar 11, 2022 Toyota Philippines price List 2023 Aug 01, 2020 Top 4 Best Sub-Compact Sedans for Ride-Sharing in the Philippines Sep 13, 2022 Toyota Philippines price List 2023 Apr 08, 2020 Find all Toyota Vios reviews, from our full review to our safety, technology and interior reviews. Find detailed scores and ratings to help you decide if the Toyota Vios is right for you. Expert Review Car Owner Review 2021 Toyota Vios GR-S Review Performance Engine Output HP, Acceleration, Transmission, Handling Design Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics Ride Comfort Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation Safety and Technology Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features Value for Money Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency What You Will Like Great ride comfort Fuel efficient engine Sporty new looks What You Won't Like Piano Black plastics in high touch areas No telescopic steering wheel adjustment Odd placement of storage spaces inside the cabin What We Like About The Toyota Vios The Toyota Vios comes with a wide price range that can easily fit into any interested buyer's budget. Its frugal range of engines also offers great fuel economy for those who want a car that they can use in the city and take on long road trips out of town. Toyota has also given the Vios several new upgrades with its most recent facelift giving it access to LED headlights, foglights, and taillights, as well as a backup camera as standard for the G variant. Toyota Vios Video View expert reviews, interior unboxing, launches and special features. Are You Ready To Buy? Get Offers From Multiple Dealers Send Quote to 3 Local Dealers Simultaneously Compare offers and select your preferred dealer Communicate safely and buy with confidence Get Quote Toyota Vios Reviews More Reviews Toyota Vios Articles More Articles Similar Car Reviews 2022 MG 5 Core Plus CVT Review / Review When not everyone can afford the top-of-the-line variants, the middle models shine as they offer you the right balance of features for a fair price point. / 5 Similar Cars Promo Available Promo Available Popular Car Brands For as long as I could remember, the B-segment sedan market was the epicentre of the Malaysian automotive industry – it was the segment that commanded the most attention and one that had the greatest impact on our buying habits. And while plenty of segment players have come and gone, two titans remain etched in consumers’ minds – the Honda City and the Toyota Vios. Both cars battled it out for decades as king of this hotly-contested segment, each taking turns to deal blows with every passing generation, and each seemingly unwilling to back down. In recent years, it was the more modern, more competent City that secured the lead, helping Honda break Toyota’s stranglehold on the non-national sales title, as well as becoming the second most popular brand overall. Not a moment too soon, the new Vios was introduced just last month, here to reclaim the ground it lost. This time, however, there’s more to the battle than just its arch nemesis – in case you haven’t heard, the SUV is the new “in” thing, and with the emergence of the ever-popular Honda HR-V and with models from Proton and Perodua encroaching into the segment’s price range, it’s getting very crowded indeed. So, seconds out, round four – is the new Vios good enough not just to overcome its bitter rival, but also fend off the more desirable crossovers in the periphery – and make buyers overlook that enormous front grille? Toyota was eager for us to find out, so it got us to drive the latest heavyweight contender all the way to Desaru and back for a proper test. Toyota may bill this Vios as all new, but it actually rides on the same platform as before, dating back to the second-gen model from 2007. It doesn’t even have a new model code – instead, it continues the same NSP151 designation as its predecessor. Not to matter, because pretty much everything you can see and feel except the engine and transmission, which we’ll get to later has been revamped in one way or another. Not least of which are the looks, and it’s here that the company decided to throw caution to the wind, its Keen Look design language reaching cartoonish levels. It’s the front end that is divisive, with a humongous lower grille giving the car an absolutely massive grin, and a slim central inlet acting as a “moustache”. The effect is amplified by the vertical fog light surrounds that sit at the far corners of the bumper, flanking the grille. The rest of the design is pretty straightforward, with broader, slimmer and sharper head- and tail lights contributing to a wider look. Along the side, a new shoulder line sweeps upwards aft from the front wheels and stretches towards the rear doors, and there’s also a second line that crosses the door handles on its way towards the tail lights. The beltline also sweeps up more elegantly than before. Instead of offering a tarted-up TRD Sportivo model at the top of the range, UMW Toyota Motor is providing a bodykit as a standalone option on all models. I never liked these kits as they always added a lot of visual bulk, but I’ll admit that the front grille garnish on this one does disguise the size of that grille somewhat. The interior is more conventional, with the only controversial bit being the Lexus NX-esque protruding centre console. The fake stitching on the hard plastic dashboard is just as offensive as ever, but the presentation is at least a little more tasteful here, and it’s all screwed together in typical Toyota bombproof fashion. A new feature is the standard-fit automatic air-conditioning, which was previously only offered in other markets, although you still don’t get rear vents. Corolla Altis owners will be familiar with the redesigned three-spoke steering wheel, which loses the outgoing model’s slightly flattened bottom but still has a rim that is just a touch too thick for my liking, and which still doesn’t adjust for reach. Behind it sit a pair of clear, legible dials somewhat obscured by reflections that do a fancy sweeping motion on startup, as well as a new colour multi-info display that has been seen on everything from the Camry to the 86. At the back, the rear cupholders there are now two of them have been moved into the rear armrest, and the new USB charging ports are a godsend – even if they look like complete afterthoughts. Don’t expect any miracles in terms of cabin space, as the exterior dimensions remain largely identical. Sure, at 4,425 mm long and 1,730 mm wide, the new car is 15 mm longer and 30 mm wider, but it retains the old car’s 1,475 mm height and 2,550 mm wheelbase, so no packaging breakthroughs here. Indeed, you’re not gonna find rear legroom that would put D-segment sedans to shame – that’s still the City’s party trick – and rear headroom is also a little tight due to the sloping roofline. But it’s not what you’d call cramped by any stretch of the imagination, and you’ll still fit four adults comfortably. The boot, which measures the same 506 litres as before, is likewise not class leading but it’s plenty for groceries and luggage. Do bear in mind, however, that the 6040-split rear seats do not fold completely flat, the resulting bump making loading longer items a pain; the pews are also fixed on the base J variant. One area that sees a much-needed improvement is safety. All models now get seven airbags as standard up from just two before, joining stability control that was introduced across the range in 2016. What’s more, the top G model receives blind spot monitoring, but unfortunately you still don’t get autonomous emergency braking. Come on, Toyota – you can get a Perodua Myvi with this kind of technology! The engine remains unchanged for 2019, retaining the 2NR-FE litre Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill that makes the same outputs as before – 107 PS at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. It’s now paired exclusively to a continuously variable transmission with a seven-speed mode and new paddle shifters for the G, meaning that, for the first time, there won’t be a manual option, not even on the J. Yes, before you rush into the comments, it’s yet another carryover engine and gearbox for the Vios, but at least here they are both fairly up-to-date, being only three years old. Indeed, the powertrain doesn’t feel at all outdated – it’s responsive and creamy smooth, and I’m pretty sure it will deliver the kind of fuel efficiency that buyers have come to expect in this segment. What it does feel is underpowered. Sure, a deficit of 13 PS and 5 Nm over the City may not seem like much, but when both power and torque outputs are barely into triple figures, you’re going to notice the difference. Especially if you compare the two cars back-to-back, like what Toyota let us do during the drive. Whereas the Honda will almost leap off the line, the Toyota struggles to get up to highway speeds, even though the engine itself is perky and willing to rev. It needs all the help it can get, and thankfully the CVT has been retuned to mitigate the relative lack of pace. I’ve previously criticised the transmission for being sluggish, and the recalibration goes some way towards addressing that, the CVT responding noticeably quicker to throttle inputs. The City is quicker still but at times it feels a little overeager, so it can be a bit difficult to drive smoothly. The Vios counters by reacting in more gradual and progressive manner, which is a benefit in stop-start traffic. Of course, you can play around with the new Sport mode conversely, an Eco mode is also available, which actually does a commendable job in making the car feel more sprightly, keeping the engine at higher revs and operating more like a stepped automatic transmission. The snappy seven-speed function also does a better job of mimicking actual gears compared to other similar systems – even though the paddles themselves feel disappointingly cheap. I’d leave it as it is, however; this is still a family car, after all, and there’s only so much the CVT can do to mask the shortfall in power. It’s just as well, then, that Toyota has not tried to chase a sportier driving experience, and instead sought to improve the Vios’ already impressive ride comfort and refinement. To that end, torsional rigidity has been increased thanks to a greater number of spot welding points and the use of underbody reinforcement, and spring and damper rates have also been updated. The car’s deputy chief engineer Akira Kasamatsu told us Toyota not only benchmarked the new Vios against the City but also larger, more sophisticated C-segment models – and it clearly shows. Next to the Honda, this is a much more relaxing car to cruise in on the highway, with much lower road and wind noise even at speeds well over triple figures – undoubtedly helped by the acoustic windscreen found on the E and G models. It also has the more absorbent ride, with soft springs and reasonable damping helping to iron out much of our pockmarked roads, even though it can’t quite shake off the cheap, hollow feel of most Japanese B-segment models. The result is a calmer drive, whether you’re just pootling along or travelling at a faster pace. Out on the open road, the City’s sharper steering makes an immediate first impression, but a lack of body control also means that it feels more nervous as speeds climb, an unfortunate Honda trait in recent years. The Vios, meanwhile, is more composed and stable – but two things count against it. Firstly, the car oddly tends to get affected by crosswinds, even at the national speed limit, causing it to meander around in its own lane. Correcting its trajectory isn’t such a straightforward task, either, no thanks to the steering that is so slow and vague as to give you no sense of connection to the front wheels. As you’d expect, this also counts against the Vios when it comes to going around corners, with the numb helm and excessive body roll discouraging you from driving in a more spirited manner, even though the chassis itself is more than capable of coping. Despite its sporting pretensions, this is a car whose comfort-oriented character nudges you into taking things slow in order to appreciate its strengths. Don’t let the stylistic overhaul fool you – the new Vios isn’t a wholesale revolution. Rather, it’s a surprisingly nuanced rejuvenation that leans heavily on the things that made this segment stalwart such a favourite for family buyers in the first place. However and this is a personal thing, I’ve always felt that UMW Toyota’s practice of offering bodykits and its insistence of turning it into an amateur race car sends mixed signals. For this is no longer the sportiest offering in this segment, neither possessing the most powerful engine nor the most dynamic of handling characteristics. For better or for worse, it’s the City that will give you what little enjoyment that can be had in this price range. But then, if performance and driver involvement is what you’re looking for, what on earth are you doing shopping for a B-segment sedan? More worrying for Toyota is the emerging brigade of crossovers looking to steal its lunch money, and we’ll have to wait and see if the market will shift away from the humble four-door. Be in no doubt, however, that the Vios has never been better equipped to take them all head on. But you’ll have to get over that big mouth first. The new Toyota Vios is on sale in Malaysia, priced at RM77,200 for the variant, RM81,200 for the and and RM87,300 for the Browse full specifications and equipment on

review toyota vios 2019