Toyota Vios GR-S: All you need to know

Yesterday, UMW Toyota unboxed a number of amazing surprises for Malaysians that included two facelifted and two sporty models. Yes, proving all the guesses right, Toyota Malaysia launched the highly-anticipated GR Yaris, 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift, 2020 Toyota Vios facelift and alongside these awaited models, we also witnessed the launch of the racy-looking Toyota Vios GR-S, which made its world premiere today. So, let’s check out all the details of this sporty Vios in town.

This is not the first time when we see the warmed-up Vios as the Japanese automaker has already been racing the sedan in a nationwide one-make race for three seasons, although it was not available for sale in the showrooms. Recently, the spy shots revealing the Vios with Gazoo Racing embellishments have also been making rounds on cyberspace, further hinting at its arrival.

“It is a shadow of the actual Vios Challenge race car. It’s a refined version of the race car. The Vios GR-S is not just about outright performance or purely handling, but more importantly, it is a car that is able to deliver great driving enjoyment and pleasure,” said the GR Ambassador and two-time Vios Challenge champion Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel.

Here we answer all your questions regarding the new Vios GR-S.

What equipment added to the exterior for a sporty vibe?

The Toyota Vios GR-S is the first locally-engineered model to feature the Gazoo Racing badge, which boasts a significantly more aggressive exterior design. Upfront, there is a new-look grille with honeycomb mesh instead of horizontal bars, and a new bumper housing meaner-looking air intakes, altogether making a resemblance with the GR Yaris’ front fascia. The front design is teamed up with an equally sporty tail end featuring a new spoiler and bumper.

The warmed-up Vios also get the following visual enhancements:

• A blacked-out boot spoiler and side mirrors
• Blacked out side skirts with small “10-speed” markings
• GR Sport badge on the boot
• Black 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 205/45R17 low profile tyres

Toyota Vios GR-S color options include - White Pearl and Red Mica Metallic

How does the interior highlight the sporty theme?

The automaker also modified the sedan’s cabin for a sporty stance. It features the red Optitron meter panel with red needles and GR animation on the 4.2-inch multi-information display. The sport seats are wrapped up in leather with black and red stitching along with embossed GR logos on the front seats’ headrests. The three-spoke steering wheel and shift lever knob are also wrapped in leather and the GR badge can be found on floor carpets and push-start button. 

What powers the Toyota Vios GR-S?

Under the bonnet, the Vios GR-S uses the same 2NR-FE 1.5-litre four-pot engine churning out 107 PS of maximum power at 6000 rpm and 140 Nm of peak torque at 4200 rpm but instead of the regular continuous variable transmission with 7 virtual ratios, this has been upgraded to the unit with 10 virtual ratios. Toyota says that the 10-speed configuration improves the response of the engine in form of a higher RPM range. It gets activated via the car’s Sport mode and using the steering-mounted paddle shifters, one can experience a more spirited drive, a better start-up, and quicker acceleration through tight corners. Surprisingly, there is no manual transmission option available for the sportier version.

What changes have been made to the suspension system?

To make a balance between comfort and sportiness, the automaker brings on board a sports-tuned suspension system. That includes the MacPherson strut up front and a torsion beam at the back, providing better handling and confidence in high speed.

What is included in the safety net?

The Toyota Vios GR-S safety pack covers the following active and passive features

• Seven airbags (Dual Front, Driver’s Knee, Front Side, and Curtain Shield)
• Pre-collision System
• Lane Departure Alert
• 3D Panoramic View Monitor
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Anti-lock Braking System with EBD & BA
• Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control 
• Hill-start Assist Control 
• Front Digital Video Recorder
• Emergency Stop Signal 
• Parking Sensor

Ok, so what about the Toyota Vios GR-S price and availability?

The price of the Toyota Vios GR-S starts at RM 95,284 (on the road, excluding insurance). It is available exclusively at GR Garage stores and selected Toyota dealers.

Also read: 2021 Toyota Mirai is now on sale in Japan