Updated Toyota Vios: Key changes explained

The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2018 is proving to be a happy ground for all the participating car manufacturers. It is also a bliss for prospective buyers, as a number of new cars have been announced during the show. Toyota has also utilised this platform to showcase its updated Vios. The Toyota Vios has been in the news recently and we were wondering when Toyota would do the honours. The wait is now over and the car is out in the open. So, what are the key changes in the new Toyota Vios? Let’s find out.

Exterior

It is quite evident that the new Toyota Vios carries a lot of design cues from the Yaris hatchback that is sold in our neighbouring countries. Mind you, this doesn’t mean that the Vios is a boring-looking car. It isn’t. At the front, we’ve got a set of large headlights that are the most striking feature of the car. This time Toyota has provided halogen projectors. It’d have been even better if LEDs were provided. Anyway, we do get LED daytime running lights located just below the headlamps on the front bumper. Talking about the front bumper, there is a black highlight that looks really nice and ups the premium-ness of the Vios.

Moving towards the rear, we are greeted by a pair of very striking and large tail lights. These are even wider than before and attracts a lot of attention. In fact, they are a bit aggressive-looking, too. The side profile of the car is quite well proportioned. The 15 or 16-inch alloy wheels (depending on the variant you pick) look good. We also get to see auto-folding outside rearview mirrors with integrated LED turn signals.

Interior

To make the Vios updated to today’s time, Toyota has included some new features in the interior as well. We get to see a fully digital AC control system, leather upholstery, paddle shifters, an Optitron instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-info display, a multi-function 3-spoke steering wheel, a DVD-AVX infotainment system, illuminated door sill scuff plates, and a dashcam.

The infotainment system supports Bluetooth connectivity and CD/Radio functionality. It is a bit disappointing to know that there is no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support. We also get a push-button start, and Eco and Sport driving modes.

It seems that Toyota has managed to extract out a bit more space for the rear passengers as there is a bit more legroom. That’s welcoming. There are also two ports at the rear to charge your smartphone. However, there is still no rear AC vent.

Safety features

In terms of safety features, the all-new Toyota Vios specs have listed ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, ESC, Blind Spot Monitoring, rear ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear cross traffic alert, and 7 airbags

Toyota says that the new Vios is an all-new model. However, it is still based on the same platform and has the old engine. We are not complaining but it isn’t all-new, right? Under the hood is a 2NR-FE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i 4-cylinder engine that produces 107 PS of max power at 6,000 revs and 140 Nm of peak torque at 4,200 revs. It is mated to a CVT unit.

Well, whatever the case may be, we think that the new Toyota Vios is a good proposition. There are three variants of the car for the Malaysian market - 1.5 J, 1.5 E, and 1.5 G. All of them come in 5 color options - Silver Metallic, Red Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Attitude Black, and Super White II. The Toyota Vios price that is expected starts at RM 77,200 for the base model. The bookings are already open but we are unaware of the delivery timelines as of now.

Note- the features mentioned above vary depending on the variant of the car.