UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (“UMWT”) rolled out the all-new Toyota Vios today, following a sneak peek at the KL International Motor Show 2018 in November last year. The third generation of the B-segment leader gets a radical makeover and uprated standard kit. Prices start from MYR77,200.
In his opening remarks, Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor said that since the first model was launched in 2003, Toyota has sold over 420,000 units of the Vios, making it the most popular in its segment. He said that the Vios is the model that will change Toyota, and to bring the company back to past glory. “We are coming back,” he declared.
If coming back means extending its dominance in the segment, then the all-new Vios is poised to set the benchmark again.
The new Vios, by the way, is the first model to roll out of Toyota’s Bukit Raja plant. The MYR2 billion manufacturing facility is said to be one of the most advanced and most efficient Toyota plants in the world.
Based on the Yaris ATIV, the Vios’ front fascia takes a more radical approach, certainly more masculine than previous iterations. The sportiness is accentuated by the new aerokit and vibrant Dark Blue Metallic colourway. Racer boys will definitely appreciate the new aggressive look, although I’m guessing it’s a look that will undoubtedly divide opinion.
It gets a new headlamp design with LED daytime running lights (DRL) and Follow Me Home Feature.
From the rear, the car looks beefier, almost Camry-like, thanks to wider LED tail lights.
Viewed from the side, the new Vios looks like a cross between the Nissan Almera and a Kia Cerato, with the large wheel arches almost begging for bigger wheels. As standard, it gets 15-inch alloys, by the way.
Looks aside, the new Vios promises three key things as part of its 360-T promise: safety (Safe-T), connectivity (Connectiv-T) and guarantee (Guaran-T).
As standard kit, all variants hold a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating and come with ABS, EBD and BA (brake assist), seven SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). To enhance safety further, there’s also a Blind Spot Monitor (G & E models), Panoramic View Monitor, Front Digital Video Recorder and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, available on the top-spec G variant. This is impressive, as these features were previously only available on larger Toyota models.
Inside you’ll find a redesigned dashboard and instrument panel, upholstery and cushioning, a redesigned centre console box, USB charging ports, rear cabin lamp, improved/added storage spaces and a fully automatic air-con system for all variants.
Toyota also said that the new Vios boasts improved sound insulation, with cabin quietness now equivalent to C-segment cars.
On the top spec Vios 1.5G, there’s paddle shifters and 16-inch alloy rims as standard. Also, it gets an Optitron meter with colour Multi Information Display and DVD-AVX infotainment system with USB mirroring that also works in tandem with a 360-degree camera system.
Other standard features include leather upholstery, electrochromic rear-view mirror and a Drive Mode switch where you can toggle between Eco and Sport modes.
Under the hood, the Vios is powered by the 2NR-FE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-I four-cylinder power plant, which pushes 107PS (105.5bhp) at 6,000rpm and 140Nm of torque at 4,200rpm. This is mated to a CVT gearbox with seven-speed Shiftmatic mode.
Pricing and availability
The 2019 Vios is available for viewing and test-drives at Toyota showrooms nationwide starting today. The car comes with a five-year warranty (unlimited mileage). Each Vios owner gets a free 24EVEN Road assist membership for the first year.
Pricing is as follows (OTR w/o insurance):
- Toyota Vios 1.5J (AT) – MYR77,200 (MYR79,142 – Sabah/Sarawak)
- Toyota Vios 1.5E (AT) – MYR81,200 (MYR83,142) – Sabah/Sarawak)
- Toyota Vios 1.5G (AT) – MYR87,300 (MYR89,242) – Sabah/Sarawak)
For more information, visit Toyota.
