The countdown for the launch of the all-new Toyota Vios in Malaysia has started. Following past practice, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that customers can book the new model from today at all authorized Toyota dealerships nationwide. This means that the launch should take place within a month, going by the usual time-frame for most companies.
The new generation, which has been in the regional market less than a year, shows a big departure from the design language used in previous generations. Like the other new Toyota models we’ve seen in recent times, the appearance is more aggressive like the latest Camry. It also looks sportier with the fastback silhouette giving a stretched look.
The drivetrain continues to use a 1.5-litre DOHC Dual VVT-i engine said to have stronger performance. There are 3 driving modes to choose from to prioritize economy or acceleration.
The transmission is new, with the previous torque converter type replaced by a 7-speed CVT. The transmission also has Sequential Shiftmatic (with paddle shifters) so the driver can take control when he or she prefers to enjoy the pleasures of manual shifting.
At this time, UMWT has provided limited details of the equipment and features. However, it is known that there are high grade displays and improved comfort with the redesigned seats for a comfortable driving posture. The new DNGA platform also allows for optimized packaging and the longer wheelbase should improve legroom. The use of an electronic parking brake also eliminates the traditional handbrake lever.
With each generation, the image of a model usually moves upwards and that of the new Vios has progressed likewise. There is said to be a more premium experience with better and more soft touch materials throughout the cabin. The 9-inch Display has Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and also acts as a 3D Panoramic View Monitor to give an all-round view of the car from above.
There is also better safety with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite of active safety systems. TSS is already available in other Toyota models and typically has pre-collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping, blindspot warning and adaptive cruise control as well. Also useful when reversing out of a parking bay is the Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The new Vios will be available in 1.5E and 1.5G variants with prices (without insurance) estimated to be RM90,000 and RM96,000, respectively. The colour options are Nebula Blue Metallic, Silver, Attitude Black, Platinum White Pearl (additional charge of RM400), and Spicy Scarlet which is a new exterior finish.
Assembled locally, the new Vios comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, 24SEVEN Road Assist and 3 years of free subscription for the Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (optional).
“Keeping in line with Toyota’s trend of offering ever better cars, Toyota has combined advanced automotive technologies with upgraded specifications to give the all-new Toyota Vios superior ownership value,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “The all-new Toyota Vios is all set to take centrestage as the car is definitely of top-notch quality at a competitive price that will certainly exceed customer expectations.”
This is the fourth generation of the popular sedan which evolved from the earlier Soluna that was Toyota’s ‘Asian Car’ in the 1990s. While the Corolla had originally been the entry-level model for Toyota in most markets, its price rose over the years to take it out of ‘entry level’, leading Toyota to develop a replacement with affordable pricing. To date, more than 505,000 units have been sold since it was introduced in Malaysia in 2003.
