With the intense competition in B-segment, the All-New Vios has now been positioned in the more Advanced & Sportier, superior handling performance with first-in-class features is set to provide a New Brand Experience through High Added Value.
All-New Toyota Vios “As Never Before” signifies the desire to change how people see the B-segment and exceed expectations. It is targeted at customers in their 20s and 30s who actively follow trends and innovation, and are constantly seeking something better.
“These customers expect a unique vehicle that they are proud to show-off to family and friends. That is why we aimed to create something with quality that can be seen at first sight. The design and comfort have been enhanced to a level our competitors cannot match,” as the All-New Vios Chief Engineer mentioned.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
In recent years, Toyota has taken a completely new approach in the way its cars present themselves. They have more expressive appearances and with the new Vios, the most distinctive exterior design feature is the bumper lower section surface to the side graphic line that extends continuously toward to the rear end section. The silhouette continues to have a flowing roof line with dynamic curves flowing from the front to the sides of the car.
The continuity between the sharp headlamps and radiator grille creates an innovative keen look, while the outer portions of the lower bumper give the front a ‘catamaran’ look. Through the use of different colours for various elements, there is differentiation of each variant.
The headlamps (projector halogen for the G variant) are supplemented by LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) which increase visibility of the car at all times of the day, enhancing safety. Foglamps are fitted to the Vios 1.5G and 1.5E while long-lasting LEDs are now used for the rear combination units of these two variants as well.
Newly available for all variants is the Follow-Me-Home feature which keeps the headlamps on for around 30 seconds after the engine has been switched off. This provides illumination ahead of the car for additional peace of mind when walking away.
With this update, the Vios 1.5G now has larger 16-inch alloy wheels. These feature stepped spokes and machined details for a dynamic, cutting-edge look. A 16-inch rim is also provided for the spare wheel in the boot; in the event that a puncture requires use of the spare wheel, the appearance of the car will remain the same.
Customers who want a sportier look can also add a new Aerokit specially developed for the Vios. The Aerokit consists of a front spoiler, rear spoiler, side skirts and bootlid spoiler.
INTERIOR
Toyota’s interior designers have made major changes in the Vios to provide a fresh new look. The redesigned dashboard with a chrome-plated frame now has a centre cluster which features a clear black panel on a flush surface. The steering wheel (leather-wrapped for Vios 1.5G) has switches for easier operation of various functions without having to take the hands off the steering wheel.
The Vios 1.5G now has an Optitron meter which has a high-quality appearance and comes with a 4.2-inch TFT full-colour Multi Information Display (MID). This display shows the usual information with more detailed and historical data on fuel consumption. For Vios 1.5G, there is a 3D animation to welcome the driver and it is displayed in the MID. To set the pulse racing, the speedometer needle will sweep across from 0 to 220 km/h each time the engine is started. For the other variants, the meters are continuously backlit to provide excellent visibility at all times and there is a monochrome MID which also shows running information.
The Vios 1.5G and 1.5E get a new DVD-AVX infotainment system with a 6.8-inch display panel. This new system developed for Toyota models can be linked to compatible smartphones using the USB mirroring feature. This enables the driver to use smartphone favourite apps such as Spotify or Waze directly from the head unit. As with most other infotainment systems, Bluetooth connectivity also allows hands free phone operation. This new DVD-AVX is able to support up to 5 phones for music streaming.
The display panel also shows the image from the rear view camera and to assist manoeuvring for more precise positioning in a parking bay, there are guidance lines on the display. The camera has a wide angle of view and captures clear imagery even in poor lighting conditions.
The Vios 1.5G and 1.5E also come with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) that gives a bird’s eye view. This allows the driver to see all around the car, making it easier to spot obstacles on any side as well as positioning the car more precisely in a bay or manoeuvring around tight spots. The images (including closer views of each side) are computer-generated using 4 tiny wide-angle cameras mounted on the car’s body.
For the Vios 1.5J, the infotainment system is a 2-DIN unit which neatly integrates into the dashboard. It has cool blue illumination which is well harmonized with the interior. Besides a CD-player and radio receiver, the system can also play MP3 files and has connectivity via an AUX port, USB and Bluetooth. The DVD-AVX system is also available as an option and can be specified at the time of purchase.
Some changes have been made to the upholstery of the front and rear seats so that there is better comfort. Headroom, hip room and shoulder room have been increased at the rear as well. With the Vios 1.5G, perforated combination leather material is adopted to give a sense of premium quality while casual yet elegant upholstery material with accent colours are fitted to the Vios 1.5E and J variants. All the door armrests also come with soft touch surface (leather / fabric) for additional comfort to all passengers.
As before, the Vios 1.5G and 1.5E variants have backrests which can be folded down together or individually. This extends the boot floor so that longer items can be carried. The backrests are divided in a 60:40 ratio so that passengers can also be seated if necessary.
For added comfort and convenience, a new console box with 30% more volume and an armrest is now fitted between the front seats. The console box’s lid is finished with leather / fabric material that can serve as an extra armrest to the driver for more comfort. Additionally, there is a slot to hold a smartphone and two USB points at the rear of the console box for passengers to use. Many storage spaces are provided around the cabin for front and rear occupants to keep drink containers or other small items.
All variants now have a fully automatic air-conditioning system with a more integrated layout that has a premium appearance. When the air-conditioning system is set in fully automatic mode, the overall cabin temperature will be maintained at the chosen level by computerised control of the temperature, volume of airflow and also the distribution of air through the various inlet vents. A filter is installed in the ventilation system as standard to provide cleaner air blowing into the cabin.
For safer driving at night, the rear view mirror in the cabin for the Vios 1.5G now has an electrochromic surface that reduces the intensity if there is a strong glare from behind. This prevents dazzling that can affect the driver’s vision. There is no need for any manual adjustment of the mirror as the electrochromic feature operates automatically whenever necessary.
A premium feel in a car is not just created by the materials used but also the feeling when travelling in it. To improve comfort, Toyota engineers have increased interior quietness by installing more sound insulation around the engine compartment. A sound insulator is mounted inside the engine cover while a 3-point engine mount system reduces vibration levels during idling. Insulation around the cabin now covers a wider area to keep out external noises and expansion foam is inserted in cavities to suppress vibration noise. Sponges are also used in the seals for more effective sealing. The existing Acoustic Windshield and Front Side Vibration Control Glass are now extended to the Vios 1.5E as well.
All Vios variants have a Smart Entry button located at driver's door handle, enabling keyless locking and unlocking of the doors (provided the key fob is in the pocket or handbag). Should the key fob be left inside when exiting the car, the locking system will not operate. A push start button is also provided in place of an ignition key slot for more convenient starting and stopping of the engine. The electronic code in the key fob is required to disable the immobilizer so that the engine can be started.
POWERTRAIN
The Vios has a 2NR-FE 1.5-litre 4-cylinder 16-valve, DOHC engine with Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) for high output and high efficiency. Maximum output is 79 kW/107 PS at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm.
Automatic transmission uses a 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic. This transmission is a CVT type which has been tuned to have a feel like a conventional automatic transmission. Manual selection of gear is also possible by using the + or – positions located at gear shift. Paddle shifters are a new feature added to the Vios 1.5G to give a sportier driving feel.
A Drive Mode switch has been added to all variants to give the driver a choice of driving performance levels. There are three modes – NORMAL, ECO and POWER. The NORMAL mode is the default mode suitable most driving as it provides a good balance between fuel efficiency and performance. When the ECO mode is activated by pressing a button, better fuel economy is prioritised and acceleration as well as the air-conditioning cooling will be optimised to achieve this. For the POWER mode, a separate throttle map sets gearshift points for quicker acceleration and this is sportier feel is immediately apparent even with a slight pressure on the accelerator pedal.
HANDLING PERFORMANCE
Besides getting a totally new exterior design and interior, the All-New Vios also has been significantly improved in terms of handling performance. The characteristics of the front and rear suspensions have been revised to provide a superior driving and riding experience. The steering feel has been enhanced as well by improving the instrument panel reinforcement.
Not only that, with the adoption of bigger disc brakes (front and rear) for the Vios 1.5G, there is stronger braking to stop the vehicle in a shorter distance.
SAFETY
Toyota believes that where safety is concerned, there should be no differentiation among variants as everyone in the car is entitled to the best possible protection. With an increased number of safety systems and features that are now standard in all variants, the whole Vios range qualifies for the maximum 5-star rating by ASEAN NCAP.
All variants are now fitted with no less than 7 SRS airbags that will deploy according to the location of the impact during an accident. For frontal collisions, the two front SRS airbags as well as a small airbag below the steering column (to protect the driver’s knees) will deploy and cushion impacts so that injuries can be lessened or prevented. During collisions on either side of the car body, airbags will deploy from the outer sides of the two front seats and curtain airbags will drop from the tops of the window openings within split seconds. These not only provide cushioning in case the head swings against the sides but can also prevent ejection of occupants which may happen during extreme situations.
All occupants have 3-point seatbelts and an ISOFIX point is also provided for easy and secure installation of a compatible childseat. While the current laws do not make childseat usage compulsory, it is strongly recommended that a childseat be used at all times to provide extra protection for small children.
While protection for the occupants is the priority, Toyota also gives consideration to pedestrians who may come into contact with the car during an accident. Various areas of the front of the Vios such as the bonnet, front fender and cowl have impact-absorbing structures which can reduce the force of impacts experienced by a pedestrian's head and legs.
To help the driver avoid accidents, the Vios has a number of Active Safety systems which are standard in all variants. Newly added Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) which prevents the car vehicle from rolling back when moving off on a steep slope. HAC will maintain brake pressure momentarily when the driver lifts the foot off the brake pedal and begins accelerating forward. This system also works when using reverse gear on a slope.
Also newly added to the Vios 1.5G and 1.5E are the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), systems which are usually found on more expensive models. With BSM, the driver is alerted of other vehicles in the car’s blind spot (the area not visible in the door mirrors) by a flashing indicator in the right or left wing mirror. This can help reduce collisions with other vehicles, especially when changing lanes.
RCTA supplements the rear view camera by detecting vehicles that are approaching from either side as the car is being reversed out of a parking spot. In such situations, the driver may be unable to see the other vehicle due to the view being blocked on either side so RCTA will alert him or her and prevent an accident occurring.
For added security and safety, all variants come with an Auto Door Lock system whereby the doors lock automatically when the car exceeds a certain speed after moving off. In accordance with regulatory requirements for auto-locking systems, the doors will automatically unlock in the event of a severe impact during an accident to enable the doors to be opened by rescuers.
A new version of Front Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is standard in the Vios 1.5G and 1.5E. Besides recording a journey, the DVR is also useful for providing visual evidence in the event of a dispute relating to an accident. The DVR has G-sensor that will automatically ‘lock’ a recording when a severe impact had occurred so that it cannot be erased. It also has a Front Collision Warning system that detects a vehicle within the range of 15 metres ahead and gives visual and audible warnings. There is also a Lane Departure Warning which detects if the car is moving out of the lane (provided the road has visible lanes) and gives visual and audible warnings to alert the driver. Both features will only work when the vehicle speed is above 60km/h and above.
For drivers who want additional coverage, there is also a Rear DVR available as an optional accessory. This activates automatically whenever the engine is started and the display is integrated with the Front DVR. As for Vios 1.5J customers, they can purchase the Front and Rear DVR separately at UMW Toyota authorized service centres after getting their cars.
For all the accessories offered by UMW Toyota Motor, the installation is done professionally at the company’s own Accessory Centre in Integrated Quality Hub (IQH) located at Bukit Raja, Selangor.
Three variants are available to suit different budgets and requirements – the Vios 1.5G, Vios 1.5E and Vios 1.5J. Complementing the fresh new and sporty looks are two exciting new colours - Dark Blue Mica Metallic and Red Mica Metallic. Additionally, customers can also choose from three other colours – Super White II, Attitude Black and Silver Metallic.
INTRODUCING 360-T
It is all about Trust & Technology by Toyota.
“360-T” is a complete suite of innovations designed to protect the occupants, and to give total advantage on the road with features that ensure everyone is always safe, connected, and guaranteed to be satisfied in every way.
Three main pillars that underline this are:
Safe-T – “Trust in smoother journeys ahead”
Latest Safety feature made available:
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Panoramic View Monitor
7 SRS Airbags
Front DVR with Front Collision Warning & Lane Departure Warning
Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control
Hill-Start Assist Control
Connectivi-T – “Technology at your command”
Latest in Connectivity features made available:
DVD-AVX with USB Mirroring
USB Charging Ports
Guaran-T – “Total peace of mind”
Care for the vehicle made standard:
5-Year Warranty with Unlimited mileage