Next-gen Toyota Vios unveiled in Thailand
The best-selling subcompact sedan in the country, the Toyota Vios, is finally getting an all-new generation after almost a decade since the current third generation was revealed back in 2013. The reveal was held in Thailand where it is called the Yaris Ativ.
Now built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform shared with the Raize and Avanza/Veloz, the all-new fourth generation Yaris Ativ or Vios gets a complete redesign inside and out, a new engine, and added safety.
Looking at the exterior, the all-new Vios appears to be a shrunken or squeezed-out version of the current generation Corolla Altis. The design is more modern and edgier than the outgoing model. The side then shows off a fastback-like roofline while the rear looks similar to the larger Camry. It also gets a faux rear diffuser for added sportiness.
It is good to note that the all-new Vios is larger than before with exterior dimensions of 4,425 mm (+5 mm) for length, width of 1,740 mm (+10 mm), and a height of 1,480 mm (+5 mm). The wheelbase is also 70 mm longer at 2,620 mm which should allow for larger interior volume.
Inside, the all-new Vios is more upmarket than ever before, especially on the variant shown in the photos with its red leather seats with a diamond pattern. Also noticeable is the use of more soft touch materials on the dashboard and door panels. Other highlights are a new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, digital climate controls, and new rear aircon vents.
Meanwhile, for the powertrain, under the hood is a new 1.2-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 94 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque, paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Toyota claims that it can travel on a single fuel tank for a maximum of 23.3 kilometers (23 km/l).
As for safety, higher variants of the all-new Vios will get Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), the brand’s suite of advanced driver-assist safety tech as standard. This includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, front vehicle departure alert, all-speed adaptive cruise control, pedal misoperation control and automatic high beams. It also gets a 360-degree around-view monitor.
There is no word yet as to when the all-new Toyota Vios will reach our shores. Given the fact that the outgoing model is locally manufactured, Toyota Motor Philippines will need to retool its local manufacturing plant in order to accommodate the all-new generation. This could take a few months. Still, they definitely have another top-seller on its way.
