For the range of RM80k-90k – you might think that you would be spoilt for choice but the simple truth in fact is, you don’t. If I were to be in the market today for a car below 90 grand.. I’d be cracking my head and wonder.. “What can I get for that money?”. Most cars within this range can be pretty dull but with the new 2013 Vios; Toyota promises a more appealing daily driver from its predecessor. Dubbed as “the best-selling model in the non-national segment”; this time, we go down the food chain to find out what the Malaysian market love about the Toyota Vios.
A key to a good daily driver is a car that can do almost everything, regardless of conditions and this is where the Vios stands. Now in its third generation, the Toyota Vios has stepped up its paces; moving away from the previous generation’s rather unappealing looks to a much improved, and comparatively suave exterior. On the outlook, the all-new Vios presents itself in a much more expressive styling than its predecessor – the kind that I much approve of!
Although the new generation still stands pretty tall, thus making it look a little off-proportion – the new car is not an eye-sore like the previous iteration which many Malaysians labelled as the ‘Vios Dugong’.. due to its analogous frontal features to the much loved sea creature. The new car carries a new frontal design which Toyota calls the ‘Keen Look’ expression that emits a more desirable persona. Eventhough the overall width and wheelbase remains the same, the body size is 110mm longer than before coupled with a 15mm higher roofline which grants a roomier interior for the updated vector.
The all-new Vios isn’t all new after all because there are some things that are kept similar. Mainly the heart that powers the machine. Packed with the familiar 1NZ-FE 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine from the previous generation; it retains the genetics of the car that it replaces. With a maximum output of 108bhp and 141nm on taps – the Vios attains an average city car performance which is coupled with a 4-speed automatic gearbox that we found decently smooth. Although the Zerotohundred run is an agonising 12 seconds, the motor doesn’t request to be punched hard like many 1.5-litre engines to drive. Top speed is rated at 180km/h.
The overall driving experience is much improved from the latter – with it being much more refined than before. The cabin is preemptively silent at highway speeds, giving the inhabitants a comfortable feel. True to its elements, the new Vios attains a supple drive courtesy of the rather supportive suspension which soaks bumps gracefully but still manages to be firm at the same time. Qualms begin however when it comes to the steering feedback. Being electric, it is unquestionably numb and seemingly heavy at low speeds and light at higher speeds which is the complete opposite experience that is sought after. However it doesn’t bear a big impact to the performance, simply because the Vios is not a sports car.
The smiles continue to the rather capacious interior that the Vios possesses. Step inside the car and you are flourished with what seems to look like stitched leather. Toyota has gone for the leather-looking hard plastic to sort of ‘confuse’ the people with an expensive impression. Is it a good thing? Usually we don’t like these pseudo idiosyncrasies but it seems to have worked in the new Vios. Because the car feels like a premium item on the inside – the pretend leather seems to have blended in well with the car. Although.. it was a surprise to find the interior parts rattling with only 3000 km on the clock, it wonders the mind what it would be 10 times that mileage.
The TRD Sportivo version that we had came with two-tone leather seats which emits a rather sporty look. Comes in Black and Red, the interior is probably the ones many youngsters would fancy over the other versions on offer. Although we like a sporty car, the Vios isn’t a sports car so we could do without this version (considering that it cost RM 5k more).
Gadgets and gizmos. The 3rd generation Vios now comes with Keyless entry with push start that is rather enlightening for a car in this segment. Moving towards the centre of the car – the Vios comes with an in-car entertainment system that displays many of the car’s useful functions like navigation and reverse camera. At the same time, the radio and DVD can also be played on the mentioned screen with bluetooth connectivity for your phone to play music and answer phone calls. Yes – the 7″ touch screen display has got to be the party piece in the interior, and a worthy optional extra to our opinion! It is practical to have and also keeps the drivers and passengers rather entertained..
So what do we think of the all-new 3rd generation Toyota Vios?
For a worry-free drive, the Vios will surely get your moneys worth because it feels like an expensive and being a Toyota; considering its track records, it would likely survive even an apocalypse. Finally the Vios looks the part and its not a pun to drive around in anymore. It looks modern and refreshing, although honestly we could do without the TRD bodykit. The interior feels like a premium item which is a good thing simply because not many of its competitors attains a similar trait. We think the winning point of the all-new Vios has got to be the interior. One thing though – theres not enough cubby-holes/compartments to put things, however there are countless numbers of cup-holders in replacement.
We don’t like the steering, as it feels really digital and paper-like but it manages to cover these little hiccups with things like the ride comfort and the rather positive drivetrain. It is definitely an enjoyable drive and such an easy car to drive everyday. The competition in this segment may be small, but tough against its will.
So.. “Can the new Vios continue to be the best selling non-malaysian car?” – Very likely it will win the hearts of many and if you’re one of the early birds with the all-new Vios, we think the numbers will begin to grow soon enough and you’ll see many more on our roads.
Car: Toyota Vios TRD Sportivo (as tested)
Engine: 1.5-litre 4 cylinder | 108 bhp and 141 nm
Zerotohundred: 12 seconds
Price: Between RM 72,200 to RM 93,200
