UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has officially unveiled the fourth-generation Toyota Vios, which is offered in two variants. That’s two less than the outgoing model, the previous J and GR Sport (GR-S) versions were missing.
With the AJ variant gone, the base option is now the E, priced at RM89,600 without insurance, followed by the G at RM95,500. These figures remain slightly below the previous price estimates, with prices rising between RM4,000 and RM5,100 over the previous generation counterparts.
In its latest guise, the all-new Vios is built on Daihatsu’s New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform and boasts larger dimensions than its predecessor, measuring 4,425mm long (+5mm), 1,740mm (+10mm) wide. and 1480 mm high (+5 mm). Even more important is the wheelbase, which is 70 mm longer at 2,620 mm.
For some context, only the Nissan Almera matches the Vios’ wheelbase in the B-segment sedan space, while other notable nameplates such as the Honda City (2,600mm) and Mazda 2 Sedan (2,570mm) follow closely behind.
Design-wise, the Vios is instantly recognizable from the revamped front end, which features a large central intake flanked by air curtains (or vortex generators). A thin black strip above the gaping mouth visually separates the upper and lower parts of the face, and with the sharp LED headlights, they seem to “hang” on the tip of the L-shaped daytime running lights.
Regardless of variant, the headlights have automatic on/off and follow home functions, although leveling is done manually. Also standard on the range is an aero kit that adds a black bumper lip, side skirts, a boot lip spoiler and a diffuser-like element to the rear bumper.
UMWT markets the Vios as a hatchback, with its identifying mark being slightly sloping C-pillars accompanied by gloss black trim elements that serve to visually expand the window area. As for the wheels, the E comes with 16-inch alloy units (195/60 profile tires), while the G comes with 17-inch alloy wheels (205/50 profile tires), the latter of which are the same size as the previous GR. S.
Moving towards the rear, the bumper mimics the front one with the vortex generator bits, although these are purely decorative. The rear lights are more angular than before with modern graphics, and they are connected by a black cover that houses the reversing camera and the trunk. The Gn has sequential turn signals for the taillights, but this is not available on the E.
In the black and dark brown interior, the Vios has a simpler dashboard design with cup holders in the corners in front of the air vents. It’s reminiscent of the Perodua Ativa, which is also a DNGA-based product, and you’ll find things like the steering wheel and gear lever almost identical in design. Elsewhere, the center console has been raised and given an armrest, under which hides a Qi wireless charger.
Wireless charging is standard on both variants, as is a nine-inch Display Audio touchscreen head unit that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rarity in this segment. Other common equipment includes RFID tag, front digital video recorder, multi-function steering wheel, illuminated scuff plates, auto-folding side mirrors, keyless entry (touch sensor) and engine start, acoustic windshield glass and vehicle telematics system (VTS). ) with a three-year free subscription.
The E-specific kit includes intermittent wipers, black exterior trim, urethane shift knob and steering wheel, tilt steering, Optitron instrument cluster with 4.2-inch multi-info display, manual climate control, manual handbrake, four speakers. and fabric seat upholstery. AG’s online premium payment provides several features that we have already discussed in our Vios review.
An extra RM5,900 compared to the E is rain-sensing wipers, chrome exterior trims, leather steering wheel and gear knob, seven-inch digital instrument cluster, 64-color ambient lighting, automatic air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, soft-touch materials in some parts of the cabin, six speakers and electronic parking brake (with automatic brake hold).
Both versions come with six airbags, one less than before (the driver’s knee airbag is gone) and the usual passive systems like Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist. , automatic door lock, ISOFIX child seat attachment, and parking sensors (two at the front and four at the back).
The E’s driver assistance systems include a pre-collision system (autonomous emergency braking), lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, lane keeping control, pedal error control, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, and a 3D panoramic monitor. This list of systems is already an improvement over the previous model, but the G takes things a step further with lane keep control, automatic high beam and adaptive cruise control.
The Vios is powered by a 2NR-VE 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 106PS (104PS) of power at 6000rpm and 138Nm of torque at 4200rpm. Compared to the previously used 2NR-FE, the 2NR-VE uses the same DOHC and Dual VVTs, but the power figures are down by 1PS (1PS) and 2Nm.
The new mill drives the front wheels through a CVT, specifically Daihatsu’s D-CVT split gear system, which combines a belt drive with a gear drive. This combination is said to deliver faster acceleration and fuel consumption of 5.2 liters per 100 km. Drivers can play with three driving modes including Normal, Power and Eco.
The Vios continues to feature MacPherson struts at the front, torsion beam at the rear and electric power steering. Ventilated brake discs are also standard on both versions, but the E uses drums at the rear, while the G requires solid discs for the electronic parking brake. Other noteworthy specs relate to the size of the fuel tank (now 40 liters instead of the previous 42 litres), and the E has a smaller turning radius of 4.8 meters compared to the G’s 5.2 meters due to the different wheel sizes.
UMWT offers five colors for the Vio, including Silver Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Spicy Scarlet, Attitude Black and Platinum White Pearl, the last of which is a RM400 option. For that mention, a rear digital video recorder can be specified for an additional RM380. A five-year, unlimited mileage warranty is standard on every Vio purchased.
The first generation Vios arrived in Malaysia two decades ago in 2003, so the nameplate is celebrating its 20th anniversary here this year. The latest iteration is manufactured at Toyota Assembly Services’ (ASSB) Bukit Raja plant and replaces the third-generation model that has been around since 2013. What do you think of the all-new Vios? Would you choose this over your closest rival, the Honda City? We’ve already got our hands on the fourth-generation Vios, and you can find our thoughts on it here.
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