The All-New Toyota Vios has been launched here in Malaysia. This fourth generation model was first previewed here at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 at the end of last year and now, it has been officially launched with delivery of the new car to their respective new owners already started as well. The 2019 Toyota Vios will come in three variants (all in a 7 speed CVT gearbox), with prices starting at RM77,200 onwards (a price list is at the end of this article).
This latest generation of the ever popular Toyota Vios has many changes and improvements made to it. Its design brief was to be enjoyable and safer to drive. All variants of the new Vios (there are the J, E and the G spec Vios) have been rated the maximum five stars by ASEAN NCAP and come with an impressive seven SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control and Hill-start Assist Control.
In terms of design, the exterior sports a more sporty look to it with notable character lines at the sides and a very aggressive front end. It basically follows the new Toyota design cue where the face of the car is quite promiment and a little bit sportier than most compact and affordable small sedans. Our Vios variant is based on what Toyota calls the Yaris ATIV over in Thailand and is also sold as the Vios here in Singapore. Both the Malaysian and Singaporean Vios gets a larger 1.5liter (107ps / 140Nm) engine whilst the ATIV runs the smaller 1.3liter engine with less equipment inside actually. So we get better styling of the Yaris sedan with a larger capacity engine. This is just a little trivia for you folks reading this.
As for the interior, notable changes inside the car are the redesigned dashboard and instrument panel, new seat upholstery and cushioning, redesigned centre console box, the addition of USB charging ports and a cabin lamp for rear occupants. There are also improved/added storage spaces and a fully automatic air-conditioning system for all variants.
Aside from that, mechanical refinements were also made to this Vios. UMW Toyota Motor, the official Toyota distributors here in Malaysia have stated at the New Vios will also be more pleasant as noise and vibrations are lower with the use of improved insulation materials and measures. This, we can vouch as we have had the opportunity to try out the new car a week or so ago, and the car definitely is one of the more refined compact sedans sold in Malaysia today. You can read about our initial test drive review here or watch the video of the test drive down below.
Other notable bits worth mentioning would be the equipment levels fitted to the top specced Vios 1.5 G. There are now paddle shifters and 16-inch alloy rims as a standard. It also gets an Optitron meter with colour Multi Information Display and DVD-AVX infotainment system with USB mirroring.
This is aside from the usual top spec standard features of a G specced Toyota from 2019. This includes leather upholstery, electrochromic rear-view mirror and a Drive Mode switch. Safety is further enhanced with a Blind Spot Monitor, Panoramic View Monitor, Front Digital Video Recorder and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, features were previously only available on the larger Toyota models. So the B segment Toyota is now super well equipped. Much like its bigger siblings.
Speaking at the launch event at the Kuala Lumpur City Walk, Mr. Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor said, “Since the first model was launched in 2003, we have sold almost half a million Vios, making it the most popular in its segment. Over the years, we have set the standard for this vehicle segment and I am pleased to announce that this new model, the third generation Vios will continue to set the standards for many years to come.”
The All-New Vios is the first model to roll out from UMW Toyota Motor’s new manufacturing facility at Kawasan Perindustrian Bukit Raja, Klang, Selangor. One of the most modern, most advanced and most efficient Toyota plants in the world, it is built in line with the Malaysian government’s direction of new vehicle production in the country.
Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor (seen above, with ,Akira Kasamatsu- Deputy Chief Engineer of Toyota Vios/Yaris on his left and Ravindran K to his right), said, “UMW Toyota Motor foresees the auto industry in the country having bigger potential in the future. As such, the company has invested approximately RM 2 billion in this new high-tech and highly efficient manufacturing plant. It is the company’s vision for the plant to be able to produce more advanced energy-efficient vehicles with high technology and high value in coming years to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers in the future,”
The new Vios is already available for viewing and test-drives at Toyota showrooms nationwide from today. It will come with a five-year warranty (unlimited mileage). Every new Vios owner also gets a free 24SEVEN Road Assist membership for the first year. This provides peace of mind to customers who can receive roadside assistance with just a call, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information, head over to toyota.com.my or any authorised Toyota dealership in Malaysia.
Photos after the price list below.
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