4TH Generation Toyota Vios launched - Two variants with UMW Toyota already receiving over 5,000 bookins for this popular compact sedan

Sometime after 8.00pm yesterday UMW Toyota Motor had unveiled the fourth-generation Toyota Vios at a media launch event in Kuala Lumpur. This popular subcompact sedan has been a bestseller in the Malaysian non-national car market since its introduction in 2003 with more than half a million units sold so this new model boasts improved performance, quicker acceleration, and new technology, making it an even more compelling choice for customers looking for a reliable, efficient, and affordable car. Two variants will be offered, the 1.5G and the 1.5E of which are priced at RM95,500 and RM89,600, respectively.

The new Vios is 110kg lighter so when coupled to the proven 1.5-litre DOHC Dual VVT-i engine with around 106hp it is said to be a bit more quicker off the line than before. Toyota claims that the engine power curve has been improved to deliver stronger performance while a new 7-speed CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic gives quicker acceleration as well as enhances fuel efficiency. Personally, I say it is the weight loss, which comes out of the fact that Toyota has used more high tensile steel in making the chassis.

Locally assembled at the Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB) in Bukit Raja, Klang, this latest  Toyota Vios is the first vehicle to incorporate state-of-the-art technology during assembly. Using Ultra High Tensile Materials, Continuous Frame Design, and Increased Welding spots gives the car higher body rigidity and reduced mass. The engine compartment is also redesigned to eliminate form breakpoints, further reducing weight. All of these make for a Vios that is lighter and therefore nippier to drive. Add the fact that the wheelbase has been extended from the previous generation, offering more legroom especially at the rear (from what I have experienced), it seems that the new Vios is a better car in terms of what is offered. The only similarity over the previous Vios is the width of the car, which seems to  be quite similar to the outgoing model. 

In terms of its styling, we do see that Toyota has embraced using a clamshell style front bonnet and a fastback rear end. The car has that familiar big grille look that you see on the current crop of Toyota sedans like the Corolla Altis and the Camry. In fact from the still photos and the promotional video the car looks big on its own. It when you see it in real life that you can tell it is a B segment sedan. 

The lines of the car are actually quite decent for what is essentially a compact sedan. It looks handsome when in the full specified G spec you see in the photos here. Some may say that the fastback makes the car seem tailored for a younger audience but that is actually the target segment. So yes, it is for the younger buyer in mind. 

Inside, new features such as Paddle Shifters and Electronic Parking Brake add convenience. The All-New Toyota Vios now exudes a premium experience, all around. With better and more soft touch materials throughout the entire cabin. No more fake moulded plastic stitching as in the G spec, the stitching is actually there holding together some sort of leatherette material on the dashboard. So there is nothin fake here and you get what you see. The plastics seem to be of a higher grade than before on certain areas (especially those where you are in contact with) and with the digital screens, everything looks very 2023. Pic below showing real stitching folks!

As for safety, Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) offers better safety features for both driver and passengers using advanced technology. TSS alerts the driver of dangers and acts autonomously to prevent or avoid a collision. Drivers will get to enjoy digital displays and improved comfort with the redesigned front seats for a comfortable driving posture and better support. The front seats are familiar in size if you compare to the previous generation, but it has better lower back support from what I can tell.

“The use of advanced technology in the assembly of the All-New Toyota Vios not only enhances the quality and efficiency of production but also promotes the upskilling of our workforce, fosters knowledge expansion within the industry, and contributes positively to the local economy. We are proud to be driving growth in the nation through our commitment to quality standards and innovative manufacturing processes,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

“The response for the All-New Toyota Vios has been phenomenal, with more than 5,000 orders to date made since we announced our order-taking on 24 February 2023. This is a testament to the popularity of the All-New Toyota Vios in the Malaysian market”.

The Vios from what I have seen at the launch will be another successful compact car for Toyota. It ticks many of the right boxes. I personally like the fact that the new car is over 100kg lighter than before. This and the longer wheelbase makes it most likely a proficient cruiser over longer distances. While still sitting squarely in the B segment, the new added space and 'added lightness' could make it more effortless than before. 

With the safety equipment and driver and passenger comforts (the rear passengers even get air vents now), the Vios is quite a good proposition especially when you factor in the familiar 1.5liter Toyota engine which is used in different tunes by Toyota in the Velos and Yaris, or Perodua in the Myvi or the Alza is a reliable workhorse. The 7 speed CVT seems durable as I have never heard many people complain about it after years of use (my sister in law drives a Yaris and it has been going strong for the past three over years of ownership. 

The lack of any turbocharging actually makes this powertrain a very easy to maintain setup which with proper care can last for many years to come as it is unstrained by boost pressure of any sort. Sometimes, for a car for someone just starting off in his career or just starting a family, you'd actually want less headaches and maybe, this is why Toyota has decided to keep such a simple powertrain for the Vios. I personally think that this is a smart move for the long run. At my age, I prefer my best friend to not be the mechanic that runs the workshop I send my car to if you get what I mean.

Options Available

 The All-New Vios is offered in two variants, the 1.5 G (AT) and the 1.5 E (AT) – available in five colour options with Spicy Scarlet being a new colour option.

All-New Toyota Vios comes with a 5-year warranty and unlimited mileage. Owners will also enjoy 24SEVEN Road Assist and a free three-year subscription to the Toyota Vehicle Telematics System which monitors the car’s location at all times. Reflecting Toyota’s confidence in the reliability and durability of its products, the Toyota Vios has always been a “proud to own” vehicle that reaches a wide audience that has sold well in the country since it was first introduced, and will continue to do so in the years to come.

In addition, test drive your favourite Toyota Vios during the ‘Showroom Weekender’ event and experience the joy and freedom of seamless car ownership. UMW Toyota Motor will be offering exclusive test drive gifts at all showrooms nationwide from 24 till 26 March 2023.

Customers can contact the Toyota toll-free number 1-800-8-TOYOTA (1800-8-869682) for more information or assistance.

ALL NEW TOYOTA VIOS: SUMMARY OF NEW/IMPROVED FEATURES

EXTERIOR

 All-new Powerful & Premium design

 Dimensional changes, with wheelbase being the greatest (+70 mm)

 Improved aerodynamics with Front Air Vent, Rear Diffuser & Air Canards.

 LED headlamps with Auto High Beam (1.5G)

 Rear Sequential Turn Signals (1.5G)

 Two new alloy rim designs (17’’ for 1.5G & 16’’ for 1.5E)

 Improved windscreen wiper design (Aeroblade)

 Auto Rain Sensing wipers (1.5G)

 RFID Tag

 New colour – Spicy Scarlet

INTERIOR

 New 2-Tone Dark Brown & Black dashboard design

 New 7’’ TFT MID Digital Meter (1.5G)

 New 4.2’’ TFT MID Optitron Meter (1.5E)

 New 9’’ Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto TM

 Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Brake Hold (1.5G)

 Improved steering wheel adjustment with Telescopic Steering Adjustment (1.5G)

 Redesigned Seat Upholstery

 Redesigned console box between front seats

 64-Colour Ambient lighting (1.5G)

 Rear Fast Charging USB Port (Type A & C)

 Revised storage spaces throughout cabin2

 Enlarged boot space with foldable partition

 Automatic Air-Cond (1.5G)

 Rear Air-Cond vent

 Tyre Repair Kit

 Smart Entry with Touch Sensor on door handle

DRIVETRAIN/CHASSIS

 All-New Stronger & Lighter Platform

 7-speed CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic

 Best-in-class 5.2 L/100km Fuel Efficiency

 Quicker Acceleration

 Better Braking Performance

 4 3 Drive Modes (Power, ECO, Normal)

 Quieter Cabin with enhanced noise reduction measures.

 Improved drivability & handling

 Superior Minimum Turning Radius (4.8 m for 1.5E & 5.2 for 1.5G)

SAFETY/SECURITY SYSTEMS

 Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)

o Front Departure Alert (FDA)

o Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)

o Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

o Adaptive Cruise Control (1.5G)

o Lane Keeping Control (1.5G)

o Auto High Beam (1.5G)

 Pedal Misoperation Control

 Higher Definition 3D Panoramic View Monitor (PVM)

 2 Front & 4 Rear Parking Sensors

 Front Digital Video Recorder with Smartphone Connectivity

 Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) with free subscription for 3 years