The All New Toyota Vios 1.5G M/T

This is the latest iteration of the best selling passenger car in the country which was launched roughly seven months ago. Its locally built, and this subcompact sedan has a completely new look about it and we think it’s finally gotten some sophistication. The variant we got to drive for a few days was the 1.5 G with a manual transmission.

Exterior

From the corner of your eye, it looks just like the previous generation, but look upon it and you’ll notice gentler, sweeping lines. It’s halogen projector head lights wrap around from the front and extend all the way up to the tops of the wheel well with a crease that follows all the way to the A pillar. You’ll notice prominent daytime running lights (DRL’s) located separate from the headlights and a large black air dam under the badge. There are integrated turn signal lamps in the color keyed side mirrors. This G variant gets sturdy chrome grip type door handles. In the rear, the C-pillar blends into the trunk giving it a sleeker look and making the cabin look and feel larger. The rear brake lights wrap around the back further than the last generation and have a garnish that extends to the trunk. It rolls on quiet Bridgestone Turanza 195/50’s on 16” alloy rims.

Interior

Once you get in the driver’s seat behind the tilt adjustable Electric Power Steering wheel, or in the back seat, you’ll feel that there’s definitely more space inside. The dark seat fabric is comfortable and looks pretty good with it’s light blue contrast stitching. The top half of the interior is finished in a light grey, but despite that, there’s not much glare from sunlight as the dashboard and seats are dark. The new dashboard and center console looks a little more symmetrical then the last generation, although it does open up to the passenger side. The combination of piano black and brushed aluminum give the interior just enough class with out making it too trying-hard “executive-ish”, but with just enough sophistication for it’s category. You get a three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel, a six-speaker 7” Touch Screen CD/MP3 entertainment system with WEBLINK for iOS and Android with Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity.

Engine

Under the hood is the smooth running 2NR-FE 1.5L Dual VVT-i DOHC 16V EFI gasoline engine that puts out maximum power of 106HP at 6,000rpms with a maximum 140Nm of torque at 4,200rpms and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. It runs quiet in city driving, but will let you hear its revs when you need to get around slow movers on the open road.

Convenience and Safety

We already mentioned Electric Power Steering, you also get all around power windows with Jam Protection. Power Door locks with keyless entry and power retractable side mirrors. Safety features are driver, passenger side, side, curtain shield and knee airbags. Vehicle Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist. Same as the front occupants, the rear passengers get three, 3-point seatbelts too.

This new Vios feels all grown up, with a softer more civilized ride, more interior space, it also looks bigger on the outside and it looks pretty good too. It feels and handles like the next category up. This 1.5 G M/T variant in White Pearl is priced at Php996,000 which is quite a bit for a B segment sedan, but if you want one without all the bells and whistles, the base 1.3 M/T starts at Php659,000.00.

 

Words and Photos  – Neil Pagulayan