Released for the Asia-Pacific region way back in 2002, the Toyota Vios, throughout the years has become one of the most ubiquitous sedan models here in the Philippines.
The Toyota Vios G
Everywhere you look, from the Northern tip of Luzon to Sulu, there’s a Toyota Vios functioning as a family vehicle or as a taxi. This is due to its reliability and the sheer number of aftermarket parts it has for its older generation models.
Now, like most models with very high market demand, the Philippine-spec Toyota Vios has a lot of variants. This is because Toyota aims to cover a wide range of budgets, and/or consumers who have varying degrees of needs.
For the Toyota Vios, Toyota bumped up the Vios’ variants up to 10 when it added on the sporty-looking Vios GR-S variant. So how different are the 10 Vios variants from each other? Let’s find out through this Philkotse buyer’s guide.
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Toyota Vios Variant: Differences in exteriors
When it comes to dimensions, or how large the Vios’ variants are, there aren’t many variances. From the entry-level 1.3 Base to the 1.5 G, all trims measure 4,425mm long, 1,730mm wide, and 1,475mm high. The top-spec GR-S however, has a length of 4,467 mm, which makes it 42 mm longer than the other Vios variants. The wheelbase is the same across the range at 2,550mm.
In terms of exterior equipment, the 1.5 GR-S and 1.5 G comes with 3-tier LED headlamps with daytime running lights, turn signal repeaters mounted on the exterior mirrors, chrome-plated door handles, and LED rear combination lamps.
The all-new 2021 Toyota Vios GR-S
The rest have 4-beam halogen lamps with no daytime running lights. Standard wheels are 16-inch alloys for the 1.5 GR-S and 1.5 G. The 1.3 E and 1.3 XLE in turn uses a set of 15-inch alloy wheels, and the 1.3 XE, 1.3 J, and the 1.3 Base rides on 14-inch steel wheels.
Its rear end mimics the pre-facelift model
Other variances in exterior features include a fin-type antenna from the 1.5 GR-S down to the 1.3 XLE, and a pole-type antenna from the 1.3 XE to the 1.3 Base variant.
Apart from having the same exterior equipment as the G variants, the GR-S bears a sportier overall design. This is due to its mesh-type grille, piano black side mirrors and door handles, an aggressive-looking front and rear bumper, a rear spoiler, and a side skirt.
The 2021 Vios GR-S from the side
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Toyota Vios Variants: Interior
The 1.5 GR-S and the G trims stand out in terms of interior amenities. These two are equipped with automatic air-conditioning, six speakers, and a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. The rest of the range makes do with manual air-conditioning and a three-spoke urethane steering wheel, with integrated audio controls on the 1.3 XLE and 1.3 E trims.
The cockpit of the 2021 Toyota Vios GR-S
The GR-S however levels up the Toyota-made sedan’s interior by adding on red stitching on the car’s seats, steering wheel, and on several parts of the console. And yes, the GR-S’s seats are clad in leather and the headrests bear the Gazoo Racing logo.
The Toyota Vios GR-S shares a seven-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the 1.5 G, 1.3 E, 1.3 XLE, and the 1.3 XE. The lower-tier 1.3 Base and 1.3 J both come with a 2-DIN entertainment system with CD/MP3 functionality, accompanied by Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity. Lastly, the 1.3 Base and 1.3 J have two speakers, the 1.3 XE, 1.3 XLE and 1.3 E have four, while the 1.5 GR-S and 1.5 G have six speakers.
The Vios is also spacious and comfortable
For driving amenities, the top-spec 1.5 G and the 1.5 GR-S comes with a Sport Drive and Eco Drive modes, complete with leather trim on the shift lever and knob. An engine start button and “Follow Me Home” light control system rounds up the convenience features on the range-topping variant. The other variants in the range use rotary ignition for the engine.
Also available on the GR-S is a new 4.2-inch multi-information display. It is unique to the GR-S, and it also shows the Gazoo Racing logo.
The gauge cluster of the 2021 Vios GR-S
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Toyota Vios Variants: Engine and Performance
The 2021 Toyota Vios offers a selection of two engines: the 1.5- liter 2NR-FE and 1.3-liter 1NR-FE. The former is exclusive to the 1.5 G and the 1.5 GR-S. On those two variants, the 1.5-liter mill is capable of 106 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque. The rest of the variants come with the latter engine option, which makes up to 98 horsepower and 123 Nm of torque.
The reliable and economical 1.5 2NR-FE and the 1.3 1NR-FE won't win you races...or will they?
All Vios variants are front-wheel-drive, with the 1.5 G, 1.3 E, and 1.3 XLE all available either as a 5-speed manual or CVT. The 1.3 XE and the top-spec 1.5 GR-S only offer a CVT, while the 1.3 J and Base variants are only available with a 5-speed manual.
Of note, the CVT that the new Vios GR-S trim uses is a bit different. It still has a manual mode with paddle shifters, but it now gets 10 simulated gears.
The gear shift lever of the new Vios GR-S
Toyota Vios Variants: Safety
When it comes to safety, the Vios’ variants also offer a very varied spread. A stability control system is standard across the range, as well as hill start assist, child protection locks, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, and a high mount stop lamp.
All variants of the Vios come with dual front airbags and a driver knee airbag. These are supplemented with side and curtain shield airbags on the 1.5 G, 1.3 E and GR-S variants.
Security features exclusive to the 1.5 G and 1.5 GR-S are a Toyota Vehicle Security System (TVSS) security alarm with immobilizer and a smart entry system with speed-sensing door locks. The 1.3 E and XLE variants offer a basic alarm system without the immobilizer and smart entry functions.
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Vios Variants: Pricing
|
Vios Variant |
Price |
|
2021 Toyota Vios 1.3 Base MT |
Php 681,000 |
|
2021 Toyota Vios 1.3 J MT |
Php 707,000 |
|
2021 Toyota Vios 1.3 XE CVT |
Php 764,000 |
|
2021 Toyota Vios 1.3 XLE MT |
Php 811,000 |
|
2021 Toyota Vios 1.3 XLE CVT |
Php 862,000 |
|
2021 Toyota Vios 1.3 E MT |
Php 861,000 |
|
2021 Toyota Vios 1.3 E CVT |
Php 911,000 |
|
2021 Toyota Vios 1.5 G MT |
Php 921,000 |
|
2021 Toyota Vios 1.5 G CVT |
Php 980,000 |
|
2021 Toyota Vios 1.5 GR-S CVT |
Php 1,020,000 |
>>> Find cheaper options in our list of Toyota Vios for sale
The White Pearl color option, which is exclusively available for the Vios GR-S and G variants, needs an additional Php 15,000 to be availed.
Vios Variants: Conclusion
As you can see from the Vios variants’ price table above, this vehicle has one of the widest price ranges for any model available here in the Philippines. This is of course reflected in the wide array of variants each with a different set of features, and in the case of the 1.5 GR-S, aesthetics.
The Toyota Vios, like the Corolla of old is an affordable yet reliable sedan for the masses
To this end, it goes to show that the ever-popular Toyota Vios has a variant for everyone, be it for a family person that values safety, or a young professional who needs a “not so bare” sedan that’s practical for daily driving, or a person operating a fleet transport business that needs a robust yet affordable vehicle.
The new GR-S trim takes the Vios on a whole new level when it comes to style
With the addition of the GR-S, the Vios now caters to someone who needs a sedan that stands out in terms of looks. So yes, it goes without saying that there’s a Vios for everyone.
For more buyer’s guides like this one, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.
Know more about Toyota Vios 2024
Competing in the subcompact sedan segment, the Toyota Vios 2024 is the top sales contributor for the Japanese automaker. The price for the Toyota Vios in the Philippines ranges from PHP 732,000 to PHP 1,054,000. A total of 7 Toyota Vios variants are offered, with the top-of-the-line Vios G CVT variant coming with a tag of PHP 1,039,000. Two engine options are available in the range, which can be connected to either a 5-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Dimensions-wise, the subcompact sedan spans 4,425 mm in length, 1,730 mm in width, and 1,475 mm in height. The main rivals of the Toyota vehicle include the Honda City, Mitsubishi Mirage G4, and Nissan Almera.
The Toyota Vios is not only the best-selling model in the Japanese automaker's lineup, but the entire Philippine market. It serves as a reliable subcompact sedan for those who are looking for a daily driver. Also, the Vios is proudly Philippine-assembled which supports Filipino automotive workers. Now, the vehicle is competing in its respective class head high using the refreshed body released by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) in the country in 2020.
>>> New and used Toyota Vios 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Toyota Vios Launch
In 2002, Toyota introduced the first-generation Vios in the Philippines. A few years later in 2007, the second-generation sedan was launched. This version gained the "Batman" nickname due to the shape of its grille.
Several years onwards In 2013, Toyota brought in the third-gen Toyota Vios. It has grown in size, and it also came with a larger engine. The Toyota-made sedan was given a major update in 2018. It bore a new exterior design, and it also gained the upmarket Prime variants as well.
More recently in 2020, Toyota Motor Philippines launched another refresh of the Toyota Vios model. It's fitted with sportier fascia, a new grille, a new pair of headlamps, a revised foglamp housing, and a new lower grille, among others.
In March of 2021, TMP then introduced the Toyota Vios GR-S.
Toyota Vios Exterior
Up front, the Toyota Vios for the Philippines comes with a front end that mirrors the current designs of high-end models like the Corolla Altis and the Camry. The said design features a wide-slatted grille, flanked by the angular fog lamp housing. For the high-trim GR-S and G, the headlamps are three-tier LEDs with integrated LED daytime running lamps. The rest of the variants get a pair of four-bulb halogen headlights.
For the side and the rear, not much has changed since the previous version. The GR-S stands out from the rest of the variants with its black-colored exterior pieces, rear spoiler, and rear lower bumper with an integrated diffuser.
The Toyota Vios G
Apart from those, the Toyota Vios GR-S for the Philippine market also has different-looking side skirts and a set of GR-S 16-inch alloy wheels. The G variant on the other hand still has a piano black grille, but it gets chrome-plated door handles instead of the black-colored ones found on the GR-S.
The all-new 2021 Toyota Vios GR-S
>>> Related: 2021 Toyota Vios GR-S review by Philkotse
Toyota Vios Interior
The Toyota Vios for the Philippine market can offer seating for up to five occupants including the driver. For the top-spec GR-S and G variants, they both come equipped with automatic air-conditioning. For the most part, the Toyota Vios' dashboard are made out of sturdy plastic, combined with silver-colored accents.
Soft touch points for the Vios are also abundant. The Toyota-made sedan's door cards are made out of a combination of plastic, and a soft, fabric-covered material. There's also the presence of a center elbow-rest.
The Interior Of The Toyota Vios G
As for the seats, most variants except the GR-S come with fabric seats. The GR-S instead has synthetic leather with red contrast stitching, combined with suede pieces.
The rear seats of the Toyota Vios
To keep occupants comfortable, both the GR-S and G Vios variants are equipped with automatic air-conditioning systems. The rest of the trim levels on the other hand come with a manual air-conditioning system.
Inside the Toyota Vios GR-S
>>> Related: Toyota Vios for sale at good prices on Philkotse.com
Features & Technology
For entertainment, the Toyota Vios GR-S, and the Vios G variants for the Philippine market come standard with a 6.75-inch touchscreen headunit. The said headunit is also capable of connecting via Bluetooth, USB, and Aux jack.
The Vios G's touchscreen headunit
The mid-tier XLE and XE trims also have the aforementioned headunit, but these come with a four-piece speaker set instead. The Vios J on the other hand comes standard with a 2-DIN audio unit linked to two speakers.
Besides the aforementioned touchscreen, the GR-S is also equipped with the Gazoo Racing 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display. Other variants do get an Optitron gauge cluster, as well as a multi-information display. The GR-S and the G also come with a push-to-start button, a leather-clad shift lever, and a drive-mode selector. All Vios variants also come standard with a tilt-adjustable steering wheel column.
The tech and convenience features will vary depending on the variant of the Toyota Vios
For safety, the GR-S and G variants are equipped with dual-front airbags, side airbags, curtain shield airbags, and driver's knee airbags. The rest of the trim levels have dual-front airbags, and the airbag for the driver's knee.
Anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, traction control, and hill-start assist are available on all Vios trims. Only the GR-S and G come with a rear-view camera, and only the former has a clearance sonar.
>>> See more: New and used Toyota Vios for sale in the Philippines at the best price
Platform & Chassis
The refreshed Toyota Vios for the Philippine market still uses the same platform as the previous model. As before, higher trim levels have disc brakes all around.
For suspensions, the Vios uses a MacPherson Strut type for the front and a torsion beam-type suspension for the rear. Moreover, the engine is still positioned transversely, with the power sent to the front wheels.
Engine & Drivetrain
The Toyota Vios for the Philippine market has two engine options. The larger one is a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine capable of making up to 106 hp and 140 Nm of torque. This said engine is available on the GR-S and the G Trim. For the former, it is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) only. The Vios G can either come with a CVT or a five-speed manual transmission.
The Toyota Vios G's 1.5-liter mill
The other engine option for the Vios is a 1.3-liter inline-4 engine. At most, this mill can produce up to 98 hp, and 123 Nm of torque. For the XLE, the said engine can be paired with a CVT or a five-speed transmission. The 1.3 XE's sole transmission is a CVT, while the J comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission only.
The gear shift lever of the Vios GR-S
>>> Also check out:
- Toyota Vios 2020 Philippines Review: Join the club
- 2021 MG 5 vs Toyota Vios Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle
Toyota Vios 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Toyota Vios 1.3 J MT | ₱732,000 |
| Toyota Vios 1.3 XE CVT | ₱774,000 |
| Toyota Vios 1.3 XLE MT | ₱862,000 |
| Toyota Vios 1.3 XLE CVT | ₱902,000 |
| Toyota Vios 1.5 G MT | ₱979,000 |
| Toyota Vios 1.5 G MT (White Pearl) | ₱994,000 |
| Toyota Vios 1.5 G CVT | ₱1,039,000 |
₱ 732,000 - ₱ 1,055,000
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