The Toyota Vios doesn’t need an introduction as it is hailed as the best-selling model not only in Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP)’s lineup, but also the entire Philippine automotive market. It is one of the many models that give the Japanese automaker the title of the leading brand in the country.
A familiar sight among Filipinos
Due to its popularity, the Toyota Vios is a common sight on the road and doesn’t offer much exclusivity. Well, that could be a good thing for some as it is a sign that the vehicle is a reliable one. However, some Vios owners might not totally enjoy the experience as their car looks the same as the majority.
So to address just that, you can have your Toyota Vios modified Philippines just to create a bit of distinction. We have compiled some tips & advice for some modified Toyota Vios from owners to give you an idea before heading to a custom shop.
Toyota Vios: Wide Body
The Toyota Vios comes with somewhat a rounded design as compared to rivals such as the Honda City that gets a slim finish. With that in mind, having your Vios come with a wide-body upgrade is not a bad modification. In fact, simply take a look at this Toyota Vios by YouTube channel Ajodha Concepts.
Make your Vios look bulky [Photo: Ajodha Concepts]
Utilizing a wide body kit can help your Toyota Vios look slimmer and sleeker. For specifics, Ajodha Concepts add larger fender flares on the wheel arches. A new set of wheels are also installed to go well with the new kits. This creates a youthful appearance as compared to the family look from the base model.
Adjodha Concepts paired the wide body kit with a matte black paint finish to further enhance the distinct look of its Toyota Vios. However, you can opt for the paint finish that you want on your subcompact sedan. Any color would go along with the added kits as long as you go for a shop that ‘paint match’ well.
Toyota Vios: Wheels
As standard, the Toyota Vios modified Philippines is not installed with flashy-looking wheels. Well, this is expected for a vehicle in its price range. Not a lot of Toyota Vios owners change the design of their vehicle’s wheels as this type of vehicle is mainly used as a daily commuter and not really a night ride vehicle.
Small wheel change can create a different appearance [Photo: Stance Natonesia]
This means that you can look a bit different by simply modifying the wheels. To give you an idea, Stance Natonesia shared on its Instagram account a different set of wheels installed on its Vios. Just be careful if you will opt for a colored wheel as it could look bad especially if it doesn’t go well with the exterior color.
TMP offers the subcompact sedan with 14-, 15-, and 16-inch wheels depending on the variant. Due to the rounded design of the Vios, the smaller wheel options look even smaller. As such, 16-inch looks like the sweet spot so you might want to consider upgrading to that.
Toyota Vios: Lower ride height
Considering that it is a subcompact sedan, ground clearance is not that high. You can take advantage of this standard feature by further lowering the ride height. It is a common modification that, car owners make to create a sportier appearance.
Join the low life [Photo: Justin Bear]
With a lowered Toyota Vios modified Philippines, it would be better to add body kits just like Justin Bear’s Vios shared on Instagram. The added body kits will further improve the sporty appearance provided by the lowered ride height. We recommend that you consider the road condition near your home before making this mod.
Another thing you need to keep in mind if you want to lower your Toyota Vios is that if you are a family man, this modification might not be the best. You will have a difficult time maneuvering on speed bumps with a lowered Vios. This mod is ideal for bachelors and those who don’t use their Vios as their family vehicle.
Toyota Vios: GR-S
If you don’t feel like trying to think of a modification, then maybe you could go for the option that Toyota itself designed. This option is the top-of-the-line Toyota Vios GR-S variant. It is crafted with exterior and interior exclusive features that make the subcompact sedan look sportier than the rest of the variants.
On the exterior, the Toyota Vios GR-S is installed with a GR-S front bumper design including a front spoiler. These provide an aerodynamic look to the vehicle when viewed from the front. Sure, these are not the flashiest front end as compared to when you have it customized, but one can say that it has a tasteful appearance.
Toyota Vios GR-S
Moving to the sides, the side mirrors and door handles are finished in black. This generally provides a more rugged appeal unlike a chrome finish that creates a more premium look. Additionally, the sides get GR-S 16-inch alloy wheels that are blacked-out as well.
As for the rear end, the Toyota Vios GR-S boasts a rear spoiler and GR Sport Emblem on the trunk lid. These features complete the look that can be seen on the front and side part of the flagship variant. TMP offers the Vios GR-S in three paint options, namely Black 1, Super Red, and White Pearl Crystal Shine.
Subtle sporty elements are added inside
Inside, you can benefit from the variant’s suede and synthetic leather seats with red stitching, an exclusive feature for the Vios GR-S. Meanwhile, the rear passengers get to sit on synthetic leather with red stitching seats. The red stitching is somewhat subtle, yet creates a strong sporty finish.
Just like the Toyota Vios G, the GR-S variant also uses a 1.5-liter 2NR-FE engine. Sure, there’s no upgrade for the powertrain, but at least you get a stand-out look among the rest of the variants.
Your go-to Vios if you don't feel like visiting the aftermarket
Toyota Philippines is offering the Vios with a starting price of Php 681,000 for the base 1.3 M/T variant. This is the most ideal variant to modify as you can save more to get the body kits and upgrades you want to install. The price goes up to Php 1,020,000 for the GR-S which offers a modified look already.
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