The fourth-generation Toyota Vios has been out for over a month now, having been launched in Thailand as the 2023 Yaris Ativ, in right-hand drive of course. For those of you wondering whether the model will reach our shores, Toyota takes this a step closer toward reality by exporting a left-hand drive (LHD) version.
Toyota's RHD Yaris Ativ now has an LHD version for export markets
No, it isn’t bound for the Philippines, at least not yet. The first market to receive the new Vios with the port side steering wheel is Laos, apart from being the first to retain the Vios moniker. Setting aside the fact that the Southeast Asian country’s name shares two letters with Toyota’s subcompact sedan, it’s Laos’ proximity (sandwiched between Thailand and Vietnam) that could have made it a prime candidate for LHD Vios units.
There are not many differences to expect between the Vios and Yaris Ativ, with both sporting the same fastback-inspired exterior. In terms of aesthetics, the only notable variation on the Vios is the use of slightly redesigned alloy wheels for the Laotian market, while it retains the 16-inch diameter.
Laos retains the Vios name for the latest iteration of Toyota's subcompact sedan
The interior from the Thai-spec version has been carried over as well. Taking the revised steering wheel placement aside, the LHD Vios still sports the digital instrument cluster, soft-touch dashboard, and floating-type touchscreen.
Perhaps the only real significant difference lies in the engine bay, with the Thai-spec Yaris Ativ running on a 1.2-liter Dual VVT-i gasoline engine rated at 93 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque, mated to a Super CVT-i gearbox.
Most features have been carried over from the Thai-spec model
Meanwhile, the power unit on the Laos release is slightly bigger. We’re talking about a 1.3-liter gasoline mill with 97 horsepower and 122 Nm of torque to its name, spinning the front wheels with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT. This is the same powertrain combo found on base and mid-tier variants of the Philippine-spec Vios.
Will this mean that it will only be a matter of time before the new-generation Vios is finally seen in Toyota showrooms all over the Philippines? Vios fans are likely crossing their fingers that it comes sooner rather than later.
Know more about cars that could hit our market soon at Philkotse.com.