There’s little doubt that the Vios is the country’s king of the subcompact sedan hill, contributing a large chunk of sales to Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP). The latest generation has seen two facelifts so far, with the most recent one giving the Vios a more dynamic appearance.
Is there any way to make the current Vios any better, short of a new-generation model? Apparently, TMP thinks so, in the form of the Vios GR-S. Short for Gazoo Racing Sport, this version is teeming with performance-inspired touches while retaining the same everyday drivability that’s always been a Toyota hallmark for ages. Displacing the G trim level as the flagship variant, what does the GR-S bring to the table?
Exterior
Although the G and GR-S are based on the same XP150 platform, the latter might be surreptitiously called the “Facelift 2.5.” Both variants sport the same swept-back dual-lens LED headlamps up front, yet those on the GR-S have a smoky tinge to them, apart from the wider grille decked out in honeycomb mesh. The slim foglamp housings on the G variant have morphed into full-on air intakes on the GR-S.
The Vios GR-S has a sportier fascia than the G variant
As part of the GR-S body kit, side skirts adorn the profile, accompanied by a new rear bumper with integrated diffuser. The GR-S adds a black spoiler to the G variant’s trunk, along with a GR badge just below the right tail lamp. Blacked-out side mirrors and door handles are standard on the new trim.
There are even '10 Speed' badges on the side skirts
Contrasting with the two-tone wheels on the G are a set of black multi-spoke alloys on the GR-S, with a shared size of 16 inches. This will be a minor disappointment to some, since the Malaysia-spec Vios GR-S offers 17-inch shoes as standard, the largest ever fitted on the model. The GR-S gains 42mm in length, likely on account of the exterior bits, but otherwise retains the other proportions common to the range.
Interior
Customers can expect the GR-S cabin to be as functional and roomy as that on the G, with a dash of sportiness. Whereas fabric seats are the norm on the G, the thrones on the GR-S are rendered in leather and suede. The headrests showcase the GR branding, which can also be found on the carpet, engine start button, and the animation on the instrument cluster.
Interior of the 2021 Toyota Vios GR-S
The blue-and-white palette on the G’s gauges has been replaced with Optitron Red for the GR-S needles and gauges. Red stitching can also be found on the leather steering wheel and shift knob.
Tech & Safety
Automatic climate control on both the G and GR-S free occupants from the trouble of having to fiddle with the air-conditioning in changing weather. The GR-S brings Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice commands on a somewhat downsized 6.75-inch touchscreen head unit, with all these making their way to as far back as the Vios XE variant.
Paddle shifters give the Vios GR-S a more engaging drive
Safety equipment shared by the G and GR-S include seven airbags, stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, a rear monitor, and speed-sensing door locks. While the Malaysian release comes with driver-assist features such as lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring, at least the local Vios GR-S offers a clearance sonar that’s absent on the G trim.
Engine & Drivetrain
The front wheels on both the G and the GR-S are powered by the same 1.5L Dual-VVTi gasoline engine that’s good for 106 hp and 140 Nm of torque. While the G lets buyers choose between a 5-speed manual and a 7-speed CVT, the GR-S comes exclusively with the latter, accompanied by a twist: Toyota has squeezed in 10 simulated forward gears in Sport Mode, engaged through paddle shifters just behind the tiller. The company claims that this improves the engine’s response higher in the rev range.
Price
2021 Toyota Vios GR-S
The Toyota Vios GR-S starts at Php 1,020,000 for both the Super Red V and Black 1 body colors, with an additional Php 15,000 premium for the White Pearl Crystal Shine finish. Meanwhile, Toyota has slashed Php 86,000 off the prices for the Vios G, placing it below the Php 1 million mark (among other price adjustments on the rest of the Vios range).
Toyota showrooms nationwide will include the Vios GR-S in their lineup starting March 15, 2021.
Keep up with the latest automotive releases at 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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