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.
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