Toyota Vios gets cosmetic tweaks, upgraded safety tech in Thailand 

Updated Mar 10, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

The entire Thai-spec Yaris Ativ lineup now looks like the Vios GR-S. 

Recently, Toyota Thailand has provided some updates to the Toyota Yaris Ativ, which is the Vios in the Philippine market. This model is one of the two Vios models in the Land of Smiles and most of what is new is focused on improving the car’s safety kit.

2022 Toyota Yaris Ativ/Vios front shot

The 2022 Toyota Yaris Ativ (Vios)

The top-spec Yaris Ativ/Vios now gets a lane departure alert system, and an autonomous braking system. Its interior then gets the same treatment as the Philippine-spec Vios GR-S. It also has a gauge cluster with a multi-function display, contrast stitching, a push-to-start button, leather and fabric seats, among others. 

As for what’s under its hood, the Yaris Ativ is markedly different from the Vios variants available locally. It exclusively uses a 1.2-liter engine that is not available to our version of the Vios. At most, it can make up to 89 horsepower and 109 Nm of torque. Power is then delivered to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Suffice to say, our 1.3-liter Vios versions make a bit more at 98 horsepower and 123 Nm of torque. 

A top-down picture of the top-spec two-tone Toyota Yaris Ativ (Vios)

The top-spec variant also gets an optional two-tone color scheme

The Yaris Ativ also received some cosmetic tweaks. Its front fascia now has larger fog lamp housings, which only look a bit different from the Vios GR-S as it comes with the addition of a small chrome trim piece.  

Its higher-spec variant also gets a lot of black-colored trim pieces, just like what we’ve seen on the Vios GR-S. The rear of the Yaris Ativ however, is different as it lacks the black trim piece stretching over the GR-S' lower rear bumper. It also lacks the chunky rear diffuser that is equipped on the Philippine top-spec model. 

As mentioned, the structure for the Vios lineup in Thailand is a bit different. To keep it simple, the Toyota Philippines used the Yaris Ativ as the basis for the recent facelift for the local-spec Vios back in 2020. We then got the Vios GR-S in March 2021.  

A picture of the Yaris Ativ's interior

A peek into the Yaris Ativ's (Vios) interior

In turn, Toyota Thailand used some of the exterior looks and interior bits of the Vios GR-S to update the entirety of its Yaris Ativ lineup. That said though, we would want to see the lane departure alert and autonomous braking system for the Philippine-spec Vios. That might involve a price hike, but the added safety tech will come in handy on our busy streets.

If you want to keep track of the latest car updates from both our neighbors in the ASEAN region and the local market, keep it here on Philkotse.com

Know more about Toyota Vios 2024

Toyota Vios

Competing in the subcompact sedan segment, the Toyota Vios 2023 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 1,055,000. A total of 7 Toyota Vios variants are offered, with the top-of-the-line Vios GR-S variant coming with a tag of PHP 1,055,000. 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 last 2020.

₱ 732,000 - ₱ 1,055,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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