2023 Toyota Vios breaks cover in Thailand with fastback styling      

After months of teaser photos and spy shots, Toyota has finally unveiled the next iteration of its successful Vios subcompact sedan, marketed as the Yaris Ativ in Thailand.  

“It was well-received by Thai customers and could retain the No.1 (position) in the eco-sedan segment, with an accumulated sale of over 133,000 units since it was debuted,” he added.  

The new Vios rides on a variation of the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) 

The Vios has been underpinned by the same platform since the third-generation model was released in 2013. This time, the model now rides on a variation of the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform which it shares with the Raize subcompact crossover and Avanza/Veloz compact MPVs.   

Exterior 

In terms of aesthetics, the new Vios features a more mature design with angular LED headlamps surrounding a larger gloss black front intake, accompanied by a vortex generator duct design for stability at all speeds.  

It adopts a new fastback design

A more prominent character line runs parallel to the beltline, emphasizing the new sedan’s fastback silhouette. For the rear, LED taillamps with sequential indicators flank the trunk. Completing the new Vios’ stance are a set of 16-inch two-tone design alloy wheels.  

Interior 

 A redesigned cabin awaits occupants on the new Vios, featuring fabric upholstery on the base and midrange variants while boasting leather seats on the range-topping trim levels. There’s an abundance of soft-touch surfaces all throughout, lending a premium air to the cabin.

More soft-touch surfaces abound in the cabin 

The enhanced dimensions translate to better head-and legroom for both front and second-row passengers, with 60:40 split-fold rear seats able to expand the default trunk space that has a partition and multipurpose storage. Contributing to the cabin ambience is a 64-color ambient lighting system.    

Tech & Safety

Beyond the leather-clad multi-purpose steering wheel lies a 7-inch instrument cluster that’s now rendered as a digital display, showing relevant vehicle information more clearly and legibly. This is complemented by a floating-type 9-inch touchscreen display that offers support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, patched to six speakers. Wireless charging is available for passengers to top up their mobile devices, in addition to USB charging ports.      

A 9-inch touchscreen head unit supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 

The new Vios packs a formidable suite of safety features in its class, including seven airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction/stability control, and hill-start assist. In addition, Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) comes standard, offering a host of driver-assist features such as lane departure alert, pre-collision system, pedal misoperation control, and all-speed adaptive cruise control. 

Engine & Drivetrain

Propulsion on the new Vios comes in the form of a Euro 5-compliant 1.2-liter 4-cylinder Dual VVT-I gasoline power unit, generating 94 hp and 110 Nm of torque. Routing the output to the front wheels is a Super CVT-i with sequential shift. Toyota says the new Vios can travel up to 23.3 kilometers on a single liter of fuel. Three drive modes are available: Normal, Eco, and Sport.  

Power is transferred to the front wheels via a Super CVT-i with sequential shift

Buoying the vehicle over pavement is a MacPherson front strut suspension and a rear torsion beam, both with stabilizer bar control. Electric power steering provides agility through corners.  

Price 

The 2023 Toyota Vios is available in four variants for the Thai market: 

• Sport – THB 539,000 (Php 843,000)
• Smart – THB 584,000 (Php 913,571)
• Premium – THB 659,000 (Php 1,031,168)
• Premium Luxury – THB 689,000 (Php 1,078,110)

No word yet on when the new model will reach our shores, but hopefully it happens sooner rather than later.  

Get more updates on new model releases at Philkotse.com.