Toyota Vios Review

VIOS is one of the youngest creation by the ever dazzling Toyota. The car was first introduced in 2003 and is still out in the markets of China and South East Asian countries. Vios is a 4-door subcompact sedan. It came out as a replacement for the Toyota Soluna. Subcompact cars is the choice of most Asian countries. They want small ones to be able to maneuver on heavy traffic-stricken small roads. And Vios satisfied them. This is the reason why Vios is still in demand on countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Mainland China.

The Toyota Vios in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia, and Taiwan is powered by 1.5 liter 1NZ-FE engine with VVT-i. In the Philippines, the engine is just 1.3 liter 2NZ-FE engine while in China, it is sold with an 8A-FE engine.

Vios was first assembled in Thailand at the 1 million square meter Toyota Gateway Plant in Gateway City in the Province of Amphoe Plaeng Yao, Chachoengsao. Thai engineers and Toyota Japanese designer's collaborated to come up with a level lower subcompact car. The ergonomics in the region focuses on keeping everything inside a car within reach of the driver.

The first generation was inspired by the Toyota Platz where Vios got its body panels. Another car that inspired its design is the E120 Corolla.

In Indonesia and Thailand, it serves as a racing vehicle, mainly used in the Touring Car Championships. Vios are also restored as taxicabs in both countries, Philippines and Malysia.

Philippines is the country where Vios is highly purchased. Car enthusiasts prefer it because of its small size. Philippine versions has three grades the base 1.3 J with a l4 2NZ-FE engine, VVT-i, 13" steel wheels and a central instrumental digital display. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The latest Toyota Vios that was launched in Malaysia has three specifications namely- the 1.5E, 1.5G and the premium model, the 1.5S. It has intake, exhaust and ECU programming to improve the car’s low and mid range torque as well as engine response. When it comes to handling, everything seems better because of an installed electronic power steering instead of the conventional hydraulic power steering. You will also find comfort because the car minimizes the outside noises that may get in, matched by a stereo at an average volume.