Toyota is a market leader in the automotive industry globally and it is no surprise why the Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer continues to dominate the car market here in Singapore. With a strong belief that there is always a better way, Toyota constantly aims to exceed customer expectations and challenge conventional boundaries through their Kaizen spirit.
Just about four months ago, Borneo Motors (Singapore) launched the all-new Toyota Vios, an impeccable subcompact sedan equipped with state-of-the-art features and best-in-class safety and technology.
A pioneer of the subcompact category, the Vios has always embodied value since its introduction, a quality that has helped it gain an edge over its competition. Over the years, customer needs have evolved and environmental regulations have grown diverse and increasingly strict. In order for the Vios to retain its position at the forefront of the category, elements of the vehicle had to be rethought, while retaining the values that customers have come to know and love.
According to Takatomo Suzuki, Vios Chief Engineer, the new Vios is a new value pioneer – an innovative and quality new model designed without compromise. It was designed to focus on retaining the qualities Toyota customers have come to know and love like its value and comfort, while improving the technology and features of the car to keep up with changing customer needs and environmental demands.
Take a look at how the Toyota Vios has evolved over the years!
Just a couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege to take the new Toyota Vios out for a ride and having spent a few days with it; here are just some of my personal opinions and thoughts about the driving experience.
Appearance- Distinctive Styling, Inside and Out
Cutting-edge design defines the exterior of the new Vios, with its dynamic angles and sharp headlamps with integrated clearance lamps. The front of the new Vios has been updated with a horizontal grille for a wider yet more aerodynamic appearance.
On the inside, the central console of the new Vios has been redesigned to create a greater sense of integration. By removing the intervening gap and enlarging the centre cluster, the centre ornaments now extend seamlessly to integrate the upper portion of the instrument panel to the front console. All metallic ornaments such as the speaker grille, register knobs and air conditional dial have a consistent design throughout the interior. The Optitron meter and white LCD character display also enhance the advanced look and feel of the new Vios interior.
Comfort- A Spacious Interior Designed for Comfort
At 1730mm, the new Vios is the widest in class, featuring a spacious and comfortable cabin, where all occupants can sit in complete comfort thanks to newly designed rear seats and increased shoulder space.
An improved rear seat shape with enhanced coil springs and shock absorbers mean a smooth ride – even on bumpy roads, while the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) provides smooth acceleration, resulting in less fatigue and greater comfort for occupants. The Vios also provides excellent cabin quietness, due to the silencers and seals fitted throughout the car that enhance the sound absorption and sound insulation performance.
Safety- Class-Leading Safety and Technology
The new Vios comes equipped with seven SRS airbags, including SRS side airbags, SRS Curtain Shield Airbags (CSA) and SRS knee airbag. It also features a range of brake control systems to help prevent emergencies before they occur, such as the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).
Driving Performance- Dynamic Efficiency
Driving performance of the new Vios has been optimised to suit the conditions of Singapore roads and fuel efficiency is maximised with a proven 1.5L Dual VVT-I engine, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and Low Rolling-resistance Coefficient (RRC) tires. Both the E-grade and G-grade Vios are also Euro 6 compliant.
Summary
The new Toyota Vios is trendier and more sporty-looking than its predecessor. An affordable and reliable car for first-time car owners; the all-new Vios makes the perfect entry-level car that not only gets you from point A to point B but is also fuel-efficient and comfortable as well.
Although its setup is pretty basic and not as sophisticated, the in-car-entertainment system is one of the best that I have experienced. With a big boot space for shopping bags, the all-new Vios is definitely a functional car for most families.
Priced at $89,9881 for the Vios E-grade and $95,9881 for the Vios G-grade, the Vios is the perfect choice for any lifestyle.