We Drove The New Toyota Vios To Genting. Here's Our Honest Review Of It
It conceals a powerful package beneath its unassuming exterior.
By Syazwan Bahri — 04 Dec 2023, 03:51 PM
The new Toyota Vios 2023 is one of the cars this year that caught us by surprise
The Toyota Vios has been a trendy car on Malaysian roads since its introduction to the market 21 years ago. Its simplicity and reliability have made it immensely popular choice among daily drivers.
However, when we think of a Toyota Vios, 'sporty' isn't the first word that comes to mind. In fact, Toyotas are often synonymous with a more laid-back, easygoing style. Funnily enough, we were among those people who thought so too...
... Until we tried the new Toyota Vios.
The latest generation Toyota Vios manages to defy all stereotypes associated with the brand
Earlier in October, SAYS was offered the opportunity to take the new Vios for a drive to the lush greens of Janda Baik and the foggy peaks of Awana Genting. Naturally, immediately accepted the offer and checked out what the new Vios has in store.
Upon arriving at the UMW Toyota Motor building, the atmosphere was absolutely buzzing. Media members from all over Malaysia were present, sporting smiles on their faces, eager to travel and explore the new Toyota Vios.
Introduced in March, the fourth-generation Toyota Vios took nearly a decade to develop. Its predecessor, the iconic third-gen model, held a strong position in Toyota's lineup for almost nine years. It's reasonable to assume, given the challenge of enhancing one of the most beloved cars in its category, that the development process wasn't rushed.
Before we set off on the journey to Janda Baik, we were briefed on the features and highlights of the car
At the front, you'll find aerodynamic air vents designed to cut down on drag, complemented by a sleek set of LED headlights with an auto high beam feature, lending the car a bold and aggressive look. The rear showcases a hatchback-like silhouette, complete with rear diffusers, air canards for improved airflow, and LED tail lights featuring sequential signals. The spacious boot can accommodate up to 426 litres of cargo.
Under the hood of the new Toyota Vios is a reliable 1.5-litre Toyota DOHC Dual VVT-i engine paired with a new 7-speed D-CVT gearbox, complete with Sequential Shiftmatic. This combo delivers a robust 106hp and up to 138Nm of torque.
The car's lighter chassis enhances its agility on the road, without compromising safety. The chassis features additional welding spots, ultra-high tensile materials, and a continuous frame design for added rigidity and weight savings.
Safety is further prioritised with front and rear parking sensors, six SRS airbags, an auto rain sensor triggering windshield wipers in the rain, and a pedal misoperation control (PMC) that engages the brakes if you accidentally hit the accelerator when there's an obstacle in front while stationary.
After the briefing concluded, we headed outside to meet the cars we would be driving
We were assigned an eye-catching Nebula Blue Metallic Toyota Vios, one of the four colour options featured that day. The other colours include Spicy Attitude Black, Silver Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl.
As we opened the driver's door, the car welcomed us with an air of sportiness and luxury. The interior is adorned with a mix of leather and plastics. The seats are wrapped in stitched leather, enhancing the luxurious vibe. Our attention was instantly drawn to the centre of the dashboard, where a 9-inch infotainment display provides critical information with a simple glance.
The driver is greeted with a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It comes equipped with paddle shifters and an array of buttons to adjust certain settings. A convenient 7-inch multi-information display upfront allows you to easily check crucial information. Additionally, the car provides keyless entry.
After that, we set off on the road.
Heading to Angkasapuri for a photoshoot, the sedan's multitude of driving features comes into play
The new Vios is equipped with a slew of safety features, collectively known as the Toyota Safety Sense. The new Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) takes safety to the next level, with features such as:
- Lane Departure Prevention
- Front Departure Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Control
- Auto High Beam
- Blind Spot Assist
The Vios delivered an enjoyable driving experience. The handling was both smooth and responsive, confidently navigating through urban areas and showcasing nimbleness in corners. Each of the ADAS features managed to highlight its importance at least once during the journey.
One of our favourite features of the ADAS was the Blind Spot Assist, as it genuinely helped us navigate the bustling roads of Bangsar.
After an awesome photoshoot session, we set our navigation systems to Janda Baik for a nice drive
When given the freedom on open roads, the Vios effortlessly reached speeds of over 100km/h while maintaining a smooth ride. As we navigated the winding roads towards Awana Genting, the car handled uphill and downhill stretches adeptly, offering excellent traction. Both new and experienced drivers will find the all-around parking sensors and alerts valuable for added safety and easier parking.
A notable feature of the Toyota Vios is its cabin acoustic insulation. The use of acoustic glass on the windscreen and front windows, coupled with foam filler in the chassis, effectively reduces wind and road noise, surpassing its peers in the segment. However, it's worth mentioning that engine noises become somewhat noticeable when accelerating to 120km/h and beyond.
As we passed the Genting guard house, we were given the green light to hit the pedal to the metal
As soon as our convoy lead gave us the go-ahead, we instantly activated Sport Mode by pushing the gear lever into the manual mode. Activating Sport Mode causes the car to drop a gear, allowing for better acceleration. However, you can also change your gears through the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters or by pushing or pulling the gear lever.
The car responded instantly as we shifted through the gears. The 1.5-litre engine, paired with the 7-speed D-CVT, showed how capable it was as it ascended the winding roads of Genting.
Despite facing some challenges during the hill climb, the Vios proved to be a zippy car capable of spirited driving.
Finally, we headed back home in the evening, preparing ourselves for the inevitable traffic
Before we could hit the rush hour traffic, the Malaysian weather decided to make it more interesting. Thankfully, the Vios handled heavy rain relatively well. While some sensors that rely on the visual aspect were affected, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, the car and its systems managed to point out any potential threats on the road.
As we finally hit the 6pm traffic, the Adaptive Cruise Control truly helped in easing the drive.
All in all, the new Toyota Vios is a sporty car dressed in casual appeal
The new Toyota Vios proved to us that Toyota isn't an 'old people's car'. The car is sporty while still looking decent at the family gathering. It's a car suitable for young executives and parents alike.
With all the bells and whistles that come with the car, the Vios proves to be a vehicle with great value, especially in its class.
The brand-new Toyota Vios 1.5G is priced starting at RM95,500, while the more budget-friendly Toyota Vios 1.5E starts at RM89,600.
