2016 Toyota Vios Receives New Engines - Official Launch On 18th July

MANILA: Toyota, the brand which is leading the sales charts in the Philippines, has finally revealed the launch date of its 2016 Vios. Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) has recently confirmed that the new model will make its local debut on 18th July, i.e., coming Monday. We all know that this is one of those cars in the Philippines, which dominates the B-segment sedan market. The reason is crystal clear, Toyota Vios is considered to be a complete package offering best in class safety, stunning style, quality, and comfort.

The 2016 Toyota Vios was initially announced at the Bangkok Motor Show held in March this year. While our neighboring country Thailand received it a couple of months ago, we Filipinos had to wait for this much of time but then, now we know that the best has become even better. The new Vios 2016 has arrived with a couple of changes under the hood. The new model of this bestseller now houses a 1.5-litre 2NR-FE engine mated with Dual VVT-i technology replacing the earlier 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE mill. The new 1.5-litre unit will now churn out a maximum of 108 PS power at 6000 rpm along with 140 Nm of peak torque at 4200 rpm. The VVT-i technology adjusts the relationship between camshaft drive and intake camshaft and further varies the timing of the intake valves. This finally results in improved engine efficiency and response.

The current Vios model also features a 1.3-litre VVT-i engine that will be now replaced with new NR engine which is built at the newly established facility in Indonesia. However, the company has not confirmed if this new NR engine would support flex fuel. With new engines, the company has decided to pack a new set of transmissions. So the 5-speed manual is replaced with 7-speed manual mode while you will get CVT in the 4-speed automatic gearbox trims. The new gear set is designed to improve the fuel efficiency of this B-segment sedan.

Coming to the structural and cosmetic aspects in and out, there are hardly any changes in the new model in comparison to the existing one. The company has decided to keep the appearance and features as it is, with some tweaks for distinction in the current and upcoming model. Though the specs have been kept same as the Thai-centric model but then this country has got the privilege of receiving a new trim 'Exclusive' which features a new body kit, wheels, LED Daytime Running Lights and foglamp housings.

About the safety aspects, there is no confirmation if it has been revised just like the Thai model which is now equipped with curtain and side airbags in addition to the previously available dual front SRS airbags. The standard safety package for Vios includes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), High Mount Stop Lamp, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution.

In the Philippines, Toyota Vios has Suzuki Ciaz as its closest rival but with the new substantial changes in Vios, the survival of Ciaz may be under scanner. With the performance reports received from the Thai market, undoubtedly the new Toyota Vios will again prove to be the sales driving sedan for Toyota. The prices across the variants are yet to be announced by the Japanese manufacturer and we expect it to be out of the bag during the official launch on 18th July. Also, the bookings will be open on the same date. Save the date!