Is the new Toyota Vios better?

Toyota, the Japanese vehicle manufacturer, recently introduced the all-new Vios in different markets one after the other. The new Vios gets some new features and cuts a few too. Which, as a result, has struck different opinions from car experts.

However, the Toyota Vios is a car that people trust in the Philippines from years, and that will make it sell, no matter what. So, is the new Vios really better? Is it a step ahead, or backward? Or is it just where the last-gen Vios was. Let’s have a look at the aspects of the Toyota Vios which are good, and the things which could have been better.

What is good on the 2019 Vios?

The powerhouse

The 2019 Toyota Vios doesn’t have a new engine on offer, so, how could it be better? Well, the sedan from the Japanese stable houses the same NR-series motors as before. These mills made their way to the Vios in 2016 when the older NZ-series engines were taken apart from the Vios. Since then, these powerhouses have been decent enough in doing their job, and the performance on the 2019 Toyota Vios is no different. The two motors offered on the 2019 Vios are, a 1.3-litre dual VVT-i in-line 4-pot 16 valve producing 99 PS and 123 Nm, and a 1.5 L dual VVT-i in-line 4-cylinder 16 valve pumping out 108 PS and 140 Nm. The tried and tested engines on the new Vios helps it score well.

The air-conditioning

The air-conditioning, thanks to the automatic climate control is much better on the 2019 Vios when compared to the last-gen model. With complaints from customers like weak air-conditioning at the back and the absence of windshield vents, all been fixed now in the 2019 Toyota Vios. The air-con system on the new Vios chills the cabin even in scorching heat.

The interior

The quality of the plastic used inside the 2019 Toyota Vios is better than the outgoing model. A soft and durable one now replaces the hard plastic. The fake-stitching has also been done away with. Conventional units on the centre console have also replaced the cup-holders on the ac-vents.

The ride quality

Steering on the new Vios feels lively and offers much better feedback. The gearshift has also been revamped and now provides an improved shifting experience. The suspension has also been improved and offers a smooth and comfortable ride.

The safety features

The 2019 Toyota Vios offers great safety equipment across the lineup. The safety features which make the Vios one of the best in the segment include - 7 airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, VSC, vehicle stability control, hill assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors, among others.

What could have been better on the 2019 Vios?

The transmission

In short, the continuously variable transmission on the 2019 Vios is, sluggish. Even with better power delivery, it is slow at the start. Thankfully, Toyota is also offering a manual unit with the new Vios. However, the manual suffers from a throttle response delay. The ratio for the fifth gear on the manual unit is also shorter and could have been better. For example, the rpm readings on the CVT and the manual at 80 kmph read at 2,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm, respectively.

The new cup-holders

The unique cup-holders on the ac-vents were quite a thing on the previous Vios. However, in the new model, Toyota has removed those and has included centre console cup-holders. The previous units were not only liked by everyone, but also proved to be an excellent remedy for heating mobile phones. If there comes a new variant of the Vios anytime soon, the ac-vent cup-holders comeback should be considered by Toyota.

The room

Don’t get us wrong, the 2019 Toyota Vios has ample room inside and the cushioning on the seats is also a lot better. However, the problem is that the space inside the new Vios is no different than the last-gen model. Also, the armrest at the front has been done away with for the new cup-holders (they’re everywhere). As we said, there’s ample amount of space inside the new Vios, but that is only until you experience its rivals. The likes of Honda City and Suzuki Ciaz offer much better and roomy seating space, and that’s where the Vios lags.

That was our take on the good and what could have been better on the 2019 Toyota Vios. The new Vios is a great compact sedan but has its own flaws. What’s your say? Would you still prefer the ever so slightly updated Vios over its competitors like Honda City, Suzuki Ciaz, and others?