Toyota Thailand releases 4th-generation Vios, is PH next?

MANILA: Thailand has finally seen the release of the fourth-generation Toyota Vios, where it is sold under the Yaris Ativ name.

The most recent Vios, a well-known brand in the B-segment sedan market, is constructed on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, which also supports vehicles like the Toyota Raize and Toyota Avanza and Veloz.

In that country, there are four variants of the 2023 Toyota Yaris Ativ which starts at 539,000 baht (around P844,000) and tops at 689,000 baht (around P1.07 million).

The new Vios is a little bit bigger than its predecessor in terms of size, coming in at 4,425mm (plus five mm), 1,740mm (+10mm), and 1,480mm height (plus five mm). The wheelbase has increased dramatically to 2,620mm, which is a whole 70mm larger than previously, and this should help to improve internal space.

The fourth-generation Vios looks unique, starting with the Toyota badge at the front which connects the narrow upper grille to the wider lower grille with horizontal slats. This is connected to the former by pronounced faux air inlets in the corners of the bumper.

Daytime running lights (DRLs) for the angular headlamps are located directly below the upper grille, close to the bonnet shut line. The hood occupies a sizeable amount of vertical space and is united by a distinct character line that passes through the door handles and extends down the sides of the car, with a second line parallel to the first one extending somewhat lower.

The wheel arches on the new car are somewhat lowered, but the side mirrors are still near to the A-pillars like they were on the previous model. The entrance openings have also been expanded, and the window line has been extended further back.

Moving to the rear end, a trim piece on the boot lid connects the taillight clusters, which are now thinner and more angular in design. Slender faux air ports on the lower apron, which somewhat resembles the front, are combined with the reflectors to create a subtle diffuser-like aspect.

Inside, the 2023 Toyota Vios interior takes an upmarket look and feel. Highlights include a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system that stands alone and is surrounded by soft-touch materials. A silver trim piece divides the horizontal dashboard's upper and lower halves.

With soft padding on one side of the center stack to "isolate" the driver from the passenger, the cabin also seems to be more driver-focused than it was before. Digital climate controls are located behind the gear lever and electrical outlets, along with the air filtration system button. A small storage compartment, the electronic parking brake (with auto hold), and two controls for the 64-color ambient lighting system are all found in the center console.

A PM2.5 filtering system, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster display, keyless entry and start, quilted leather upholstery, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and other upscale options are among the few offered for the 2023 Toyota Vios.

Toyota Safety Sense, which includes features like automatic high beams, lane keep assist, front vehicle departure alarm, all-speed adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking, is standard on higher models.

In terms of powertrain, the Vios in Thailand uses a 1.2 liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder gas engine that makes 94ps and 110Nm. The Dual VVT-i mill is paired with a Super CVT-i gearbox and is claimed to deliver 23.3kpl, with three drive modes available (Eco, Normal and Sport).

In its market, the latest Vios can be optioned with a range of accessories such as two-tone side skirts and a rear spoiler, chrome accents, and sporty stickers and two-tone line decals.

Time will only tell if the latest Vios that will be eventually launched here bring these specs and optional extras.

Photos from Toyota Thailand

Also read: Toyota announces Apr.-Jun. financial results, tallies 2-M units in sales