2023 Toyota Vios: 3 Things we like and 3 we don’t

Since its introduction in 2002, the Toyota Vios has been a popular choice among car enthusiasts in Malaysia. As one of Toyota's best-selling models, the sedan has undergone several generation updates over the years with the latest fourth-gen iteration entering the local market in March this year. The new Vios hosts a number of new features and improvements, making this popular compact sedan even more appealing and desirable. However, like many other good things in this world, it too has its shortcomings.

Today we will be taking a closer look at the 2023 Toyota Vios, highlighting the things we like about it and things where we think it falls short. But before diving into that, let’s check out its variants and pricing.

UMW Toyota offers the new Vios in two variants - E and G, priced at RM 89,600 and RM 95,500, respectively. Both are similarly sized and powered by the same mechanical configuration i.e. 2NR-VE Dual VVT-i 4-cylinder DOHC engine producing a maximum output rated at 106 PS at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 138 Nm at 4,200 rpm. 

Also read: 2023 Toyota Vios: Variants explained

Time to discuss the things we like about the 2023 Toyota Vios

Looks premium inside and out

On the exterior, the revamped Vios boasts the Camry-inspired design and thus looks more premium than the outgoing model. The front grille, headlights, and bumper of the sedan are almost identical to its big brother. Further accentuating the car’s premium appearance are LED tail lights that come paired with sequential turn signals.

The interior also looks more luxurious than earlier thanks to new soft-touch materials on the dashboard and the door panels. A nice piano black finish on the door panel is also a treat to the eyes. Adding to it is new leather upholstery, offering a greater level of comfort.

In terms of technological upgrades, the sedan benefits from a new 9-inch head unit that comes with a high-resolution display and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, which is quite impressive in the B-segment category. 

Improved comfort and handling

Another thing we like about the 2023 Toyota Vios is its chassis upgrade which offers improved comfort and handling. The car is now based on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), which is stronger than the previous model's base. The new platform is assisted by wider 205/50 profile tyres and together they keep the car composed and assured during the quick directional changes. That means, the updated model handles the corners impressively and is quite responsive to sudden steering input. 

Toyota has also made significant improvements in reducing cabin noise. It uses acoustic glass on the windscreen and front windows, which helps to keep out wind noise, road noise, and other sounds from outside. Thus, offers a quieter and more comfortable driving experience.

Enhanced Toyota Safety Sense pack

While upgrading the third-gen Vios, the automaker added the Toyota Safety Sense to the Vios equipment kit. However, at that time, the ADAS suite only included two systems - Pre-Collision System and Lane Departure Warning. Well, with the introduction of the fourth-gen model, Toyota takes safety to the next level by adding several new features like 

• Lane Departure Prevention
• Front Departure Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keeping Control
• Auto High Beam

On top of these, it also features Pedal Misoperation Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, parking sensors, a 3D panoramic view monitor, and a multi-view reverse camera. 

Things we don’t like about the 2023 Toyota Vios

Absence of folding mechanism for the rear bench

One of the things we don’t like about the updated Vios is the absence of a folding rear seat bench. This can be a cause for concern for those who use their car to meet multiple needs, such as carrying passengers and cargo. If we look at Vios’s closest competitor, the Honda City, it offers this mechanism as standard.

Less headroom at the rear

With the extended wheelbase, the new Vios offers generous legroom to the rear occupants, but when it comes to headroom, they still face an issue. This could be a deal breaker for the taller passengers.

No spare tyre

The absence of a spare tyre in the sedan is another major concern as it can leave you stranded in the event of a flat tyre. Instead of a spare tyre, Toyota has provided a hidden storage compartment under the boot area and a tyre repair kit. Although the latter can fix minor punctures, it is not a permanent solution for a damaged tyre. 

Well. that’s all about the new Vios hits and misses. What do you think of this latest Toyota sedan, let us know in the comments.

Also read: UMW Toyota registers highest-ever Q1 sales