2020 Toyota Vios - Changes explained

Toyota Vios is one such vehicle that went from one of the most sparsely equipped ones in its segment to, presently, one of the most well-equipped mid-size sedans. Sold in many international markets as the Yaris sedan, the Vios is currently in headlines because of its latest iteration.

The Japanese automaker has recently launched the 2020 Toyota Vios in the Philippines market. The new sedan boasts a fresh new face inspired by the all-new Corolla Altis, along with some new and updated features. Let's now take a good look at what all the new Vios brings to the table.

New front fascia

The most notable change of the mid-size sedan is its revised fascia, which features a new grille design, new LED headlamps, and a new bumper. The latest massive lower grille is now downturned and flows into the upper grille, looking identical to the Toyota Camry. It also flows into a prominent front spoiler, finished in gloss black with a body-colored centre section. The fog lamp housing has also been restyled with new, C-shaped recesses on either side of the grille.

The significant changes of the high-end variants include LED reflector headlamps, incorporating L-shaped daytime running lights that replaced the discrete LED strips. Though the rear styling remains more-or-less unchanged, the sedan gets the new alloy wheel design.

New interior bits

Changes made to the interior are not cosmetic, but the sedan does get an updated 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Also available are paddle shifters, digital climate control system, and Eco/Sport driving modes. However, these features would be available only in top-spec variants.

Engine bay

On the mechanical front, Toyota did not bring changes in the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift for the Philippines market. It continues to feature the same 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines. The smaller engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox churns out 98 hp of power and 123 Nm of torque. In contrast, the bigger one delivers 106 hp and 140 Nm and comes with a choice of a 7-step CVT and standard 5-speed manual transmission.

The automaker offers only a single engine for three variants line-up if we talk about the Malaysian-spec Vios. And that's a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with CVT producing 107 PS and 140 Nm on the power and torque figures.

Safety features

Toyota Vios is already well-packed with an adequate number of safety bits, though the automaker has not upgraded the list for the 2020 model. It includes:

• Seven SRS airbags - Dual front, driver's knee, front side, and curtain shield
• Anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution and brake assist
• Vehicle stability control
• Hill start assist control
• Reverse camera
• Blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert 

For the base model of the facelifted sedan, the Philippines' customers need to shell out Php 671,000 (RM 58,000); however, the ongoing Toyota Vios price in Malaysia starts at RM 76,101.

The automaker has not yet made any announcement about the local launch of the facelifted model. The ongoing Vios has been on sale in Malaysia since 2019, which hints that it is still some way away.

With Nissan bringing a comprehensive update to its Almera and Honda heralds the all-new City with vast improvements over its predecessor, it is time for Toyota to up its game with the facelift Vios. However, a mild facelift may not be a game-changer, but it will surely help the sedan improve its appeal. 

Also read: Toyota announces updates for 2021 Camry and Avalon