Next-gen 2023 Toyota Vios breaks cover - What makes it different from the previous model?

After a long wait, the next generation of the popular B-segment sedan, the Toyota Vios has made its world debut in Thailand where it is known as the Yaris Ativ. In the latest fourth-gen avatar, the sedan boasts plenty of changes that make it different from the previous model. Let’s dive deeper to know these modifications in detail. 

New platform 

The 2023 Toyota Vios underpins a new platform i.e. Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, It is the same architecture that we can also find under the recently launched 2022 Perodua Alza, soon-to-be-launched Toyota Veloz, and Perodua Ativa.

Larger footprint

The upgraded sedan also has a larger footprint as compared to its predecessor. The new Vios dimensions are as follows -

Length	4,425 mm	Increased by 5 mm
Width	1,740 mm	Increased by 10 mm
Height	1,480 mm	Increased by 5 mm
Wheelbase	2,620 mm	Increased by 70 mm

New engine

In Thailand, the latest Vios comes powered by a new drivetrain which delivers slightly less output levels but has improved fuel consumption and CO2 emissions that match the Euro5 standards. The new unit is a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-I kicking out a power output of 94 hp (11 hp less) at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 110 Nm (30 Nm less) at 4,400 rpm. The increased fuel efficiency is rated at 23.3 kmpl.

As for the transmission duties, the new engine is tied with a new Super CVT-i unit with a sequential shift. The three driving modes (Eco/Normal/Sport) are the same as earlier. 

Well, this new engine seems to be a Thai-exclusive thing, which is in line with the country’s Eco Car regulations. And thus, the Malaysian-spec version is most likely to retain the bigger 1.5-litre four-cylinder 2NR-FE unit with 105 hp and 140 Nm output levels. 

New exterior styling

As expected, the exterior styling of the new Vios is inspired by the 2017 F-Sedan Concept sedan. We can also spot some similarities with Camry and Corolla siblings. Included in the new touches are -

• A slim upper grille teamed up with a huge lower grille with horizontal bars and a Toyota badge in the centre
• Prominent air channels on the edges of the bumper
• LED headlights, L-shaped LED DRLs, LED tail lights, and sequential turn signals
• New trim pieces sprayed in black instead of chrome 
• 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels 

Greater digitalisation inside the cabin

Getting inside, here we find a red-themed interior with leather upholstery. It is kitted with a new steering wheel, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster (multi-info display as standard), new digital air-conditioning controls, soft-touch surfaces, an electronic parking brake (with auto hold), and a familiar-looking gear knob. 

As for the driver and passengers’ infotainment needs, the revamped sedan gets a new 9.0-inch (8.0-inch as standard) freestanding touchscreen unit surrounded by soft-touch materials. The system comes paired with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and T-Connect telematics.

Other premium features of the latest Vios are automatic air-conditioning (with PM2.5 air filter), keyless entry and engine start, a 64-colour ambient lighting system, and a six-speaker Pioneer sound system. 

Improved safety

The new-gen Vios benefits from a new Toyota Safety Sense ADAS pack, which bundles the following advanced systems - 

• Automatic High Beams
• Lane Departure Alert
• Pre-Collision System
• Pedal Misoperation Control
• Front Departure Alert
• All-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control

The standard safety kit continues to feature 6 SRS airbags, an anti-lock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability control), blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, hill start assist control, speed auto lock, parking sensors, and Panoramic View Monitor.

New accessories

Toyota Thailand also offers a new range of accessory packages with the new Yaris Ativ, which includes the Lusso package (adding two-tone skirting and a boot lid spoiler), Chiaro package (adding chrome accents), and Presto package (adding sporty stickers, two-tone line decals and an aggressive body kit).

That’s all about the upgrades introduced with the Thai-spec Yaris Ativ sedan. It is offered in four variants -

• Sport - THB 539,000 (RM 67,542)
• Smart - THB 584,000 (RM 73,173)
• Premium - THB 659,000 (RM 82,570)
• Premium Luxury - THB 689,000 (RM 86,313)

With the new Yaris Ativ in front of us, we expect the same upgrades for the 2023 Toyota Vios that may hit the Malaysian roads soon. 

Also read: Toyota & Lexus had a strong sales run during first-half of 2022