Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMPC) brings a new sense of feeling and vision with the all new Vios passenger car. The introduction of this progressive vehicle that has evolved from its predecessor is a remarkable addition to Toyota’s vehicle line up. With its new developments in both its interior and exterior features, the all new Vios boasts a more ergonomic yet sporty design. The 1.5-liter and 1.3-liter automatic and manual transmission variants are equipped with more enhanced safety and performance features that will surely provide a comfortable yet blissful experience. The All New Vios will be available in the Philippine market by the end of the August of 2007.
Product Global History
Initially developed for the Asian market, the Vios, also known as Belta in Japan, was introduced in the region in the year 2003. Though there are different labels for the Vios, its sole purpose was to provide the costumers the quality of a progressively designed sedan in a practically compact car. The vehicle was unveiled in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, China, and Japan.
The word Vios is derived from the Latin word “vio” meaning to “move forward.” Indeed, the Vios lived up to its name when its advent in the Asian region was such a success. Toyota seized the opportunity and took it to the next level by introducing the Vios globally. The Vios was unveiled in the US as the Yaris Sedan in the year 2006.
Vios in the Philippines
The first generation model of the Vios was launched in the Philippines in the year 2003. Ever since then, it has yielded an overwhelmingly positive response of being the market leader for the passenger car segment capturing over 45% share of small passenger car, mid and low segments. Its fuel efficient and powerful engine lead to its success in bagging several awards including being the best subcompact sedan from various local car award groups and the 2006 Department of Energy (DOE) Fuel Economy Run.
In November of 2005, the Vios was further enhanced with smarter features that helped the model attain an unrivaled position of being the best selling passenger car in the Philippines for the year of 2006. For the same year, garnering 9,406 units sold, it became the second best selling vehicle next to the Innova.
The All New Vios will be locally manufactured in the Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Exterior
The all new Vios is an innovative evolution of its previous body with its urban sleek design fit for a modern lifestyle. The exterior is revolutionary not only for being a head turner but also for its functional roles. The lower and longer body uses aerodynamics to its maximum advantage and its longer wheelbase contributes to its stability.
Other features that make it more stylish and functional include the integrated turn signal lamps, electronic retractable outside rear view mirrors, larger surface mirrors, a printed type antenna, and rear reflectors.
Interior
Thanks to the well-designed cabin, the all new Vios is more spacious and comfortable. The driver can cruise comfortably behind the wheel in the ergonomic seat now with a lever-type height adjuster, the gate type shift lever, and an electronically powered steering wheel, ideal for both city and long-distance driving. The 1.5-liter’s center-mounted optitron gauges makes it easy-to-view. As for the 1.3-liter variants, their analog meters are also advantageously placed in the center. In addition, the G grade is now equipped with a Multi Information Display (MID) which conveniently projects data on current driving conditions for the driver’s reference.
The interior maximizes space with an abundance of utility spaces for both driver and passenger. The ingenious addition to the all new Vios G-leather variant is the versatility of its backseats, capable to be reclined to a full 180° angle, making it roomier for more cargo.
What makes the all new Vios a more desirable vehicle is the impressive sound system. The G and E variants boast a 2DIN Integrated Type with a CD and MP3 for its head unit and the G grade pumps up the volume further with its 6 speakers.
Performance
Beneath its aesthetic quality lies a better creation. The All new Vios comes with a powerful 1.5-liter 1NZ-FE 16-valve DOHC VVT-i engine. With the VVT-i technology managing intake valve timing, the engine ably yields a maximum output of 107HP/6,000rpm, and a maximum torque of 142Nm/4,200rpm. Power is balanced by comfort with the front McPherson struts and rear torsion beam suspension. A small minimum turning radius of 4.9 meters is a plus for maneuverability. Front and rear disc brakes are also made standard for the G grade for ensured stopping power and enhanced safety.
Safety
Safety is made a priority in the all new Vios which now comes with dual front SRS airbags for the G Grade. The Toyota GOA safety body is designed to distribute the impact of a crash throughout the whole body. Together with this, the pedestrian injury reduction technology helps reduce injury for pedestrians with impact absorbing areas around the fender, cowl panel, and hood.
For grades G and E, ABS is integrated in the vehicle coupled with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
Variants
The All New Vios is offered in five variants: 1.5G-leather automatic transmission, 1.5G automatic and manual transmission, the 1.3E manual transmission, and the 1.3J manual transmission. It comes in seven shades—super white, medium silver metallic, red mica metallic, beige metallic, grayish blue metallic, black, and silver metallic.
With the all new Vios, experience a beautiful moment. Visit your nearest Toyota Dealer for more information.
