Toyota is a brand that is no stranger in the automotive world in Malaysia. Toyota Malaysia rolled out their upgraded invention – the Vios 2019, equipped with a brand-new facelift.
Just to be clear, though this Vios may look all new, it is not a new generation car (it is still part of the 3rd generation Vios) but an upgrade from the previous generation (think the iPhone 4 upgrade to an iPhone 4S!). Some of the main upgrades that can be seen includes the exterior frame of the car, the brand new engine and its safety features.
What is New?
- The All-Powerful Engine
This third generation Vios is powered by an all new 1.5L 4-cylinder Dual-VVTi engine with a codename 2NR-FE that produces 107PS and 140 Nm of torque. IT is linked to a CVT with 7 virtual ratios that replaced 1NZ-FE VVT-i used in all the previous models. This engine makes driving and accelerating smoother, gives the car better fuel efficiency as well as equipped with valve timing systems that vary on the input valves and exhaust valves.
Although the engine is said to be similar to the previous models, the Dual-VVTi engine is paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with a 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic mode and there is a drive mode switch for Eco, Normal and Sport which makes this car even better. The combination of the new engine and the CVT gearbox offers fuel efficiency up to 18% compared to the other models. It goes along with the Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) recognition that the car received as well.
- The Specifications and Safety Features
As said previously, the safety features for the Toyota Vios 2018 has also been optimized and your peace of mind is their priority in creating this car. The engineers went the extra mile to ensure that everyone that rides the car are kept safe. All the different variations are equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) that detects understeering or oversteering while cornering, Traction Control (TRC) that detects wheel spin on slippery road surfaces and helps by adjusting braking force, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) that maintains brake pressure and prevents the car from rolling backwards on a slope, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Daytime Running Lights, Parking Sensors, Follow Me Home function and 7 SRS airbags (driver, front passenger, side, curtain and driver’s knee).
Some additional specs that can be found in the 1.5G variation includes Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) that can detect vehicles that may not be visible to the driver when changing lanes, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Other than that, both the 1.5G and the 1.5E is also equipped with the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) that gives the driver a detailed 360 degree view of the car for maneuvering in tight spaces, Front Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to record your journey for your protection and the Multi- information Display (MID) that can be switched between different displays such as Eco Wallet, fuel economy record and fuel economy rank.
The third generation Vios is offered in 3 different variations – Vios 1.5J, Vios 1.5E and Vios 1.5G. The price for 1.5J starts from RM 77,200 while the 1.5E starts at RM 81, 200. The most expensive variation, the 1.5G is sold at a starting price of RM 87, 300. All these prices are the ‘on the road price’ (OTR) and come without insurance. The warranty for the Vios 2019 is for 5 years and all the variations can be found in 5 different colors which are Dark Blue Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Altitude Black, Silver Metallic and Super White II
- The Interior and Exterior
The interior design of the Vios 2019 showcases its news design, one that is more elegant and trendy. The dashboard and the aircon control are re-designed and replaced with digital and auto-air-conditioning. Other than that, the back seat passengers can charge their mobile devices with the USB charging port that is found in the Centre Console Box while enjoying the great music that comes from the 6 speaker systems all around the car and various storage spaces. The 1.5G variation is equipped with an Optitron Meter with Multi-information Display (MID) and a DVD-AVX infotainment system. The addition of reverse camera, LED back lights, fog lights, parking sensors and auto-folding side mirrors makes this model perfect.
Other than that, the car is also furnished with Electrochromic Rear-View Mirror, projector headlights, and stylish 16-inch alloy rims in all its tires. The seating area for the 1.5G has leather seat covers while the 1.5E and 1.5J uses fabric seat covers.
In conclusion, the Vios 2019 can be classified as the perfect model in the middle-sized sedan category. While maintaining some great specs that can be found in the older generation, the upgrades in this Vios gives this car the best value for your money. So, if you are looking to buy the Vios 2019 and want to sell your current car, do check out Carsome, where you can sell your car within 1 hour, without much hassle.
