Wider reach and appeal. The all-new Toyota Vios seems destined to capture an even bigger share of the passenger car market. --RHOY COBILLA

TOYOTA Motor Philippines is set to strengthen its stranglehold on the passenger car segment as it launched the all-new Vios, the country’s hottest car for years, late last week at the Le Pavilion in Pasay City.

True to its name meaning “move forward,” the all-new Vios is expected to be another blockbuster and would surely help the company maintain its Triple Crown status in the local car market. Not only that, Toyota also tries to boost the country’s fledgling economy as it announced that the all-new Vios will be manufactured in its Santa Rosa, Laguna, plant.

The Vios, the country’s bestselling passenger car, now has completely developed interior and exterior features as well as a more ergonomic yet sporty design. The addition of more enhanced safety and performance features are also expected to make it more lovable to all segments of the market.

“Indeed, the Vios is proof that big things come in small packages. Since its production in 2003, the Vios has never looked back. The launching of the all-new Vios definitely comes with great expectations. Toyota never disappoints. The all-new Vios shall once again raise the bar in automotive technology and design but still stay true to its practical and affordable package—the proven formula in its overwhelming success,” said Toyota Motor Philippines president Hiroshi Ito.

Ito added, “Toyota aims to expand its current trendy and young market to a more mature, responsible and sophisticated audience. And we are more than certain that the introduction of the new Vios shall further boost Toyota’s passenger car dominance and maintain Toyota’s Triple Crown status.”

“The new Vios is now ready to take on a more established role not only in terms of its sales and product aspects but also in terms of Toyota’s overall contribution to society. Vios will now be manufactured in the Philippines as a completely knocked down model. This reinforces Toyota’s major role as an economic partner by creating more jobs and encouraging more investments,” said Ito, who also disclosed that its Santa Rosa plant’s capacity will be doubled from its present volume level.

Also present at the launch was Yasuyuki Kawamoto, chief engineer of Toyota Motor Corp., who said, “the all-new Vios is positioned to set new standards, open-up new markets and bring delight to greater number of Toyota customers.”

“My team and I took into consideration the key phrase ‘Global Small Stylish Sedan’ in the development of the car as we looked into the smallest details to give customers what they really want. I personally feel that the all-new Vios is all about ‘My Design, My Pride!’ added Kawamoto.

The all-new Vios has a lower and longer body that uses aerodynamics to its maximum advantage and its longer wheelbase contributes to its stability. It also has stylish and functional integrated turn signal lamps, electronic retractable outside rear view mirrors, larger surface mirrors, a printed type antenna, and rear reflectors.

The vehicle is more spacious and comfortable inside. One can cruise comfortably on an ergonomic seat with a lever-type height adjuster, gate-type shift lever, and an electronically powered steering wheel. The 1.5-liter’s center-mounted optitron gauges make 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. 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-degree angle, making it roomier for more cargo. And one can also be impressed with its great sound system.

Beneath the hood is a powerful 1.5-liter 1NZ-FE 16-valve DOHC VVT-i engine. With the VVT-i technology managing intake valve timing, the engine yields a maximum output of 107 hp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 142 Nm at 4,200 rpm. Power is balanced by comfort with the front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam suspension while a small minimum turning radius of 4.9 meters is a plus for maneuverability.

Safety is a priority as it comes with dual front SRS airbags for the G-Grade while 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).

The All New Vios is offered in five variants: 1.5G-leather automatic transmission which sells at an introductory price of P811,000; the 1.5G automatic (P765,000) and manual (P730,000) transmission; the 1.3E manual transmission at P649,000; and the 1.3J manual transmission at P575,000. It also comes in seven shades—super white, medium silver metallic, red mica metallic, beige metallic, grayish blue metallic, black and silver metallic.

Introduced in Japan as “Belta,” the Vios made its way into the Asian market in 2003 as it was unveiled in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, China and the Philippines. It was also introduced in the United States as the Yaris sedan last year.

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