First Drive: 2023 Toyota Vios 1.5G (AC100) – New Fourth-Gen Vios Driven!

All-New? Really?

Yes. Unlike the last three iterations of the Vios (2013-2022), which effectively shared the same bones albeit with updated hardware and styling, this latest or sixth iteration of what we identify as the Vios B-segment sedan is indeed all-new from the ground up.

Bearing a new ‘AC100’ chassis codename, this new generation Vios pictured rides on the tried and tested Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, making it the fifth DNGA-based offering to enter our market space.

Having sampled it thoroughly across a three-day span in Langkawi earlier this week, we can safely report that much of the changes stemming from this new platform inside and out are welcoming, especially with its new ‘fastback’ styling…

That New ‘Fastback’ Style Does Look Cool

Carrying its new ‘Defy’ theme, the new Vios had to make its mark clearly, and Toyota’s designers have done so in the most important aspect – style. Aptly, you can see that the new Vios has adopted a new ‘fastback’ styling instead of the traditional three-box sedan format.

Up front, the new Vios mirrors its bigger Corolla and Camry siblings here through its adoption of a massive front grille and L-shaped LED DRLs in its also LED headlights. At the rear, the fastback styling is very evident through the steeply raked rear windscreen and shortened tailgate.

L-R: 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels are a segment-first, and proved to be a stylish match with the new 'fastback' design.

Opt for the range-topping 1.5G variant as tested and the stance is bolstered further with a tasty aerokit finished in gloss black for greater contrast, not forgetting first-in-segment 17-inch dual-tone alloy-wheels, as well as sequential turn signals in the LED taillights.

Overall, it’s plain to see that the new Vios, especially in 1.5G form as tested, has scored maximum points in terms of style. Of course, there is more to this than just pretty metal, and it’s very apparent once we got into its cabin.

That’s A Familiar Dash, Isn’t It?

And you’d be right. That’s because this is very similar to the Veloz 7-seat MPV slotted above the Vios, which shares the same DNGA bones underneath. There are several key differences like the air vent design and such, though we reckon many will dig the presence of real leather here, as well as in cabin key touch points – i.e. steering wheel, door armrests, and the seats.

L-R: Interactive 7-inch digital instrument panel is similar to what we saw in the Veloz. Wireless charging pad is new and neatly mounted in the centre armrest storage bin.

L-R: Leather seats are exclusively primed in the 1.5G variant. Rear space is decent, though headroom has shrunk slightly.

Compared to the car it replaces, this new Vios’s innards looks and feels a lot more upmarket than before. Adding to this is the presence key premium tech for this range-topper such as automatic air-cond (single-zone) controls, free-standing 9-inch infotainment touchscreen offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus 360-degree and 3D parking view monitor, as well as a neat and interactive 7-inch digital instrument display panel.

L-R: Rear air-cond vents are a welcoming addition, as is the 2-in-1 USB charging port below it offering both USB-C and USB-A outputs.

Free-standing 9-inch touchscreen offers wireless Apple CarPlay plus 360-degree and 3D parking view monitor.

Elsewhere, you’ll be glad to know that there’s also a wireless smartphone charging pad present in the centre armrest bin, keyless entry and ignition, as well as a novel new cabin ambient lighting suite which really shines at night. However, the biggest improvement here is that Toyota has finally added rear air-cond vents – a feature long absent in past iterations.

Boot space has shrunk slightly to 475 litres, but there's now a hidden additional storage tray underneath the boot floor.

L-R: Illuminated door sill plates plus novel new ambient cabin lighting adds to the new Vios's up-market look and feel.

Of course, there’s a catch to that fastback styling, and that is the slightly reduced headroom for rear passengers, plus the slightly shrunken boot capacity. Nevertheless, the former isn’t a deal-breaker in this 1.5G range-topper thanks to its leather seat upholstery, newly added rear air-cond vent plus a 2-in-1 rear charging port offering USB-C and USB-A outputs; whereas the latter is supplemented with a new hidden storage tray under the main boot floor.

How Does It Drive?

This is where the new Vios truly shines, all thanks to its new DNGA chassis platform mentioned. Dare we say it, this new Vios feels as good and agile as the outgoing model’s sporty GR Sport flagship. Much of this stems from the new DNGA chassis platform’s high rigidity, which in turn grants enhanced high-speed stability too.

High-speed stability and overall handling dynamics have improved tremendously thanks to the Vios's new chassis platform.

L-R: Functioning air vent in the front bumper provides improved brake cooling whilst rear diffuser adds to overall aerodynamic stability.

Aiding that is the improved aerodynamics imbued into the pretty fastback styling mentioned. Key amongst which is the functioning air ducts in the front bumper providing improved brake cooling, as well as the rear diffuser primed in the rear bumper. In other words, these aren’t just for show.

However, what we know will impress prospects most is the refined comforts and ease of driving fuelled by both the soft, supple suspension and damper tuning, as well as the ultra-light but still very precise electric power steering module.

1.5-litre Dual VVT-i 4-cyl petrol is carried over from the outgoing model, offering decent pep but remains economical at 5.2 litres/100 KM.

7-speed CVT module is new, and comes with steering-mounted paddle-shifters.

On the powertrain front, Toyota has opted to retain the tried-and-tested 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i 4-cyl petrol mill from before, but it’s now paired with a new 7-speed CVT box. Supplementing the package are three selectable drive modes – Power, Normal, and Eco – plus the presence of steering-mounted paddle-shifters.

While the CVT does dull things a little, Toyota does claim that this Vios accelerates off the line quicker than before despite having its power and torque outputs lowered. We reckon this is also a result of weight-saving efforts undertaken. Crucially, this package remains as economical as ever, with Toyota claiming an average of 5.2 litres/100 KM.

Yes, we managed a short 'spirited' hillclimb up Langkawi's Gunung Raya and, simply put, the new Vios's improved drive dynamics didn't disappoint!

Having subjected the Vios with jaunts through both twisty B-roads and a ‘spirited’ hillclimb up Langkawi’s Gunung Raya mountain pass, there wasn’t a moment where this new B-segment fighter felt as if it lacked too much. In other words, this new Vios has proven to be a much better all-rounder to drive, more so given the next set of facts…

Anything Else That’s Been Improved Upon?

Yes, key amongst which being Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) levels in the cabin, as well as safety.

Starting with the former, Toyota has laced the cabin with more sound-proofing materials and the results are very telling should you drive it sanely. This is now a much quieter car than before and, coupled with this range-topper’s plush leather seats and refined driving dynamics, it’s now a much comfier car to drive or be driven in.

L-R: Optional DVR or Dashcam aside, forward sensors mounted behind rear-view mirror has enabled ADAS features such as FCW + AEB.

L-R: Other ADAS features present include a BSM, as well as an Adaptive Cruice Control (ACC) suite.

Secondly, safety. In the case of this range-topper, Toyota has laced with a bevy of active assists (ADAS) such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Mitigation (FCW + AEB), Lane-Departure Warning plus Lane-Keeping Assist (LDW + LKAS), as well as a Blind-spot Monitor (BSM) plus Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) to supplement the neat 360-degree and 3D parking camera mentioned.

Moreover, unlike the car it replaces, which saw its ADAS suite executed more like an after-thought, things are seamlessly integrated here, which in turn doesn’t spoil the excellent presentation of the improved cabin ambience offered by this range-topping 1.5G variant.

Beyond that, basic safety in this range-topper is covered well. The presence of 6 airbags, ABS + EBD and BA, traction (TCS) and vehicle stability (VSC) control suites, as well as ISOFIX childseat anchors, ensures which. In short, this B-segment fighter stands to be one of the safest in class, and this also perhaps help to justify its asking price…

What’s The Cost Of All This, Then?

Tentatively, the 1.5G range-topper we tested commands RM96,000 sans insurance and on-road costs, or any optional accessories – i.e. telematics and digital video recorders (DVRs) or dashcams. Compared to the outgoing Vios 1.5G, there is a sizeable price increase indeed.

Should this prove too rich for you, fret not as there will also be a lower-specced 1.5E variant available, which tentatively commands RM90,000. Opting for this will mean losing out on some of the key premium tech such as the full swing of ADAS, telescopic steering adjustment, plush leather seats, and the added style borne out of the aerokit and 17-inch wheels.

Nevertheless, given what we’ve experienced, we’re certain there’s enough substance here to convince many of you into this B-segment fighter’s favour. We certainly are…

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