Toyota Vios

Premium, the all-black design sees soft-touch and hard-plastic materials, with certain pieces of the latter in gloss black and textured.

All the elements are placed logically and driver centric for a better driving experience. Overall, the craftsmanship is satisfactory. 

The central housing panel is a good contrast that gives the interior a classy feel. It is finished with chrome plates to complete the polished look. In terms of equipment, the 7-inch display audio touch screen unit has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (E variant upwards). Air conditioning is an auto unit with digital displays across all variants.

Considering it to be a compact sedan, space in the cabin is adequate with sufficient shoulder and legroom.

However, the headroom in the rear is a bit tight for tall people, notably due to its fastback silhouette.

Overall, the slightly enlarged cabin space is thanks to its newly increased dimensions of +5 MM (length), +10 MM (width) and +70 MM (wheelbase).

Thanks to improved sound insulation around the engine compartment and body panels, the new Vios has commendable cabin quietness. 

It features a huge Piano Black (Vios 1.5G), Black (1.5E) grille, accented by a slit-like black bar stretching from edge to edge, right at the tip of the hood.

Elsewhere, it gets functional air curtains on the lower edges of the bumper, and a front lip that is part of an all-around aerokit body fitment.

Part of the aerokit fitment, it features a minimalistic lip spoiler and an all-black diffuser-like element.

Completing the layout, air-curtains are also present, along with a black trim placed across the middle of the tailgate.

Variant Vios 1.5E is installed with ventilated (front) and drum (rear) brakes, while Vios 1.5G gets ventilated (front) and solid disc (rear) brakes. 

The all-new Vios features the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Variant Vios 1.5E gets Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) and Front Departure Alert (FDA). Variant Vios 1.5G adds on Lane Keeping Control (LKC), Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Others include, Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC), 3D Panoramic View Monitor (3D PVM) and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Three drive modes available. Normal, Eco and Power.

The Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite of ADAS, along with the accompanying systems will make the day-to-day driving experience more relaxing, and most importantly, safer.

Variant Vios 1.5E features a four-speaker setup, while Vios 1.5G a six-speaker setup.

The all-new Vios harbours a 2NR-VE, 1.5-Litre In-line, four-cylinder 16-valve, DOHC with Dual VVT-i petrol engine, producing 105 HP at 6,000 RPM and 138 NM at 4,200 RPM.

It gets a seven-speed CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic transmission (paddle shifters).

Top speed reaches 180 KM/H.

The all-new Vios comes with Smart Entry and Start system, auto headlamps, rain sensing wipers, steering wheel (multi-switches, tilt and telescopic, paddle shifters), wireless charger, parking sensors, illumination entry system (64-colour ambient light), day-and-night interior rear-view mirror, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold, Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS), and Vehicle Telematics System (VTS), acoustic windshield glass, and foot rests.

The drive is more composed and assured with quick directional changes, as the electrically assisted steering is focused more on light and easy manoeuvrability.

Punchy but not too much, the drive is also agile and has a solid braking feel, regardless of the speed.

Other than that, the seats are supportive and well-bolstered, offering adequate comfort but not for long journeys.

Ride comfort is good even on rough tarmac, handling is commendable for a B-segment sedan, yet can be sporty on more technical roads. As for the GR-S variant, the sports tuned suspension offers superb handling and enhanced stability on straights and around corners.

Improved over its predecessor, it has good sound insulation, covering the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) aspects well. 

This is courtesy of the newly equipped acoustic glass (front windscreen, side windows), and foam inserts in the chassis.

Its design appeal notably, is also a step up from the past generations. Projecting a more edgy look, rather than the slouchy and passive demeanour it used to have.

Overall, the all-new Toyota Vios is satisfactory. An adequately built B-segment sedan, especially with all the bells and whistles it comes with.