Here’s your first look at the next-generation Toyota Vios

The wait is finally over as the powerhouse Toyota unveiled its all-new Toyota Yaris Ativ B-segment sedan in Thailand earlier today. This also gives us an early look at what is destined to become the new fourth-generation Toyota Vios in Malaysia.

From the teaser released a fortnight ago, we’ve already deduced a few things, like the promise of a sharp new exterior design, as well as a more upmarket cabin. Judging from the images coming out of said kingdom online, Toyota seems to be upholding these promises whilst also delivering a little more.

By the way, here's a rather in-depth walkround of the new Toyota Yaris Ativ:

For the Thai market, four variants of the new Yaris Ativ are offered. The range consists of an entry-level Sport variant priced at THB539,000 (RM67,700), a Smart variant priced at THB584,000 (RM73,377), a Premium variant that commands THB659,000 (RM82,794), and lastly a Premium Luxury range-topper that’s tagged at THB689,000 (RM86,563).

Key highlights of the new Yaris Ativ’s new and sharp exterior styling include the Camry-like front fascia that features a large lower grille, a fastback-like sloping roofline rake, as well as the novel new LED lighting front and aft with a pair of L-shaped DRLs up front.

Ironically, much can be said about its rear fascia which, at a glance, could easily fool anyone into thinking it’s actually the rivalling fifth-generation Honda City. Say what you will about this, we’re certain some quarters are liking it already.

Of course, there’s more to the new Yaris Ativ than its pretty skin. Underneath, this new B-segment sedan fighter underpins the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform – the same bones as the recently-launched Perodua Alza MPV, the Perodua Ativa crossover, as well as their respective Toyota Veloz and Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky twins.

This trait alone sees the new Yaris Ativ offer enhanced passive and active safety capabilities, the latter thanks to the integration of the Toyota Safety Sense suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The suite is standard-equipped in higher-spec variants, lacing them with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist (LKAS), front vehicle departure alert, all-speed adaptive cruise control, pedal mis-operation control, as well as automatic high beam control.

As for powertrain, the Thai-spec Yaris Ativ conforms with said kingdom’s Eco Car regulations by employing a Euro 5-compliant twin-cam (DOHC) 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol mill primed with Dual VVT-I that’s rated at 94 hp and 110 Nm.

Drive goes to the front wheels through a Super CVT-i transmission, and there are three selectable drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport. As for claimed fuel economy, this new Yaris Ativ boasts a frugal claimed rating of 23.3 km/litre (4.3 litres/100km).

Lastly, the list of on board features and amenities that this new Yaris Ativ also sees huge and vast improvements over its predecessor. The richer use of soft-touch materials and up-market trim materials have indeed elevated the cabin’s look and feel. From the initial teaser, we’ve already noted the new free-standing 9-inch touchscreen infotainment that offers both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

From today’s full reveal, we can also see a host other new features such as the 7-inch digital instrument panel, electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, digital climate control interface, a built-in PM2.5 filtration system, keyless entry and ignition, as well as a new novelties such as a 64-colour cabin ambient lighting suite and a premium Pioneer hi-fi audio system.

Overall, it’s plain to see that Toyota’s Thailand arm is putting up a strong fight against its segment rivals – the fifth-gen Honda City being the chief of which.

Expect the Yaris Ativ to see life here in Malaysia as the new fourth-gen Toyota Vios where it is expected to offer the same, if not similar, on-board features. Other changes we can expect is the swap from the Thai-spec car’s 1.2-litre 4-cyl for the familiar Dual-VVT-i 1.5-litre 4-cyl mill seen in the current Vios.

What do you folks think of the newest B-segment sedan to hit the market north of our border then? Excited and ready to see it as the next Vios here in due time?