Toyota Thailand’s Market-Leading Vios Gets Redo

BANGKOK – Toyota’s fourth-generation Vios soaked up much of the limelight at the 34^th Bangkok International Motor Show last week, an indicator of its unquestioned role in the growth of the local auto industry.

Since its launch 15 years ago, 656,811 of the small cars have been sold in Thailand, with another 186,761 units exported, mostly to Association of Southeast Asia Nations markets.

The new Vios marks a conservative evolution of a successful product.

“Excellent quality, durability and reliability,” are the main principles behind its design, says engineer Takeshi Matsuda, along with “good fuel efficiency and riding comfort.

“I wanted the Vios to provide value far above its price with an attractive design that customers would want to proudly present to their friends and family,” Matsuda adds.

The new car has grown slightly, at 173.6 ins. (441.0 cm) long, 66.9 ins. (170.0 cm) wide, and 58.1 ins. (147.5 cm) high. Wheelbase has been extended to 100.4 ins. (255.0 cm).

Exterior treatment includes projector-style headlights, turn-signal indicators located in the door mirrors and an optional chrome boot strip on the rear end that has been styled to mimic the range-topping Camry. Options include chrome door handles and 16-in. black alloy wheels.

The new Vios makes better use of its increased size to offer more interior space, Matsuda says, while the cabin “creates a sense of advancement and luxury.”

Silver and gold accents are combined with ivory and piano-black finishes and accent stitching to give the car a more upscale appearance. Improved storage cubbies, USB connectivity and a center-console liquid-crystal-display screen complete the cabin improvements.

Trunk room has been increased by 1.8 cu.-ft. (50 L) and now can accommodate four golf bags. Comfort, ride and handling has been improved through enhanced body rigidity, with high-strength steel used on 50% of the sheet metal, thicker body panels and additional bracing and welding, Matsuda says.

Noise, vibration and harshness have been lessened via improvements to the door seals, the addition of an acoustic windshield and new engine mounts, dashboard sections, carpets and soundproof sheeting.

The Vios carries over the Euro 4-compliant 1.5L DOHC 16 valve gasoline 4-cyl. rated at 107 hp and 103 lb.-ft. (141 Nm) of torque. It is mated with either a manual gearbox or 4-speed automatic.

There are six specification levels, starting with the 1.5J manual, priced at 589,000 baht ($20,100), and rising to the range-topping 1.5S automatic at TB734,000 ($25,000).

To be assembled at Toyota’s Gateway plant, the new model is expected to sell at a rate of 10,000 units a month, cementing its position as the best-selling car here.

Exports will quickly ramp up too, with shipments targeted at 45,000 units this year to more than 80 countries.