Toyota Vios 2020

The first-generation Toyota Vios was introduced in the Philippines in 2002. From then on, it has become a staple sedan among Filipinos and a common sight on Philippine roads. The second-generation Vios, on the other hand, was launched in 2007 and was affectionately called the "Batman" because of the shape of its grille.

Finally, the third-generation Vios landed the Philippine shores in 2013 with a bigger body and a new powertrain setup. In 2018, however, TMP gave its popular subcompact sedan a major revamp, which could make you think that it's an all-new model. The platform is the same, though, but the redesigned exterior and interior styling was way different from before.

The Toyota Vios comes in two powertrain options: the 1.3-Liter 1NR-FE gasoline engine that produces 98 hp and 123 Nm of torque, and the 1.5-Liter 2NR-FE mill with outputs of 106 hp and 140 Nm torque. Both engine options can be paired up with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a 5-speed manual transmission.

The third-generation Vios sits on the Toyota B platform, shared with the Yaris and other small Toyota cars. The facelifted Vios carry over the same platform. Suspension setup remains at McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear, while brakes are both discs at high trim levels while rear brakes are relegated to trailing drums at lower J and Base variants.

With two engine options available for the Vios, except different driving performance from each as well. The 1.3-liter 1NR-FE engine produces a decent 98 hp and 123 Nm of torque and is paired up with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Don’t expect a fast and spirited drive with this car. It's enough to get you around the city but quick highway drives will need more effort because of the rubber band effect of the CVT. The car could reach speed limits at its own pace but it would take time to do so especially when it’s loaded with passengers.

As for the 1.5-liter 2NR-FE, expect more grunt compared to the 1.3-liter counterpart. Handling's commendable on both cars as the steering wheel's nicely weighted, which makes highway drives planted, composed, and stable. It’s also easy to maneuver the vehicle even within tight spots and the absence of sensors. Body roll is naturally present, but minimal, especially at speeds. Brakes bite nicely, but can be improved.

As there are 8 variants available in the Toyota Vios lineup, tech and convenience features vary per trim. G and E variants get most of the better features, with motorized adjustments available at most of the variant level. These two variants also have the Optitron gauge clusters and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, which are a nice touch. Another piece of equipment found on both variants (and in the new XE variant) is the 7-inch touchscreen display audio system with iPod connectivity. Sadly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't standard in this model yet. Push-start ignition is present on G variants, nevertheless.

As expected, the Base and J variants are stripped down to bare essentials, with windows losing the powered controls at the back and the side mirrors needing manual adjustment.

The new refreshed Toyota Vios that was launched in 2018 got mixed reactions from the public and the motoring media, especially with the introduction of Prime variants. The non-prime variants feature a sleeker set of headlights and taillights than before, but the body size is pretty much the same with the pre-facelift model. The Prime variants, on the other hand, have bigger garnishings on the bumper and have other additions like side skirts and redesigned bumper lips. Halogen is still the bulb-type of choice, with the higher G variants getting projector types and LED daytime running lights.

As for the wheels, G variants have 16-inch alloys while the E trim sits on 15 inchers. The XE and J have 14-inch steelies with full cap, while the Base trim only has 14-inch steel rims.

The Vios' interior trimmings are pretty much the same at every variant level, with soft and hard plastics primarily found on each. G variants get the upper hand with leather wrappings at some part of the cabin. Also present at all variants of the Vios is the open-cabin feeling, which makes the Vios one of the most spacious cars in its segment. 

At the back, there’s not much to play around with except for the bottle holders by the doors. Rear legroom and headroom is plenty for average-sized Filipinos, and a nearly flat rear tunnel only adds to the good amount of space for rear passengers. 

Commendable in the Toyota Vios is the wide array of safety features that are found across the variant range. The interior's spacious as well plus ride comfort's good and pliant - perfect for Metro Manila roads.

What you might not like, however, is the lack of speed-sensing door locks even for the higher trim levels. The lack of LED lighting for range-toppers is quite disappointing as well, plus the CVT needs improvement for a better driving experience.