Launched: 2023 Toyota Vios (AC100) – Two Variants, DNGA Platform, From RM89K

UMW Toyota Motor has updated its B-segment saloon offering by officially launching the all-new 2023 Toyota Vios (AC100) today, after opening bookings for the model last month. Locally-assembled (CKD) in Toyota’s Bukit Raja plant, this fourth-gen sedan comes in two variants, namely the baseline 1.5E and the range-topping 1.5G.

The next-gen Vios still harnesses the trusty 1.5-litre DOHC 4-cyl Dual VVT-i mill carried over from the previous gen, capable of delivering 105 HP and 138 NM. Unlike the previous model however, this powertrain is now being mated with a brand-new 7-speed CVT gearbox with Sequential Shiftmatic that not only grants the new Vios with improved acceleration, but also enhances the vehicle’s fuel economy as well.

The biggest news about this new Vios, aside from how its look (which we’ll talk more about it later), is the fact that it now underpins the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) – the second-ever UMW Toyota Motor models to have so, aside from the Veloz MPV. The high rigidity of this new platform bestowed the new Vios with better handling and stability performance, plus the utilisation of high tensile materials and continuous frame design ensures that this sedan is lightweight, too.

Visually, the Vios somehow looks more matured and ‘grown-up’ compared to the previous model. Gone is the old three-box style sedan format, as this new Vios now sports a fastback-esque styling instead.

Up front, the new Vios bears closer resemblance to its up-segment siblings, the Corolla Altis and Camry saloons, dominated by the new massive front grille design with horizontal grille bars. Flanking said grille is new LED headlights, with L-shaped DRLs integrated inside it. Another notable feature at the front is a pair of air ducts that sits at the car’s lower apron. And mind you, these aren’t just for styling, as said ducts provide better cooling for the Vios’s front brakes.

Take a glimpse at the side portion of the car and you’ll immediately notice the new fastback styling silhouette, featuring a much less pronounced rear overhang as a result. For the up-specced G variant, the Vios comes equipped with massive 17-inch two-tone multi-spoke alloy wheels – first B-segment car in our country to roll on 17-inch wheels to boot.

At the rear, the new Vios’s rear fascia also harkens to the one featured in the Camry saloon, but in a slightly boxier and angular form. Several functional aero parts such as the rear diffuser and pair of air vents are also present here, with both of them finished in black for extra sportiness.

On board, the Vios is primed with a similar dash design as its seven-seater DNGA siblings, the Veloz. Crowned above the front dash is a sizable 9-inch infotainment display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support plus 360-degree and 3D parking view monitor. Drivers, on the other hand, will be bestowed with a 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster that hides behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel, featuring multiple controls and paddle shifters for good measure.

The tech amenities list continues, as the new Vios now sports a wireless charging pad situated at the central console, keyless entry and ignition, as well as new ambient lighting system that also includes special lighting on the front door sills. On the back, the rear passenger seats now come with rear climate control vents, plus a 2-in-1 USB charging port with both USB-A and USB-C outputs that sits below it.

As expected, the new fastback styling does come with some drawbacks, notably in the reduction of cabin space. The new sloping roofline has shrunken both the headroom space for the back passengers and the boot capacity, with the latter now measuring at 475-litres. More alarming is the absence of a spare tyre on the boot space, replaced by a ‘secret’ additional storage compartment with partitions for better space management.

Safety-wise, the new Vios is primed with the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) active safety suite (ADAS). This suite includes ADAS features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Front Collision Warning and Mitigation (FCW), Lane Keep Assist (LKAS) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), as well as Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Besides that, other basic safety equipment like six airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, traction (TCS) and vehicle stability (VSC) controls suites, as well as ISOFIX child seat anchors are all available in this new Vios.

Customers can get to choose up to five colour options, such as Silver Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Attitude Black, Platinum White Pearl, as well as Spicy Scarlet SE – the latter being a new choice of hue offered for the fourth-gen model.

The 2023 Toyota Vios AC100 is poised for a price tag starting from RM89,600 for the baseline E spec, while the range-topping G spec commands a more handsome price tag of RM95,500. Said prices are inclusive of UMW Toyota Motor’s 5-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, plus a 24SEVEN Road Assist and a free 3-year subscription to the Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (TVTS) which grants owners remote access to their vehicles’ location from the convenience of their smartphones.