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Toyota Vios: The Small Best-seller

The third generation of Toyota Vios, the Japanese sub-compact sedan, was on the market from 2013 to April 2017, as one of the most popular models in the segment. The car was developed on Toyota’s B platform, sharing it with the popular Yaris. Unlike Yaris, which is a global model, the Vios was developed intentionally for Asian and South East Asian markets. Competing against many Japanese rivals in the sub-compact sedan class, the Vios was the best-selling model in Singapore.

AT A GLANCE

Upsides

  • Big luggage compartment
  • Fresh and modern design

Downsides

  • Old-fashioned engine/gearbox combination
  • Plastic interior

Design: 4/5

The third-gen Vios is 441 cm long, featuring the three-box sedan layout with the wheelbase of a B-segment car. It comes with new signature Toyota corporate face, with a chrome strip on the grille which extends into the headlamp casing. The long catamaran expresses the sporty design. Swift lines on the sides help to accentuate the sportiness. They extend to the back, connecting with the redesigned taillight clusters which, together with the wing mirrors, are fitted with aerodynamic fins which enhance Vios’ performance and stability.

Toyota Vios: The Small Best-seller
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Engine, drivetrain and performance: 3/5

The engine choice for the Singaporean Vios was the 1.5L 4-cylinder 16-valve VVT-i engine with power output of 80 kW (109 hp) and 141 Nm of torque. All the power and torque went to the front wheels via 4-speed automatic transmission. The car is accelerating from zero to 100 km/h for 10.5 seconds, reaching the top speed of 170 km/h. The average fuel consumption is, according to official Toyota info, 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers.

Toyota Vios: The Small Best-seller
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Trim levels: 2/5

In Singapore, the Toyota Vios was available with two trim levels – the entry-level Elegance (E) and higher level Grande (G). The E grade is the basic model which features the standard equipment just enough for a common driver, while the G grade is set to attract drivers who fancy a bit more equipment and technology. Air-conditioning is the part of the standard package. Some other standard features are 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, dual SRS airbags, front fog lamps, reverse sensors, touchscreen infotainment system with DVD/CD/USB/iPod/Bluetooth.

Toyota Vios: The Small Best-seller
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Safety: 2/5

Just two dual SRS airbags are in the standard safety equipment of the Vios. Other safety features are impact absorbing body structure, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control, Whiplash injury lessening front seats, reverse parking sensors, head and side impact protection structure, Isofix system for child seat and seatbelts with pretensioner and force limiter.

Toyota Vios: The Small Best-seller
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Conclusion: 2.75/5.0

The combination of petrol engine and 4-speed automatic gearbox is a little bit old-fashioned at the time when seven- or eight-speed transmissions are common. This is a big minus for the Vios. On the other side, the Vios offers some big pluses which make the car competitive against rivals. The fresh design which even could be considered as sporty puts this little limousine among cars for which we can say that are attractive. The luggage compartment with 474 liters of space is big enough for all shopping needs of an average family.

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