Not to be outdone by Nissan who just refreshed the Almera, Toyota has also decided to launch the new look Vios, but this time, over at Vietnam. Though certain ASEAN markets are now enjoying the fourth-generation Vios, others, likely including the Philippines, will get this final refresh before it switches over to the Daihatsu-based platform.
Spied last February, the Grab Ready Vios features a new front-end with a stronger, more aggressive styling. The hammerhead look means a more expansive grille and standard LED lighting on all variants. The front fog lamp housing has also been pushed towards the trailing edge of the bumper. The rest of the Vios’s exterior, however, hasn’t dramatically changed. The 15-inch alloy wheels get a new design (still with a two-tone, machine-finished look), while at the back, the rear bumper has been tweaked with a new cut line to give it some added angularity.
For the Vietnam market, this refreshed Vios comes with the same engine as it did before: the 2NR-FE. This 1.5-liter 4-cylinder makes 107 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm at 4,200 rpm. The Dual VVT-i engine is paired to either a 5-speed manual or CVT. While it is not offered there, it is likely that the 1.3-liter 1NR-FE will be offered in other markets for lower-end and fleet-oriented variants.
Inside, the 2023 Vios has a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The same display outputs the new reverse parking camera, a standard feature on all variants. It also gets USB Type C ports for the rear passengers. Other features available on the top-grade model are Optitron gauges, automatic climate control, paddle shifters, a push button engine start/stop, and parking sensors for both front and rear.
Safety-wise, the 2023 Vios also gets Toyota Safety Sense for the top-of-the-line trim. This means the sub-compact sedan now offers pre-collision warning with emergency braking and lane departure warning. Lower event variants meanwhile, get either 3 or 6 airbags and standard ABS with EBD, and stability control.
Officially, there is still no word whether Toyota Motor Philippines will offer this refreshed third-generation Vios, or if they will skip it entirely and head over to the all-new fourth-generation model. It is more likely than not that the country will go the refresh route given its continued local assembly in Santa Rosa, Laguna as a commitment to the CARS program. It will likely make its debut in the next few months.
Of course, the steering wheel is still not aligned with the instrument panel cluster, that's Toyota quality for you. 😲
ReplyDeleteAnd the GR Sport trim might get Toyota Safety Sense Ofc...
ReplyDeleteHonda City > Vios
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to speculate TMP will continue making this even when the Daihatsu-based new one has been launched, e.g., sell the new one in top of the line trims and this current one below it. Also quite a possible scenario between the new hybrid Innova and the current Diesel one.
ReplyDeleteFor now, I believe it's better to offer the refried model locally given the 4th-generation model has safety issues.
ReplyDeleteThe new front end is hideous. Toyota should have just kept the exterior as is while adding the new interior features.
ReplyDeleteit's so ugly, nakakaiyak lol
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ReplyDeleteFUGLY
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