It looks like Toyota isn’t finished rationalizing the Vios line-up in the Philippines.
After we reported back in December that Toyota Motor Philippines quietly reduced the number of Vios variants from 10 to seven (at the expense of the 1.3 E MT and CVT), this January, they’ve reduced it down further to just six variants.
The one that got the axe? The Vios 1.5 GR-S. This was spotted by our reader, Reve Angelo Guison and has been confirmed by Toyota Motor Philippines.
Launched in 2021, this Grab Ready Gazoo Racing version of the Vios served as an image leader for Toyota’s sub-compact sedan. The upgraded design and features infused a much-needed sense of sportiness and fun to the otherwise practical sedan.
The Vios GR-S came with a striking exterior marked with a sporty front bumper and grille, aero kit, lip-type spoiler, 16-inch high-gloss black rims, and of course, the GR emblem. Inside, it had leather/suede combination seats with red stitching as well as a leather steering wheel and shift knob—both sporting red stitching.
With the demise of the Vios GR-S, the top-of-the-line variant of the Vios is now the Vios 1.5 G which still comes in both manual and CVT guise. As for their latest pricing, for those keeping track the Vios 1.5 G CVT is now more expensive than when the Vios GR-S first launched about three years ago (talk about inflation):
Here are the latest prices for the 2024 Toyota Vios:
- 1.3 J MT – P 732,000
- 1.3 XE CVT – P 774,000
- 1.3 XLE MT – P 862,000
- 1.3 XLE CVT – P 902,000
- 1.5 G MT – P 979,000
- 1.5 G CVT – P 1,039,000
With that rationalisation, we may finally get the AC100 Vios in the country at least when 2024 ends I feel. Them downsizing the Vios line-up (E, Base, and GR-S now gone) should mean that something is going on behind the scenes at the plant. Tamaraw tool up should be almost done by this point which could point to TMP starting the massive retool to accommodate the next Vios' DNGA platform
ReplyDeleteYou're Right Actually, We Might see the AC100 Vios before the ending of the year. And that generation might be the first Vios with Toyota Safety Sense features and Hybrid powertrains.
DeleteHmmm, the rumored launch of Vios HEV might be the reason why the Philippines is late on bringing the DNGA-based AC100 Vios, so that it would be launched simultaneously with other grades powered by 1NR-VE and 2NR-VE engines. And yes, the TSS is definitely expected here, but on higher grades rather than standard on all grades, including the base grade for taxis.
DeleteVios Hybrid will be a game changer for the car market. We have seen glimpses of how Toyota can kickstart electrification with the number of Yaris Cross Hybrids you see on the road and the long lines for an Innova Zenix Hybrid. Price it at around 1.3 million max to fight the cheapest hybrid in the PH, the Kicks, people who want a hybrid would flock to the nearest Toyota showroom ASAP (though there would be people who would laugh at a 1.3 million Vios). It would also be very significant to the PH manufacturing industry as it would be the first electrified vehicle to be built here. Looks like the AC100 Vios could be the most significant launch by Toyota, right up there with the Tamaraw revival, and they are making sure everything falls right onto place by waiting for the hybrid's launch.
DeleteVios GRS is old and expensive anyway.
ReplyDeleteSales of Vios is mostly revolve around XE and XLE since 2020
The 10-speed simulated speed CVT don't make any sense too for a subcompact sedan like Vios and is underutilized for a non-enthusiast driver. The GR-S is all about the exterior looks.
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ReplyDeleteFor next gen Vios have variants.
ReplyDeleteG (Automatic and Manual)
E (Automatic and Manual)
J (Automatic and Manual)
Base (Manual)
XE Automatic and XLE variants will be removed. In favor of J Automatic and E Variants.
The E grades were removed in favor of the XLE so it can be likely that the XLE and possibly the XE may comeback with the DNGA-based Vios once it arrives here.
DeleteI don't see the point of the 'Base' variant returning as most likely the current Vios taxi units here are mostly J (or rarely the XE, not sure if I'm wrong).
Or Make the E grade paired with 1.5-liter 2NR engine just like the G grade.
Delete