Toyota Vios

Contrary to popular belief, the 2019 Toyota Vios is not a new generation but a much needed major update that finally put the car back in contention as the top-selling B-segment sedan where the Honda City dominated. Out was the plain empty shell of a car, and in was a young futuristic design packed to the brim with 7 airbags, Blind-spot monitor and Panoramic View Monitor.

Design

The 2019 Toyota Vios' "young" looks is one that makes the car stand out on the road. With just the amount of highlights here and there paired with standard Aerokit (top two variants), the Vios decidedly looks faster than it goes.

Dimension

Being a B-segment sedan, the 2019 Toyota Vios measures at 4,425 x 1,730 x 1,475 x 2,550 mm in length, width, height and wheelbase.

Lighting

Only the top spec Vios G gets projector headlights while the E and J variants make do with multi reflector halogens.

Wheels

Like the headlights, the wheel size varies according to variant. The range topping G gets 16-inch while the E and J wears 15-inch wheels instead.

Look at 2019 Toyota Vios' detailed photos here

Dashboard

While everything on the dashboard of 2019 Toyota Vios is still built from hard plastic, Toyota has done well to fit everything well together so nothing is rattling to ruin the quiet ambience of the cabin. It's still missing the premium look, but it's a functional layout.

Centre Console

Though the looks and equipment have massively improved, the cubby spaces in the Vios still leaves one wanting. There are quite a number of cubby spaces in the cabin but they're mostly small and shallow. Even the centre console box requires a little skill of tetris to fit more than one item inside.

Space

Comparatively to its closest rival, the Vios' interior space isn't much to shout about, but it is just enough for everyone to get comfortable and not feel cramped in a tight space.

Boot

It seems, Toyota has managed to squeeze out more space for the Vios' boot as the boot space measures larger than the pre-facelift.

Check all the specs and features of 2019 Toyota Vios

Safety Features

The 2019 Toyota Vios went from having just 2 airbags to make up for all its safety features to becoming the most well equipped car in the segment. Like the Yaris, the Vios also boasts Blind-spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Panoramic View Monitor for the top 2 variants and 7 airbags across the range.

Comfort Features

Leather seats are reserved only for the range topping Vios G, even the steering wheel, gear knob and centre console are upholstered in leather. The E and J variants makes do with smooth fabric seats similar to that as the Toyota Yaris.

Infotainment

While the J variant settles with a standard audio unit connected to 4 speakers, the G and E variants get a 6.8-inch touchscreen head unit. There is Bluetooth and Mirrorlink as well but still missing the all important Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection.

Engine

The current engine is one carried forward from the Vios' 2016 mechanical update. But Toyota did give the familiar 1.5-litre NA engine that produces 107 ps and 140 Nm some fine-tuning for an even smoother drive.

Transmission

The CVT was first introduced in the 2016 update. Though Toyota claims that no work was done to the engine and CVT, the current Vios' gearbox is much more smoother and quieter than the pre-updated version.

Drive train

The Toyota Vios is front wheel drive only

Acceleration Time

The 2019 Toyota Vios manages the century dash in 12.7 seconds.

Engine Performance

The 2019 Toyota Vios is not a lightfooted fairy. Instead, the engine takes a heartbeat more to respond. But the car handles the constantly changing speed calmly but with an extra zest that the previous updates does not give.

Transmission Performance 

The Toyota Vios' CVT is now smoother then before and issues less whine when the throttle is applied.

Steering and Handling

Steering is weighted just right and though there is not as much feedback as many would like, the Vios' handling can only be described as comfortable for the city. While cornering requires a little more trust to pull off, the Vios can still get sprightly on the highway run.

Want to read the complete review of 2019 Toyota Vios, click here.

Sound Proofing

Sound proofing has vastly improved compared to the previous cars. Toyota has added much more insulation in the car and even installed acoustic windshields to further lower noise levels within the cabin.

Passenger comfort

For the updated Vios, Toyota has adjusted the suspension for a softer and suppler ride. The result is a comfortable ride with superior porthole ironing skills even though the Vios G runs on larger 16-inch wheels.

Fuel Consumption 

In mixed conditions of highway cruising and stop-go traffice, the Vios returned fuel consumption numbers of 6.8l/ 100km.

How fuel-efficient is the 2019 Toyota Vios?

Conclusion

The 2019 Toyota Vios made its way to the top favourite when it was first launched many years ago, but when the third generation rolled around, the car has since lost its crown to the all conquering rival, the Honda City. But now, the Vios is finally making amends by going from a car with only the bare essentials and 2 airbags to a fully equipped B-segment sedan. It can now lay claim as the safest car of its class and a pioneer of equipments that have never before been available on B-segment sedans in history.